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In this Article

• Introduction to sclerotherapy for varicose veins and spider veins
• Who is a good candidate for sclerotherapy?
• How is sclerotherapy done?
• How do patients prepare for sclerotherapy?
• What are side effects and complications of sclerotherapy?
• What happens after sclerotherapy?
• How effective is sclerotherapy?
• Does insurance cover the cost of sclerotherapy?
• Find a local Dermatologist in your town
• Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins Index

What to Do Before Sclerotherapy

Prior to sclerotherapy, you should avoid certain medications. Talk to your doctor about all medicines (including over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and dietary supplements) you are taking. If you need to take an antibiotic before sclerotherapy, contact your doctor. No lotion should be applied to the legs before the procedure.

Some doctors recommend avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin) or other anti-inflammatory drugs for 48-72 hours before sclerotherapy. Tylenol, however, should not affect this procedure.

Side Effects of Sclerotherapy

You may experience certain side effects after sclerotherapy. There are milder effects, such as itching, which can last for one or two days after the procedure. Also, you may experience raised, red areas at the injection site. These should disappear within a few days. Bruising may also occur around the injection side and can last several days or weeks.

Other sclerotherapy side effects include:

• Larger veins that have been injected may become lumpy and hard and may require several months to dissolve and fade.
• Brown lines or spots may appear at the vein site. In most cases, they disappear within three to six months, but they may also last indefinitely.
• Neovascularization -- the development of new, tiny blood vessels -- may occur at the site of sclerotherapy treatment. These tiny veins can appear days or weeks after the procedure, but should fade within three to twelve months without further treatment.

Should any of the following side effects occur, contact your doctor immediately. These include:

• Inflammation within five inches of the groin
• A sudden onset of a swollen leg
• Formation of small ulcers at the injection site.

Allergic reactions to the fluid that's injected may occur at the time of the injection and are rarely serious. If you have a history of allergies, you have a greater chance of experiencing an allergic reaction to the agents. A minor allergic reaction will cause itching and swelling. To avoid any serious complications, your doctor will likely test the agents on a small area before applying the solutions to a larger area.

If you have any concerns or questions following this procedure, you should contact your doctor.

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