Can sclerotherapy have a rebound effect and not only cause more spider veins, but also make the treated ones more prominent?

I've had four rounds of sclerotherapy over the course of a year. Now they're much much worse, and there are new clusters of veins around the injection site. Is it possible sclerotherapy just doesn't work for me?

Answers from doctors (3)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Feb 16, 2017

Not knowing how you were treated, it is difficult to assess the reason. Firstly in our clinic, we would perform an ultrasound to ensure that the deeper veins are functioning properly. If they are, we also transilluminate to see below the skin for "feeder" reticular veins. These must be treated to ensure better clearing of the surface spider veins. If they are not treated, you can develop matting (flushing), new veins. We recommend doing your series of treatment in four to six week intervals so the veins that are not completely sealed will be re-treated to reduce complications such as yours.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Not knowing how you were treated, it is difficult to assess the reason. Firstly in our clinic, we would perform an ultrasound to ensure that the deeper veins are functioning properly. If they are, we also transilluminate to see below the skin for "feeder" reticular veins. These must be treated to ensure better clearing of the surface spider veins. If they are not treated, you can develop matting (flushing), new veins. We recommend doing your series of treatment in four to six week intervals so the veins that are not completely sealed will be re-treated to reduce complications such as yours.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Its hard to say for sure without an exam, but it may be that the feeding
veins have not been treated. If a primary area of reflux has not been
treated, it may result in matting or appearance of new veins, and also
more risk for staining. Ultrasound can be used to find these areas of
reflux and even a simple vein light can sometime be used. I feel
ultrasound should always be used prior to sclerotherapy, even when
treating spider veins.

Answered by California Vein Specialists (View Profile)

Its hard to say for sure without an exam, but it may be that the feeding
veins have not been treated. If a primary area of reflux has not been
treated, it may result in matting or appearance of new veins, and also
more risk for staining. Ultrasound can be used to find these areas of
reflux and even a simple vein light can sometime be used. I feel
ultrasound should always be used prior to sclerotherapy, even when
treating spider veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 22, 2011

Sclerotherapy may not work in 5 to 10 % of people. My experience is that most people WILL respond to sclerotherapy. If sclerotherapy was unsuccessful in you, then a reason for this should be evaluated. You should have a venous reflux exam for underlying reflux and you may need a stronger sclerotherapy solution or you may need the reticular veins treated. I would do a thorough evaluation before giving up on the sclero.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Sclerotherapy may not work in 5 to 10 % of people. My experience is that most people WILL respond to sclerotherapy. If sclerotherapy was unsuccessful in you, then a reason for this should be evaluated. You should have a venous reflux exam for underlying reflux and you may need a stronger sclerotherapy solution or you may need the reticular veins treated. I would do a thorough evaluation before giving up on the sclero.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Foam Sclerotherapy

Foam Sclerotherapy -13 answers
I had EVLT performed on both legs. A week later, I had a foam sclerotherapy treatment. I developed thrombophlebitis following the procedures, and was given ibuprofen 600 for 2 weeks. I am finding that I still have no relief. There is pain behind my knee & inner thigh. What should I do?
See More
Foam Sclerotherapy -5 answers
It has been almost 3 weeks since I had the procedure. Is it OK to go for a full body massage? If not, when will I be able to go?
See More
Foam Sclerotherapy -7 answers
Is it bad for your health to have sclerotherapy? It seems dangerous to inject chemicals like that directly into the bloodstream. Couldn't they spread and cause damage to other veins/areas of the body?
See More
Foam Sclerotherapy -7 answers
20 years ago I had liquid Sclerotherapy and was bandaged for one month. The veins weregone when removed.Two months after my foam sclerotherapy my veins are still there. I know brown pigmentation takes a while to fade. The only difference is that this time I was only given compression stockings, not tight, to wear for 1 week. I've been wearing my own (stronger) stocking for 7 weeks, but no improvement. I'm very disappointed. Will the veins ever improve?
See More
Foam Sclerotherapy -2 answers
I have done several procedures Foam Sclerotherapy, injections, etc. This has caused those areas to stain. Also the pain continues especially when I'm on my mentral cycle, which causes it to be even more pruple and almost black in color.
See More
Foam Sclerotherapy -4 answers
I had the great and short saphenous veins treated on both legs. I am still wearing compression hose during the day but my legs feel very tender and bruised and it hurts when I walk.
See More
Foam Sclerotherapy -2 answers
I hate the big veins on my hands. Is it safe to get rid of them with sclerotherapy?
See More
Foam Sclerotherapy -5 answers
I had the VENUS procedure done 4 weeks ago along with foam sclerotherapy into a perforator vein about 3" above my ankle. Ultrasound shows a thrombosis in this area. It is still hardened, tender, and has not improved. What should I expect my surgeon to do?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Foam Sclerotherapy -2 answers
My leg aches continually especially in warm weather. Can this be eradicated with more foam to reduce the refluxing veins? What are my chances of getting phlebitis again in this leg and how long should I leave it before having more treatment?
See More
Foam Sclerotherapy -10 answers
My doctor says it's okay but I thought veins had to clot in order for the sclerotheraphy to be successful.
See More
Foam Sclerotherapy -6 answers
I am thinking about having foam sclerotherapy and I was once told by a doctor that the blood will clot from the foam and then the foam shrinks the vein. Can you explain this process? How long does the blood clot stay there? Is it a concern, and is there a risk of developing other problems from this treatment, such as cancer?
See More
Foam Sclerotherapy -3 answers
I have developed protruding blue veins around my ankle (my achilles heel area) and generally on my foot. Would foam sclerotherapy or just sclerotherapy be suitable in treating this? Would it help resolve my ankle aching on hot days?
See More
Foam Sclerotherapy -7 answers
I have bulging veins on my feet that concern me health-wise. Can they be treated using sclerotherapy? Or, is there a better procedure for this particular area?
See More
Foam Sclerotherapy -6 answers
I had foam scleotherapy 16 days ago on a very superficial varicose vein behind my left knee. The surgeon injected the vein with foam; however, at that moment, I felt pain along the vein in my inner thigh. I had severe bruising along this vein even though it was far from the site of injection. I now still have bruising and there are palpable tender lumps along the length of the vein on my inner thigh for about 4-5 inches. Is this normal? What do I do?
See More
Foam Sclerotherapy -3 answers
what are the advantages (if any) over Asclera and also, must a compression stocking be worn after the proceedure AND EXACTLY for how long?
See More
Foam Sclerotherapy -2 answers
I had phlebitis which has left my short saphenous vein distended and aching around the foot, ankle, and calf. How is this problem best treated?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR