Is Sclerotherapy Painful? What You Really Need to Know
For many people considering vein treatment, the first question that comes to mind is: “Is it going to hurt?”
At Vein Doctors Group, we understand that fear of pain is one of the biggest reasons people delay treatment for spider veins or varicose veins. The good news is that sclerotherapy is widely recognised as a safe, well-tolerated procedure and for most patients, the experience is far less uncomfortable than they expect.
What Does Sclerotherapy Feel Like?
Sclerotherapy involves using a very fine needle to inject a specialised solution directly into the affected vein. The solution irritates the vein lining, causing it to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body.
Most patients describe the sensation as:
- A tiny pinprick at the injection site.
- A mild stinging or burning feeling for a few seconds as the solution enters the vein.
- Occasional mild cramping if larger veins are being treated.
For the majority of patients, it’s about the same level of discomfort as a routine vaccination or blood test.
What Patients Report About Pain
Independent patient experiences surveys show:
- 70–80% of patients describe sclerotherapy as involving only mild discomfort (a short-lived stinging or tingling).
- Less than 10% report anything more than moderate discomfort, and this typically subsides within minutes.
- The most common “pain” patients report isn’t during the procedure itself, it’s mild tenderness or bruising afterwards, which usually resolves within days.
It’s no surprise, then, that sclerotherapy remains the most common vein procedure worldwide. In Australia, Medicare data shows a steady rise in non-surgical vein treatments as patients increasingly choose less invasive, low-pain options over surgery.
How Discomfort is Managed
At Vein Doctors Group, we take every step to ensure patients are as comfortable as possible during treatment:
- Fine needles are used to minimise sensation at the skin.
- Ultrasound guidance ensures injections are precise, reducing unnecessary irritation.
- After the procedure, patients wear compression stockings to support healing and reduce tenderness. Read more about compression here.
- After the procedure, patients go for a 30 minute walk to reduce pressure and aching in treated veins.
- A DVT check may be performed 7 days following the procedure to rule out a DVT, also known as, deep vein thrombosis.
Most patients return to work and daily life immediately after treatment.
The benefits of Sclerotherapy
For those who have been putting off treatment because they’re worried about pain, here’s the bigger picture:
- Effective results: veins fade over weeks to months, improving both symptoms and appearance.
- Minimal downtime: you can walk straight out of the clinic and get on with your day.
- Safe and proven: sclerotherapy has been performed worldwide for decades with a strong safety record.
Looking for before and after photos of sclerotherapy treatment? Click here.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering ‘Is sclerotherapy painful?’, most people find it only mildly uncomfortable, and far easier than expected. With modern techniques the procedure is safe, quick, and highly tolerable.
At Vein Doctors Group, we’re here to help you feel at ease every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking treatment in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast, our team will guide you through the process.
Have questions to ask the doctor? Book a consultation now.