How Much Does Sclerotherapy Cost?

Content Reviewed by AEDIT Medical Advisory Board

What is the average cost of sclerotherapy?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of a sclerotherapy treatment was $343 in 2019. This is a general price estimate based on the cost of a sclerotherapy session for a spider vein treatment or varicose vein treatment, the fee of the provider, and the geographic location of the procedure facility.

• Average Cost of Sclerotherapy: $343
• Price Range for Sclerotherapy: $100 - $500

For candidates considering this minimally invasive treatment, the total cost of the procedure will be dependent on numerous factors outlined in the table below.

Factors to Consider in the Total Cost of Sclerotherapy

| Cost Factor | Explanation | | ---------- | ---------- | | Location of procedure | Provider fees vary by region and are typically higher for more experienced providers | | Provider | Training, experience, specialty | | Consultation Fee | May or may not be applied towards procedure cost | | Number of Treatments | Sessions needed for optimal results |

What affects the cost of sclerotherapy?

The cost of a sclerotherapy session will be impacted by numerous factors, including, the actual cost of the sclerotherapy session (basically the sclerosing agent or sclerosant), the time of the provider, nature of the treated vein, your geographic location, and any medical supplies used during the session.

It is important to remember that numerous sclerotherapy sessions may be needed as part of your treatment plan to achieve the desired aesthetic, and this will be entirely dependent on the anatomy and severity of the issue in each individual candidate. Before you get too overwhelmed by the possible costs, we’ll mention it’s very common for facilities and providers to have financing options, discounts, and offers for candidates.

What does the cost of sclerotherapy include?

We’ve covered the basics of sclerotherapy and now you may be curious what the price of a sclerotherapy treatment actually includes? We’ve got answers. The cost of the time the dermatologist or plastic surgeon spends performing the sclerotherapy procedure is what gets reported as the ‘surgeon’s fee.’ It’s basically the hourly rate of your medical provider. Remember, your provider has their own business expenses like rent, payroll, professional insurance, and office/medical supplies.

The price of the sclerotherapy procedure increases as additional elements are factored in. Other medical staff in the room (nurses or surgical assistants), tools and supplies used during your sclerotherapy (gauze, gloves, etc.), and any fees associated with using the facility’s procedure room. And a quick reminder, multiple sessions may be needed to create the desired aesthetic.

How much does sclerotherapy cost?

Sclerotherapy, depending on the vein anatomy, may necessitate multiple sessions to achieve the final aesthetic. On average, sclerotherapy costs $343 per treatment session. Some patients may only require one session. A consultation with a provider you are considering will provide an estimate of how many sessions you may need and what that means for the overall cost.

How much does sclerotherapy cost across the United States?

It’s all about location! The 2019 ASPS Report shows that the distribution of sclerotherapy procedures is relatively equal across the United States. In 2019, 52 percent of sclerotherapy treatments occurred on the coasts and the remaining 48 percent occurred in the central U.S.

The table below looks at single session sclerotherapy costs for a few cities across the U.S.

Average Sclerotherapy Session Cost by City and State

| State | Average Cost | | ---------- | ---------- | | New York, NY | $200 to $500 | | Chicago, IL | $200 to $500 | | Miami, FL | $200 to $450 | | Birmingham, AL | $175 to $400 | | Austin, TX | $200 to $500 | | Los Angeles, CA | $200 to $500 |

How much does sclerotherapy cost around the world?

For those considering pursuing sclerotherapy abroad, the table below compares prices in a few countries. As a friendly reminder, you’ll need to factor in the extra travel expenses and research the reputation of the provider and facility before getting too excited about the cost variations. The table below reports single session sclerotherapy costs for a few countries across the globe.

Average Sclerotherapy Session Cost by Country in USD

| Country | Average Cost | | ---------- | ---------- | | Canada | $110 to $550 | | Mexico | $80 to $400 | | Colombia | $75 to $350 | | United Kingdom | $250 to $500 | | Australia | $225 to $500 | | Japan | $100 to $350 | | United Arab Emirates | $150 to $500 |

Does insurance cover the cost of sclerotherapy?

So, does insurance pay for sclerotherapy? The short answer is no. But the long answer is maybe, and these definitions from the American Medical Association (AMA) may help:

• Cosmetic Surgery: Reshapes normal structures of the body in order to improve appearance and self-esteem.
• Reconstructive Surgery: Alterations to abnormal body structures caused by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease.

Basically, reconstructive surgeries are possibly covered by your insurance company and cosmetic surgeries are not. Sclerotherapy is almost always considered a cosmetic procedure, as varicose veins and spider veins do not require medical treatment. With that being said, those with vein disease — like venous insufficiency, poor blood flow, a history of blood clots, or impacts on daily life (like cramping) from affected veins — may be able to make the case with the help of documentation from their provider.