Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins in Dubai: What to Expect

Spider veins are one of the most common vascular complaints seen at clinics across Dubai. The combination of hot weather, long working hours spent standing, and genetic predisposition creates ideal conditions for these small superficial blood vessels to develop on the legs and ankles. For most patients, sclerotherapy is the most effective and well-tolerated treatment available. This guide explains what the procedure involves, and what outcomes you can realistically expect when treated by a vascular surgeon.

Leg spider veins

What Are Spider Veins?

Definition: Spider veins — known medically as telangiectasias — are small, dilated blood vessels lying just beneath the skin surface. They typically appear as red, blue, or purple branching patterns on the lower legs, thighs, or ankles and result from weakened or damaged vein walls. In Dubai's climate, heat-induced vasodilation and prolonged periods of standing can worsen their appearance and progression over time.

Unlike varicose veins, spider veins do not bulge above the skin surface, but they may cause localised burning, itching, or aching — particularly after long periods on your feet. Many patients seek treatment for cosmetic reasons, though underlying venous insufficiency should always be excluded before treatment begins.

What Is Sclerotherapy?

Definition: Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a medical-grade sclerosant solution is injected directly into spider veins or reticular veins using an ultra-fine needle. The sclerosant — most commonly a detergent-type agent such as polidocanol or sodium tetradecyl sulphate — irritates the inner lining of the vessel wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. Over the following weeks, the body gradually reabsorbs the treated vessel, and the vein fades progressively from view.

Sclerotherapy has been in clinical use for more than eight decades. It is endorsed by the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) and the American Venous Forum as the first-line treatment for spider veins and reticular veins. You can read more background in our earlier article, What Is Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sclerotherapy in Dubai?

Suitability: Most adults presenting with spider veins on the legs are suitable candidates for sclerotherapy. The procedure is particularly effective for reticular veins (blue feeder veins beneath the surface) and the small spider vein networks they supply. A thorough assessment by a qualified vascular surgeon is essential before treatment begins.

At the clinic, Dr. Soroush Sohrabi performs a clinical examination and, where necessary, a duplex Doppler ultrasound scan to exclude underlying superficial venous insufficiency. Treating spider veins without addressing any underlying reflux results in early recurrence and poor outcomes. Patients who are pregnant, have a known allergy to sclerosant agents, or have significant arterial disease may not be suitable and will be counselled on alternatives.

What Does the Sclerotherapy Procedure Involve?

Treatment Process: Sclerotherapy at Dr. Sohrabi's clinic in Dubai is performed as an outpatient procedure requiring no anaesthesia and no hospital stay. Sessions typically last between 20 and 45 minutes depending on the number and extent of veins being treated. The skin over the treatment area is cleaned, and a series of small injections are administered using a very fine needle directly into the targeted vessels.

Most patients describe the sensation as a mild stinging or warmth lasting a few seconds per injection site. Following treatment, compression bandages or medical-grade compression stockings are applied immediately to maintain pressure on the treated vessels. Patients leave the clinic on foot, unassisted, and can return to most normal activities the same day.

Recovery After Sclerotherapy: What to Expect in Dubai

Recovery: After sclerotherapy it is normal to experience mild bruising, redness, or localised tenderness around the injection sites. These effects typically resolve within one to two weeks. Patients are advised to wear compression stockings continuously for the first 48 hours and then during daytime hours for two to three weeks thereafter. Walking is actively encouraged from day one, as movement promotes circulation and supports vein closure.

In Dubai's climate, patients should avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on treated areas and avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot baths for at least two weeks post-treatment. Heat causes vasodilation that reduces the effectiveness of the sclerosant. Strenuous exercise — including gym workouts and intense cardio — should be avoided for one week following each session.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Clinical Expectation: The number of sessions required varies according to the extent of spider vein involvement. Patients with limited areas may achieve satisfactory clearance after a single session. Those with widespread networks across both legs typically require two to four treatment sessions, spaced four to six weeks apart to allow for full vein reabsorption between treatments.

Results are gradual: treated veins do not disappear immediately but fade progressively over six to twelve weeks. Final results are best assessed three months following the last session. It is important to understand that sclerotherapy permanently treats the veins present at the time of treatment, but new spider veins may develop over time due to genetic and lifestyle factors, and periodic maintenance sessions may be advisable.

Why Choose Dr. Soroush Sohrabi for Sclerotherapy in Dubai?

Dr. Soroush Sohrabi is a UK-trained Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon practising at NMC Royal Hospital, Dubai Investments Park. He holds specialist accreditation in vascular and endovascular surgery and has extensive experience treating the full spectrum of venous conditions — from cosmetic spider veins to complex varicose vein disease requiring surgical intervention.

All patients undergo a comprehensive vascular assessment prior to any treatment, ensuring that sclerotherapy is offered only where it is clinically appropriate and likely to deliver durable results. Dr. Sohrabi takes a conservative, evidence-based approach aligned with ESVS and NICE guidelines, prioritising patient safety and long-term outcomes above all else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sclerotherapy painful?

Most patients tolerate sclerotherapy very well. The injections use an ultra-fine needle and produce a mild stinging or warmth lasting a few seconds per site. No local anaesthesia is required. Discomfort is generally minimal and patients leave the clinic comfortable, able to drive themselves home.

How long does it take to see results after sclerotherapy?

Treated spider veins begin to fade over four to six weeks as the body reabsorbs the collapsed vessels. Full clearance is typically visible at the three-month mark following the final session. Patients should not expect immediate results — the gradual fading process is a sign that the treatment is working as intended.

Can spider veins return after sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy permanently treats the specific veins injected. Once a vein collapses and is reabsorbed, it does not reopen. However, the underlying tendency to develop new spider veins remains. New vessels can appear over time in adjacent areas, particularly with prolonged standing, hormonal changes, or weight gain. Periodic maintenance sessions help manage this effectively.

Should I have a Doppler scan before sclerotherapy?

Not every patient requires a scan, but Dr. Sohrabi recommends a duplex Doppler ultrasound for patients with widespread or rapidly worsening spider veins, a strong family history of varicose veins, or symptoms such as leg heaviness, aching, or swelling. Duplex scanning confirms whether underlying venous reflux is present, which must be treated first to achieve lasting results from sclerotherapy.

What is the difference between sclerotherapy and laser treatment for spider veins?

Both sclerotherapy and surface laser therapy can treat spider veins. Sclerotherapy is generally preferred for leg spider veins as it treats the entire length of the vessel from inside, achieves superior clearance rates, and is cost-effective for larger treatment areas. Surface laser is sometimes used for very fine facial thread veins or for patients with needle aversion. Dr. Sohrabi will recommend the most appropriate approach at your consultation.

Book a Sclerotherapy Consultation in Dubai

If you are concerned about spider veins on your legs and would like to explore sclerotherapy as a treatment option, book a consultation, visit the contact page at vascularsurgery.ae.