Without knowing what type of injections were performed it is difficult to comment. Swelling with superficial vein (spider) treatments is very unusual. I recommend continuing your compression hose and elevating your leg as much as possible to see if this helps resolve the problem. .

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Depending on the size of the vein, post injection swelling, pain, and looking “worse” can last several months. Sclerotherapy, when performed correctly, will successfully close the vein, but once closed, it takes the body time to absorb that tissue and carry it away. Depending on the person and the size of vein injected, this process can take 4 weeks to several months. The smaller the vein the more quickly visual improvement is seen. Larger veins can take more time, and things like swelling, bruising, and discomfort at the treatment area are part of the healing process.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This question can have a variety of correct answers. You will need to be evaluated by your doctor to help determine the cause. In some cases, it just happens and then goes away. In other cases, there are causes of the swelling that are related to the procedure and can be remedied. It is appropriate for you to go to your doctor and try to get some help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Typically we don't see much swelling after sclerotherapy. The situation that may bring this on would be 1) extensive bruising from those injections 2) extensive injections around the entire circumference of the ankles.

With such swelling, it is indeed very important to rule out the possibility of blood clots (hopefully done in an accredited Vascular Laboratory) where we need to make sure that the veins at the calf level were seen (posterior tibial veins, peroneal veins, gastrocnemius veins and soleal veins).

If all is normal on ultrasound, I would strongly recommend to continue wearing medical compression stockings (at least 20-30 mm Hg) until the swelling subsides- which may take up to 6 weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012