Sclerotherapy
Eliminate unwanted spider and varicose veins with sclerotherapy to restore a smoother, clearer look to your legs, hands, chest, and ankles. Our own Dr. Mitchel Goldman is one of the leading pioneers of this and other modern vascular treatments.
Sclerotherapy Videos
Hear Dr. Goldman Explain Sclerotherapy for Leg Veins
Sclerotherapy Explained by the Industry Leader
Watch Dr. Goldman Perform His Sclerotherapy Magic
Why Sclerotherapy in San Diego is the Gold Standard for Vein Treatment
Proven Vein Elimination
Sclerotherapy is a highly effective treatment that can eliminate over 90% of injected veins in a single session, which typically takes no more than 15 minutes.
Quick Treatment Process
The procedure involves injecting sclerosing agents directly into the problematic veins to safely and effectively cut off the blood supply to the feeder vein and other smaller visible leg veins or telangiectasia.
Immediate Visual Results
When the injection is administered, the veins literally disappear in real time, providing you with instant visual confirmation of the treatment’s effectiveness.However, it takes the body at least 2 months to completely reabsorb the veins.
Minimally Invasive Approach
This treatment method is designed to effectively close off the targeted veins, allowing them to dissolve and be absorbed by the body gradually over a few weeks to months.
Comfortable Recovery
Most patients experience no discomfort post-treatment, and any minor swelling, discoloration, and/or bruising typically resolves within 6-8 weeks. Patients are required to wear graduated compression stockings to help ensure veins do not re-generate during the healing process.
Customized Treatment Plans
Results vary and depend on each patient’s unique vein issues and overall health. In some cases, 1 session is sufficient, and other times 2-3 sessions may be required for complete removal of visible veins.
Sclerotherapy Before and After
HEAR FROM OUR HAPPY PATIENTS
5/5 STARS 
I trust Farzaneh Momeni completely with my skin. She is by far the best clinical aesthetician I’ve ever known. My skin has improved dramatically since I began monthly facials with her. Her treatments are 100% results-driven so if this is what you seek, look no further. Also, the entire Team at West Dermatology are top-notch. They’re always friendly, professional, & helpful, & greet everyone with a smile. 10 Stars all around!
My new regular cosmetic dermatology office. Dr Zubair is amazing and really patient with me. He has helped me over the last year with keloid scar removal, jaw Botox, and full facial acne scar treatment (ultra clear). The office is clean and the nursing/medical assistant staff is accommodating on all levels. I will always recommend this office and Dr Zubair to friends and family.
Most professional and most impressive! The service from the physicians to office staff is superb!
I live in Orange County and drove all the way out to see Dr. Wu because a friend of mine referred him (she had amazing results from her face and neck procedure). Dr. Wu is truly an artist! He made me feel extremely comfortable during my procedure. I was anxious when I got there, but he (and his staff) have such great energy and are so very kind and gentle that you can't help but feel at ease! The office was immaculate and they adhered to covid rules (sanitizing, temp checks, masks). This is my go-to place from now on and Dr. Wu is my go-to guy! Can't wait to see my final results! Thank you Phyllis (pre-op) for being so wonderful and informative! You were so very helpful and kind! I'll definitely be back!
Leysin and the entire team at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology are fantastic. They are professional, caring and communicative. The laser treatment was comfortable, efficient and effective! I highly recommend this practice. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
Dr. Goldman is amazing! I came here for my permanent eyeliner removal (which is not offered anywhere near me), and they are completely removed in just one session. They use a special contact lens to protect your eyes from the laser, and there are no damages to my eyelashes. The healing was also nice and smooth. They have everything you need. I live almost 3 hours away, but it was totally worth the trip. For anyone who is looking to remove their permanent makeup, this is the right place to go :)-
Dr. Butterwick is fantastic, all of her team as well. They make sure your experience is pleasant and painless as possible. My tattoo removal and my injectables look amazing. I highly recommend her for any skin treatment.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was recommended to me by my dermatologist. He recommended Dr. Monica Boen. I'm so glad I took his recommendation. Everyone here at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was super nice and friendly. Very welcoming. I came here for hair removal treatment. I did 4 sessions with Dr. Boen. Dr. Boen made me feel so comfortable and at ease when I talked to her. She explained everything before she did my treatment. I loved that. She was really easy to talk to. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
This office is awesome. My visit today was with Dr. Groff. His bed side manner is so fun and welcoming. He understood my concerns and recommended a treatment plan that I feel was reasonable. I love his staff! They take there time to make sure you understand the treatment and after care. Everyone in the office, from the front desk to the nurses in the back, are so friendly and beautiful. They are very prompt and I trust my care with CLD. I can't wait for my next visit. See you guys in a few weeks!
"Dr. Sabrina Fabi is genius! Her technique is unlike anyone, her eye is precise, and her kindness and caring manner comes from the depth of her soul. She's simply brilliant! It's no wonder people travel the country just to be treated by her."
I wish I could give them 10 stars! I had such an awesome experience for my first visit and I am referring everyone I know to this office. From the super friendly staff to the state of the art procedures, they are the cream of the crop.
“I came to participate in a research study. All of the Doctors and staff at C.L. Dermatology are very professional, warm and friendly. All our my needs were anticipated and the hospitality of this office is like a five star hotel.”
Why You'll Love Cosmetic Laser Dermatology
Experience Unparalleled Expertise
Our medical director, Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, is renowned as the “godfather” of sclerotherapy and was the founder and president of the American Vein & Lymphatic Society, a national society of over 20,000 physicians who treat leg veins. Dr. Goldman and our team have contributed significantly to advancing vein treatment through extensive research, authorship in medical journals, and publication in medical textbooks.
Truly Personalized Treatment
Our board-certified dermatologists are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care, customizing each vein treatment to meet your unique needs and cosmetic goals, far beyond what is received at a typical ‘vein clinic’.
Cutting-edge Techniques
We are pioneers in safely and effectively treating problematic spider and varicose veins using sclerotherapy and other innovative treatments, providing our patients with relief from both the aesthetic and physical discomfort associated with veins.
Access to Comprehensive Treatment Options
If sclerotherapy is not the ideal solution for your specific condition, we can also treat veins using other cutting-edge procedures, including the Vbeam Pulse Dye Laser, 1064 Long Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser, Intense Pulsed Light, CoolTouch CTEV Endovenous Laser, and vascular surgery (Phlebectomy).
Our Renowned Dermatologists
We are proud to share that Dr. Goldman, Dr. Butterwick, Dr. Groff, Dr. Fabi, & Dr. Boen have once again been recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2026!
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology has been voted Best Cosmetic Dermatology Practice in San Diego Magazine’s 2026 “Best of San Diego” readers’ poll!
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist, Best Cosmetic Surgeon, and Best Dermatologist for 4 consecutive years by the San Diego Reader Best Poll.
Dr. Mitchel Goldman was voted #1 Cosmetic Dermatologist in America by Newsweek
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 9 consecutive years by the San Diego U-T Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, and Fabi made the top 8 in Newsweek’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists in America for the last two years in a row
Voted in the top 10% of Realself Doctors by achieving high patient satisfaction and getting favorable feedback on Q&A
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Dermatologist for 10 consecutive years and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 9 consecutive years by the La Jolla Light Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, Groff, Fabi, and Boen were named Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2025, making us one of the Top 3 Practices in California with the most Castle Connolly Top Doctors in Dermatology.
Dr. Boen has been recognized as a Top Doctor in 2023 and 2024 by San Diego County Medical Society.
Dr. Butterwick, is a distinguished facial cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial
Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS).
In 2026, Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, FAAD, received the Richard E. Fitzpatrick, MD Award from Masters of Aesthetics in recognition of his contributions to cosmetic dermatology and laser medicine. The honor reflects his longstanding leadership in research, physician education, and advancing aesthetic treatment.
Sabrina Fabi, MD has been named a finalist for Pioneer of the Year – Healthcare with San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women 2026
What to Expect from Sclerotherapy
Understanding the Treatment
Sclerotherapy involves a series of injections with a sclerosing agent directly into the problematic veins. Through the skill and technique of our board-certified dermatologists, this treatment safely and effectively cuts off the blood supply to the feeder vein.
The Procedure Experience
During your appointment, you will be given disposable shorts to wear and will lie flat on a treatment bed. Multiple injections will be administered to the affected areas. Your physician will determine if both legs can be treated in one visit. If only one leg can be treated, you may schedule as soon as the next day to have the other leg treated.
Post-Treatment Care
After treatment, medical grade graduated compression stockings must be worn around the clock for a full 7 days. By wearing compression stockings, the blood supply remains cut off in the targeted vein, causing it to dissolve over a few weeks. Walking as much as possible is recommended after treatment.
Timeline for Results
The procedure improves the appearance of the legs, chest, and hands and relieves symptoms associated with varicose and spider veins, such as aching, swelling, and discomfort. On average, it takes 6-8 weeks to notice full improvement. Our approach to sclerotherapy focuses on aesthetic improvements and enhancing your overall quality of life.
What You May Experience
You may experience tenderness, soreness, itching, and mild discomfort for a few days, with normal bruising and darkening of the veins. If a coagulum (small blood collection) occurs after two weeks, schedule a follow-up to have it drained.
Sclerotherapy FAQ
Sclerotherapy is ideal for men and women looking for a safe, minimally invasive treatment to help eliminate unsightly spider or varicose veins on the legs, ankles, chest, or hands.
A typical sclerotherapy session takes no more than 15 minutes, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during or post-treatment.
Results vary and depend on each patient’s unique vein issues and overall health. In some cases, 1 session is sufficient, and other times 2-3 sessions may be recommended to achieve the best possible results.
Sclerotherapy can help eliminate leg veins, ankle veins, chest veins, and hand veins.
The veins literally disappear in real time during treatment. On average, it takes 6-8 weeks to notice full improvement as the treated veins dissolve and are absorbed by the body.
You may experience minor swelling, discoloration, and/or bruising after treatment. Hyperpigmentation (brown staining) of the skin located over the treated veins may persist for weeks to months prior to resolving.
Avoid self-tanners and spray tans 4 weeks prior to treatment.
After treatment, medical-grade graduated compression stockings must be worn around the clock for a full 7 days. Walking as much as possible is recommended after treatment.
With sclerotherapy, you can have successful vein removal without surgery, anesthesia, or downtime. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately following treatment.
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