Thank you for your question. If sclerotherapy is not giving you the results you are looking for, one option is to consider a re-assessment with a vein specialist who you can trust. Using ultrasound to scan your legs, a specialist can evaluate you for underlying venous disease. If venous disease is present, you may need more than cosmetic sclerotherapy and your options can be discussed with the vein specialist. On the contrary, if reflux is not present, you might need to repeat sclerotherapy treatment again or laser sclerotherapy. A specialist can also advise you on how to treat side effects of sclerotherapy.

Treatment response is different for different patients, but in general sometimes the skin may become dark in the area of treatment, a known side effect called hyper-pigmentation that is typically temporary. Also, treated areas my cause micro veins to appear, a known side effect called matting. If this occurs, another treatment of sclerotherapy session may be necessary. Always, avoid strenuous exercise and weight lifting for 1 week and wear compression stocking for a period of 1 week.

All the best and good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

When performing sclerotherapy it is important to treat any underlying "feeder" reticular veins. If not, you can develop new veins. It does, however, typically take a series of 3-5 treatment for an average area of veins to resolve. The feeder veins are treated with transillumination - a special light in a darkened room. They are easily visible then and treated. We typically wait at least 4-6 weeks between treatments also. You've now had 3 treatments. Continue with the hose for a bit longer as they may settle down. Ask your treating practitioner if he/she treated the reticular veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012