Sclerotherapy:
Questions
and
Answers

Park City
Dermatology

2700 Homestead Rd, Ste 30
Park City, Utah 84098
(435) 658-1013
(435) 658-3513 fax

1473 S. Hwy 40 Ste E
Heber City, Utah 84032
(435) 654-5444

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a popular method for eliminating varicose veins and superficial telangiectasias (spider veins) in which a solution, called a sclerosing agent, is injected into the veins.

Does Sclerotherapy work for everyone?

The majority who have sclerotherapy will be cleared or at least see good improvement.  Unfortunately, however, there is no guarantee that sclerotherapy will be effective in every case.  Approximately 10% of patients who undergo sclerotherapy have poor to fair results.  (Poor results mean that the veins have not totally disappeared after six treatments.)  In very rare instances, the patient’s condition may become worse after seeking sclerotherapy.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed to clear or improve the condition differs from patient to patient depending on the extent of varicose or spider veins present.  Generally, 1-6 or more treatments may be needed; the average is 3-4.  Individual veins usually require 1-3 treatments.

What are the most common side effects?

1.   Itching. Depending upon the type of solution used, you may experience mild itching along the vein route.  This normally lasts 2-3 days.

2.   Transient Hyperpigmentation.  Approximately 30% of patients notice a discoloration of light brown streaks after treatment.  In almost every patient, the veins become darker immediately after the procedure.  In rare instances, this darkening of the vein may persist for 4-12 months. 

3.   Sloughing.  Sloughing occurs in less than 3% of the patients who receive sclerotherapy.  Sloughing consists of a small ulceration at the injection site which heals slowly.  A blister may form, open, and become ulcerated.  The scar that follows should return to a normal color.

4.    Allergic reaction.  Very rarely a patient may have an allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent used.  The risk of an allergic reaction is greater in patients who have a history of allergies. 

5.    Blood Clots.  Very rarely a blood clot (thrombus) may form in an injected vein.  It is even rarer for the blood clot to break off and travel to other parts of the body (emboli).  Clots may require removal through a small incision.

6.    Telangiectatic matting:  Small clusters of tiny vessels can form at injection sites.  This occurs in approximately 10% of patients.

7.    Thrombophlebitis:  Prolonged inflammation of a vessel as represented by redness and tenderness can occur.