What Is Chemical Ablation (Varithena)?

Chemical ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins that closes a diseased vein using a specially formulated foam medication — no heat and no catheter-based thermal energy required. At Palisades Vein Center, we’re a leading provider of Varithena®, the FDA-approved microfoam used in this procedure.

Varithena is a foam sclerosant (polidocanol) injected into the vein under ultrasound guidance. The foam displaces blood from the abnormal great saphenous vein or varicose veins, allowing the medication to make full contact with the vein wall. This causes the vein to swell and seal closed. Over time, the treated vein shrinks and is naturally reabsorbed by the body, and blood flow shifts to healthier veins nearby.

Because it uses foam rather than heat, Varithena is especially useful for veins that are twisted, winding, or otherwise difficult to treat with a catheter — offering an effective option where thermal ablation may not be ideal.

At-a-Glance

  • No heat, no incisions, no surgery
  • In-office, ultrasound-guided
  • Local anesthesia — same-day procedure
  • Walk in, walk out — minimal downtime
  • Often covered by insurance when medically necessary

How Varithena Compares to Other Vein Treatments

Varithena is one of several ways to close a diseased vein. It belongs to the broader family of vein ablation treatments — alongside heat-based options like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and adhesive-based VenaSeal. The best choice depends on the size, shape, and location of your veins, which is exactly what we assess during your consultation.

  • Varithena (Chemical Ablation) — foam medication; ideal for tortuous or hard-to-catheter veins. No heat.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation — heat energy delivered by catheter; a proven standard for larger, straighter veins.
  • VenaSeal — medical adhesive seals the vein; no heat and, for many patients, no compression stockings after.
  • Sclerotherapy — best for smaller varicose veins, reticular veins, and spider veins.

Not sure which is right for you? Explore all your options on our vein ablation hub, or let our specialists map your veins and recommend the best approach.

What to Expect During Your Varithena Procedure

  1. Ultrasound mapping — we locate the diseased vein and confirm venous reflux with a duplex ultrasound.
  2. Local anesthesia — the treatment area is numbed; no general anesthesia is needed.
  3. Foam injection — using ultrasound guidance, your specialist injects the Varithena microfoam, which fills and seals the vein.
  4. Compression & walking — compression is applied, and you’ll be encouraged to walk right away to promote healthy circulation.

The entire procedure typically takes under an hour, and most patients return to their normal daily activities the same day. Learn more about how we evaluate your veins on our diagnosis & evaluation page.

Benefits of Chemical Ablation

  • Minimally invasive — no surgery, no stitches, no scarring
  • No heat or thermal energy, reducing certain risks associated with heat-based methods
  • Effective on winding and branching veins that are difficult to treat with a catheter
  • Performed in-office under local anesthesia
  • Quick recovery with minimal downtime
  • Improves both the appearance of varicose veins and symptoms like aching, heaviness, and swelling

Am I a Candidate for Varithena?

Varithena may be a good option if you have symptomatic varicose veins caused by great saphenous vein reflux — particularly if your veins are twisted or have been difficult to treat with other methods. The best way to find out is a consultation with a board-certified vein specialist and a diagnostic ultrasound. Our experienced vein and vascular specialists will evaluate your veins and recommend the most effective treatment plan for your specific anatomy.

Is Varithena Covered by Insurance?

In many cases, yes. When varicose veins cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, heaviness, or skin changes — and venous reflux is confirmed by ultrasound — treatment is often considered medically necessary and covered by insurance. Our team will verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

Varithena Across New York & New Jersey

Palisades Vein Center is a trusted choice for chemical ablation in New York and New Jersey, with six convenient locations: White Plains (Westchester County), New City and Pomona (Rockland County), Goshen (Orange County), Fishkill (Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley), and Englewood, NJ (Bergen County) — minutes from the George Washington Bridge and the greater NYC metro area.

Chemical Ablation FAQs

Varithena is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients report little to no pain — typically just mild pressure or a pinch during numbing. Because there’s no heat involved, many patients find it very comfortable, and any soreness afterward is usually mild and short-lived.

Both permanently close a diseased vein, but the method differs: radiofrequency ablation uses catheter-delivered heat, while Varithena uses an injected foam medication with no heat. Varithena is especially useful for twisting or branching veins that are difficult to treat with a catheter. Your specialist will recommend the best approach based on your vein anatomy — see our vein ablation page to compare.

Most patients return to normal daily activities the same day. You’ll be encouraged to walk immediately after the procedure, and we typically recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and hot baths for a short period. Your provider will give you personalized aftercare instructions.

Symptom relief — reduced aching, heaviness, and swelling — is often noticeable within a few weeks. The treated vein gradually shrinks and is reabsorbed by the body over the following weeks to months, with continued cosmetic improvement over time.

Veins successfully treated with Varithena are permanently closed and do not reopen. However, because vein disease is progressive, new varicose veins can develop over time — which is why periodic follow-up with a vein specialist is recommended.

No referral is required. You can book a consultation directly at any of our six New York and New Jersey locations, and most patients complete their evaluation — including ultrasound — in a single visit.

Book Your Free Consultation

Find out whether Varithena chemical ablation is right for you. Schedule a free consultation — including an ultrasound evaluation — at any of our six locations across New York and New Jersey.

Book Now Call (845) 362-5200