Can sclerotherapy cause an allergic reaction in the eyelids and create baggy eyes?

I had sclerotherapy one week ago and ever since then have woken up each morning with swollen eyelids and baggy eyes. It has gotten progressively worse. It would seem to be an allergic reaction. Is there ANY way the shots could be affecting me?

Answers from doctors (14)


Vein Treatment and Aesthetic Center

Published on Dec 20, 2012

I have never seen an allergic reaction to sotradecol, which is a nonpryogenic agent used during sclerotherapy. However, everyone can become allergic to any drug injected into them, and certainly that includes you. You need to discuss this with the doctor who injected you.

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Answered by Vein Treatment and Aesthetic Center

I have never seen an allergic reaction to sotradecol, which is a nonpryogenic agent used during sclerotherapy. However, everyone can become allergic to any drug injected into them, and certainly that includes you. You need to discuss this with the doctor who injected you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein & Aesthetic Center of Boston

Published on Dec 06, 2012

While Sclerotherapy can result in an allergic reaction, the reaction would typically be either localized itching and redness in the area of treatment or, in rare instances, a more severe, generalized reaction can occur that could result in swelling and even difficulty breathing. It would be unlikely that the swelling would be limited to the eyelids and recur upon rising each day.

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Answered by The Vein & Aesthetic Center of Boston

While Sclerotherapy can result in an allergic reaction, the reaction would typically be either localized itching and redness in the area of treatment or, in rare instances, a more severe, generalized reaction can occur that could result in swelling and even difficulty breathing. It would be unlikely that the swelling would be limited to the eyelids and recur upon rising each day.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Nov 05, 2012

Usually the area that is injected is what turns red and itchy, not an area that is not treated. I would have to refer you back to clinician that did your treatment.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Usually the area that is injected is what turns red and itchy, not an area that is not treated. I would have to refer you back to clinician that did your treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Nov 02, 2012

Although allergic reactions are rare, the sclerotherapy solutions can cause
allergic reactions, and your description is a classic allergic response.
Although I would never recommend taking any medication without specific
knowledge of your medical history, you should see your doctor to prescribe
appropriate medicine to treat this reaction. Obviously, this should be
recorded in your medical history.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Although allergic reactions are rare, the sclerotherapy solutions can cause
allergic reactions, and your description is a classic allergic response.
Although I would never recommend taking any medication without specific
knowledge of your medical history, you should see your doctor to prescribe
appropriate medicine to treat this reaction. Obviously, this should be
recorded in your medical history.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Nov 01, 2012

Usually if there was an allergic reaction you would see a rash closer to the injection sites, which go away within a week, but I don't see swollen eyelids being directly related to the sclerotherapy. If it is an allergic reaction to the sclero, it shouldn't last for more than a week, unless you contacted something else that is making your eyelids swell (change in soap/fabric/contact with plants/animals, tried new food, etc.).

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Usually if there was an allergic reaction you would see a rash closer to the injection sites, which go away within a week, but I don't see swollen eyelids being directly related to the sclerotherapy. If it is an allergic reaction to the sclero, it shouldn't last for more than a week, unless you contacted something else that is making your eyelids swell (change in soap/fabric/contact with plants/animals, tried new food, etc.).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Oct 31, 2012

It can cause this reaction, but we recommend to going and getting it evaluated.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

It can cause this reaction, but we recommend to going and getting it evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Oct 30, 2012

After 23 years in phlebology I have never seen a reaction to sclerotherapy like your description and suggest you consult your treating doctor.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

After 23 years in phlebology I have never seen a reaction to sclerotherapy like your description and suggest you consult your treating doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Oct 30, 2012

It is unlikely that the sclerotherapy caused the symptoms you are experiencing with your eyes. This is difficult for me to answer conclusively, however, not knowing the sclerosing agent or agents used in your sclerotherapy.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

It is unlikely that the sclerotherapy caused the symptoms you are experiencing with your eyes. This is difficult for me to answer conclusively, however, not knowing the sclerosing agent or agents used in your sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Oct 29, 2012

Interesting question. With allergic reactions to sclerosing agents (Asclera and Sotradecol are the only two FDA approved solutions) there is usually as sudden onset and usually after the second or third treatment. Allergies are also rare but can happen. The fact that it is getting worse over the week seems it may not be an allergy to the solution. However, I would err on the side of caution and discuss this with your treating physician. Find out what solution was used and perhaps try a very small test area before having another treatment to see the response. He/she could try a different solution for a test area also. Is it possible that this is an environmental allergy? Fall season often precipitates seasonal allergy because of leaf mold, winds and colder weather. Talk with your physician.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Interesting question. With allergic reactions to sclerosing agents (Asclera and Sotradecol are the only two FDA approved solutions) there is usually as sudden onset and usually after the second or third treatment. Allergies are also rare but can happen. The fact that it is getting worse over the week seems it may not be an allergy to the solution. However, I would err on the side of caution and discuss this with your treating physician. Find out what solution was used and perhaps try a very small test area before having another treatment to see the response. He/she could try a different solution for a test area also. Is it possible that this is an environmental allergy? Fall season often precipitates seasonal allergy because of leaf mold, winds and colder weather. Talk with your physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Oct 29, 2012

Not to my knowledge.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Not to my knowledge.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 29, 2012

It is possible to be allergic to the sclerotherapy solution although it is unusual. From what you describe you may have had an allergic reaction. I have not seen an allergic reaction to sclerotherapy in over 12 years and I have used tetradecyl sulfate, polidocanol, glycerine and sodium morrhuate. You need to follow up with your sclerotherapist and find out what was used and what concentration.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

It is possible to be allergic to the sclerotherapy solution although it is unusual. From what you describe you may have had an allergic reaction. I have not seen an allergic reaction to sclerotherapy in over 12 years and I have used tetradecyl sulfate, polidocanol, glycerine and sodium morrhuate. You need to follow up with your sclerotherapist and find out what was used and what concentration.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Oct 29, 2012

I have no idea why the eyes are affected by sclerotherapy, meaning I have never heard of this. Allergies are rare. You do not mention which sclerosant solution was used, therefore it is impossible to give an answer. Why don't you speak with the person who administered the treatment?

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

I have no idea why the eyes are affected by sclerotherapy, meaning I have never heard of this. Allergies are rare. You do not mention which sclerosant solution was used, therefore it is impossible to give an answer. Why don't you speak with the person who administered the treatment?

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Oct 29, 2012

Unlikely would cause such symptoms, but check with your Doctor. Allergic reactions are rare after sclerotherapy, but I suppose it could vary with the type of medication used.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Unlikely would cause such symptoms, but check with your Doctor. Allergic reactions are rare after sclerotherapy, but I suppose it could vary with the type of medication used.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Oct 29, 2012

Unlikely.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Unlikely.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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