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Let’s be honest, no one really likes spiders… or spider veins. Just like the eight-legged creatures, most of us want our veins to stay hidden…. Out of sight, out of mind right? Fortunately, there’s a way to fade those visible spider and varicose veins… it’s called Sclerotherapy.
In case the term or treatment is new to you, let’s start with what it is and how it works to target those visible veins we’d prefer to keep hidden. Simply put, Sclerotherapy is a treatment designed to strategically and safely collapse unwanted spider or reticular veins by utilizing a solution (we at W use Asclera by Mertz), which is injected directly into the vein, causing it to collapse while forcing blood from that vein to travel a different route through better, healthier veins. The collapsed vein is gradually absorbed into the body’s tissue and, within a few weeks to months, its color fades to be virtually unnoticeable. Sclerotherapy has been around since the 1930s, it is a very safe and effective way to address unwanted veins.
While spider and reticular veins are not usually dangerous or symptoms of a serious medical condition, visible reticular veins in particular are less healthy veins. They are veins that, over time, have become swollen and twisted, which does not allow them to work properly. It’s been found that because these veins have been altered and aren’t as healthy, the blood in these veins is not transported back to the heart as quickly as it should be, causing vascular congestion. Again, for most people this does not cause a serious condition, but rather very obvious bluish raised blood vessels, often on the lower legs, ankles or backs of knees. However, for some, these veins do cause aches or discomfort in the legs and, in cases where they get worse, can sometimes cause more serious issues such as leg ulcers or blood clots. Some pressure and pain can often be relieved by elevating legs and feet or wearing compression stockings…. or by treating these veins with Sclerotherapy.
So while Sclerotherapy is often performed as a cosmetic treatment to rid one of those little spider veins or larger reticular veins that aren’t aesthetically pleasing, it is also a great option for those wanting to address any aching or swelling. Do keep in mind that typically 50-80% of injected veins will respond to treatment and be eliminated in each session, so while one treatment is very effective for some, depending on the individual and severity of the veins, you may need multiple treatments for best results.
Now that you know the what and the why, let’s talk about what to expect when it comes to your Sclerotherapy treatment at W. To prepare for a Sclerotherapy visit, we ask that you avoid shaving or using lotion the day of your appointment so that skin is in its natural state. We also recommend that patients stop taking ibuprofen, aspirin or other blood thinners and avoid alcohol for a few days prior in order to reduce the risk of bleeding or bruising.
When you arrive, your provider (one of our expertly-trained nurse injectors) will clean the area(s) to be treated with alcohol, then inject the Asclera solution directly into the vein using a very small needle. Spider veins typically respond very well to these tiny injections, which cause them to clot, seal and fade away. After the injections are complete, we will apply compression and massage the areas to help disperse the solution and keep excess blood away from the injected vessels. Treatment typically takes less than an hour and side effects are minimal, but may include bruising, redness, small sores or visible blood vessels and slightly discolored spots or lines on the skin, but these should resolve fairly quickly. We will also give you post-care instructions on what to do and what to expect in the coming days to weeks. We do recommend walking and moving following treatment as blood flow is important, however strenuous exercise should be avoided for two weeks after. Sclerotherapy patients should also avoid excessive sun exposure as this can lead to dark spots in the treated areas. That’s why fall/winter (or even early spring) is a perfect time to undergo Sclerotherapy treatment as it’s easier to stay covered up and avoid sun on the legs.
Although every individual is different, as a general rule, you can expect most spider veins to respond to treatment within 3-6 weeks, while the larger reticular veins may take up to a few months. In addition, those veins that do respond to Sclerotherapy and are eliminated usually do not return. However, new veins may appear over time and can always be addressed in a future treatment.
So if you’re not a fan of spiders (who is?) or feeling self-conscious about those visible reticular veins, give us a call to inquire about Sclerotherapy and see if it might be the right treatment for you. We are happy to get you scheduled for a consult to determine if you’re a candidate and help you start now preparing for summer’s shorts season.
With a strong background in hospitality and customer service, Gerardo brings warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism to every patient interaction at W Aesthetics & Wellness. Having spent years in the fast-paced restaurant industry, he honed the art of anticipating needs, creating welcoming experiences, and building genuine connections with people from all walks of life.
At W, Gerardo channels that same dedication into guiding patients through their aesthetics and wellness journey, from their first phone call, to their follow up care. Known for his approachable nature and ability to make others feel at ease, he ensures every detail is handled with care so patients feel valued, supported, and confident in their treatment choices.
When he’s not assisting patients, Gerardo enjoys exploring Bend’s vibrant food scene and spending time with family and friends.
Emma grew up in the Portland area and spent every summer vacationing in Sunriver, which sparked her love for Central Oregon and ultimately inspired her move to Bend. She studied Public Health and Psychology at San Diego State University, where she discovered her passion for helping people and developed strong leadership skills early on, managing teams and completing an internship in a hospital setting.
Emma began her professional career in recruiting and sales before transitioning into the medical space as a surgical medical device representative. It was during this time that she was introduced to the world of aesthetics and wellness, eventually representing devices within the industry and growing her passion for this field. Now, as Practice Manager of W Aesthetics & Wellness’ new West Side location, she is excited to represent the brand and inspire the local community to feel confident both inside and out. She is especially passionate about the practice’s wellness offerings and the way they support overall health and balance.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and their golden retriever, exploring Central Oregon’s outdoors, and discovering new local food spots.
Zoey brings a warm and welcoming presence to W Aesthetics & Wellness as our dedicated intern. With a strong background in customer service and a passion for helping others, she’s currently working toward her goal of attending nursing school in Louisiana. At W, Zoey supports our team in a variety of essential roles, from checking in patients and scheduling appointments to assisting with the day-to-day flow of the office. Her commitment to creating a seamless and positive experience for every patient makes her an invaluable part of our team.
Born and raised in Bend, Oregon, Zoey is deeply connected to the local community and brings that same sense of care and authenticity into every interaction. Her interest in the medical field, paired with her compassionate nature, fuels her drive to one day become a nurse and continue making a difference in people’s lives.
Outside of the office, you can find Zoey spending time with friends and family, boating on the lake, or floating the river during Bend’s sunny summer days.
Bri’s career began as a surgical dental assistant, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care and precision. Her passion for making others feel confident and beautiful led her to the field of aesthetics, where she now thrives at W Aesthetics & Wellness. Bri is dedicated to helping patients feel rejuvenated, empowered, and confident through advanced skincare and aesthetic treatments.
Bri assists during a variety of treatments, including injectables, laser therapies, skin rejuvenation procedures, and more. Known for her calming presence and attention to detail, she ensures that every patient feels comfortable, informed, and truly cared for throughout their treatment experience.
When she’s not assisting during treatments, Bri enjoys spending time by the lake, nurturing her garden, and spoiling her two hound dogs. Her down-to-earth energy and genuine passion for her work shine through in every patient interaction, making her a trusted partner in your aesthetic journey.
Bre is a compassionate and dedicated Aesthetic Nurse. She has been a registered nurse since 2012, with a background in obstetrics and gynecology. Her passion for the beauty industry, combined with her love of women’s health care, led her to pursue a fulfilling career in aesthetics. First certified in injectables in 2014, Bre was able to dedicate her focus to full time aesthetics in 2018. She was proud to start her career at W Aesthetics and Wellness, helping it grow into the respected practice it’s become over the years. She taught for Pacific Northwest Aesthetics Academy in Portland, Oregon, sharing her skills and excitement for the aesthetics industry with fellow medical professionals.
“I was drawn to aesthetic nursing because I love being able to help people feel confident and beautiful. To me, it’s all about enhancing natural beauty and aging gracefully. I pride myself in individualized care with a conservative approach to help my patients achieve their aesthetic goals.”
Bre values patient safety and education and understands the importance of staying up to date in an ever-changing industry. She prioritizes growing her knowledge and expertise by attending advanced trainings and conferences yearly. Her patients can feel comfortable and confident in her care, knowing that she takes the time to stay educated on the latest products, techniques and technologies.
Bre’s personal life led her to Kalispell, Montana, where she founded Minted Aesthetics in 2022. “My vision for Minted Aesthetics was to create a welcoming and approachable space where patients can experience professional aesthetic treatments and feel truly cared for. I am not in sales; I am a nurse. My hope for every patient is that they feel comfortable walking through the doors and inspired with confidence and knowledge walking out. I only carry products I truly believe in, and only provide treatments tailored to the individual needs of my patients.” Bre sold her successful business in 2025 and was able to move back home to Bend, Oregon to be with family and raise her daughter. She is thrilled to return to W Aesthetics and Wellness, continuing her patient focused career in a collaborative, compassionate environment.
Outside of work, you can find Bre wake surfing, paddle boarding, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and doodle.
“Whether the goal is to enhance, maintain, or help slow the aging process in every phase of life, I’m here to help. Building strong rapport with my clients is a top priority. Taking the time to truly listen and work together as a team will yield the best results.”
You can book with Bre at the newest Westside location of W!
With a strong background in customer service and a genuine passion for helping people achieve their best skin, Brittany brings warmth and expertise to every patient interaction. As a Certified Advanced Esthetician and former esthetic business owner, she has a wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for skincare solutions.
In her free time, she loves hanging out with her daughter and her husband and exploring new restaurants around Bend, Oregon.
With her extensive background in customer service and a genuine passion for helping people, Katie is here to make every step of your journey with us seamless and enjoyable. You’ll see her shining face at the front desk, ready to assist with scheduling and ensuring your aesthetic goals come to life!
When she’s not busy making magic happen at W Aesthetics & Wellness, Katie loves spending time with her dog and boyfriend.