Could the lump that has formed under my skin after sclerotherapy be trapped blood?

Two weeks after having a sclerotherapy treatment, a lump developed under the skin. It is slightly red and sore to the touch. There's also bruising around the treated area. Could this be trapped blood?

Answers from doctors (12)


More About Doctor Premier Heart & Vein Care

Published on Jul 01, 2013

Yes, the lump that has formed under your skin may be trapped blood. A quick ultrasound would answer that question and provide the doctor with the information he needs to outline the appropriate form of therapy based on your individual needs. If there is trapped blood, it could then be easily removed via ultrasound guidance.

Answered by Premier Heart & Vein Care (View Profile)

Yes, the lump that has formed under your skin may be trapped blood. A quick ultrasound would answer that question and provide the doctor with the information he needs to outline the appropriate form of therapy based on your individual needs. If there is trapped blood, it could then be easily removed via ultrasound guidance.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on May 28, 2013

Based on what you describe, it definitely sounds like it could be trapped blood. However, when done correctly, sclerotherapy rarely generates trapped blood unless the vein being treated is really large. Such could also occur if the person treating you did not address the reticular veins feeding into the vein(s) that now have the redness and soreness. If you fail to treat the primary veins feeding into a spider vein, trapped blood can result.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Based on what you describe, it definitely sounds like it could be trapped blood. However, when done correctly, sclerotherapy rarely generates trapped blood unless the vein being treated is really large. Such could also occur if the person treating you did not address the reticular veins feeding into the vein(s) that now have the redness and soreness. If you fail to treat the primary veins feeding into a spider vein, trapped blood can result.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on May 22, 2013

Yes, it is very likely.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Yes, it is very likely.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on May 22, 2013

Yes, most likely it is that. Your treating physician should be following it and aspirating the trapped blood.

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

Yes, most likely it is that. Your treating physician should be following it and aspirating the trapped blood.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on May 22, 2013

Most of the time that is trapped blood. If it is big enough and continues to hurt, then your doctor would make an incision and drain some of that trapped blood in order to help the healing process along.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Most of the time that is trapped blood. If it is big enough and continues to hurt, then your doctor would make an incision and drain some of that trapped blood in order to help the healing process along.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on May 21, 2013

You are correct; the vein is thicker and the blood is beginning to liquefy.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

You are correct; the vein is thicker and the blood is beginning to liquefy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on May 21, 2013

Yes, the lump that has formed under your skin after sclerotherapy could be trapped blood. It is best to follow up with your doctor to check.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes, the lump that has formed under your skin after sclerotherapy could be trapped blood. It is best to follow up with your doctor to check.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on May 21, 2013

Yes, it could be trapped blood. See your MD.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Yes, it could be trapped blood. See your MD.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on May 21, 2013

It does not sound like trapped blood. Instead, the area may scab over.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

It does not sound like trapped blood. Instead, the area may scab over.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on May 21, 2013

It is quite normal to have a "lump" under the skin just exactly 2 weeks after sclerotherapy. It is the treated vein that now is closed. This is a good sign and indicates that the treatment is working as predicted. Use anti-inflamatories if the area is tender; otherwise, you will be just fine. It will resolve on its own in 2-3 more weeks.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

It is quite normal to have a "lump" under the skin just exactly 2 weeks after sclerotherapy. It is the treated vein that now is closed. This is a good sign and indicates that the treatment is working as predicted. Use anti-inflamatories if the area is tender; otherwise, you will be just fine. It will resolve on its own in 2-3 more weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on May 21, 2013

It could certainly be trapped blood and given your description, that may be the most likely explanation. Fortunately, it is a pretty straightforward diagnosis with good ultrasound. If it is trapped blood, it can usually be treated easily by aspirating the blood through a hypodermic needle after placing a little numbing medicine. The segment may be treated with foam sclerotherapy to help it close. Usually, relief of discomfort is almost immediate, although you may have a little tenderness that lasts a day or two.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

It could certainly be trapped blood and given your description, that may be the most likely explanation. Fortunately, it is a pretty straightforward diagnosis with good ultrasound. If it is trapped blood, it can usually be treated easily by aspirating the blood through a hypodermic needle after placing a little numbing medicine. The segment may be treated with foam sclerotherapy to help it close. Usually, relief of discomfort is almost immediate, although you may have a little tenderness that lasts a day or two.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 21, 2013

It certainly could be trapped blood, or it could be the treated vein that has clotted. It may also be a hematoma (when blood escapes the vein and collects in the tissue). I would apply warm compresses and follow up with your treating physician if there is no improvement, or if the problem has worsened.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

It certainly could be trapped blood, or it could be the treated vein that has clotted. It may also be a hematoma (when blood escapes the vein and collects in the tissue). I would apply warm compresses and follow up with your treating physician if there is no improvement, or if the problem has worsened.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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