I have numerous visible blue veins on chest, arms, hips and legs. My sclerotherapist said these can all be injected with sclerosant in one day. Is it safe to have that much slerosant in my body at once? Also, I am battling thinning hair. Could that make it worse?
It depends on the concentration used, which is typically determined by the vein's size. It is
usually clinician preference as to what the concentration will be.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Opinions vary about the safe amount of sclerosant that can be used during the procedure. It is pretty harmless though. If using very dilute strengths, fairly large volumes can safely be given. I doubt the sclerosant has anything to do with the hair loss.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It depends on the concentration of sclerosant your practitioner is using. Generally, we don't go over 10 cc's per session. That sounds like a lot to cover in one session, but it depends on how densely populated the areas appear.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sclerosant injections will not affect your hair. The amount of sclerosant injected depends a great deal upon the size of the veins being treated and the concentration of the solution. Large veins require a higher concentration than smaller veins. The doctor treating you will be able to determine how much of the solution should be used. Foam sclerotherapy requires much less solution, but only small amounts can be used during a treatment session. Again, this is all determined by the doctor.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
We would need to know total dose considered, and there should be no affect on
thinning hair.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I generally limit my injections to 30cc of 0.2 percent in a session, but I suspect that more is acceptable. See your provider or check the package inserts.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Usually 20cc of sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) is considered safe for the body in one session. With small reticular veins like yours, 20cc can treat many veins. I have never heard or read any research that indicates STS can be related to the thinning of hair. With the veins on the legs, did you have an ultrasound to determine if there were other veins that could be causing the veins in your legs?
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is a recommended volume which I'm sure your physician will be adhering to. I suspect he/she will be using foamed STS rather than liquid. Without seeing your veins it's hard to say, but treating the areas you are talking about doesn't seem unreasonable.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is difficult to say how much of the solution you will have injected. It will also depend on the concentration used for each body part. I would be concerned with allergic reaction if the volume is high.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are acceptable volumes of sclerosant. I would inquire as to other, newer sclerosants as well. Polidocanol has been FDA approved for several years and is more widely used by vein specialists.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Generally, 10 cc of a 0.2% or 4cc of 0.5% is safe. The total number of veins and how thorough the treatment is the factor. The expertise of your sclerotherapist is also critical, as is your body weight.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
STS will not affect hair thinning. All solutions injected have a limit as to the amount that can be used, but this depends on many factors including size of veins injected, concentration used, foam versus liquid and location of veins. Your sclerotherapist should be aware of all of these factors and make a decision based on this.
Published on Jul 11, 2012