Is this signs that Scelerotherapy did not work?

I had sclerotherapy on several reticular veins for the 2nd time about 1 month ago. At times the veins bulge during the day, but other times look flat. Is this part of the healing process or does this mean that the sclerotherapy did not work? Thanks.

Answers from doctors (6)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 30, 2011

When the reticulars are larger they will take longer to resolve if they are sealed. If they feel firm to touch (or like small bumps, lines etc) there may be trapped blood in there. This happens when the vein collapses and there are small pockets of old blood in there. These are best released by your treating sclerotheapist/doctor. It is a quick visit and there shouldn't be a charge. It will speed up healing. Veins can take 3-5 treatments to resolve. Reticulars often seal in less time. There are procedures that involve injection and a combination with interrupting the vein with a small puncture which can be very effective.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

When the reticulars are larger they will take longer to resolve if they are sealed. If they feel firm to touch (or like small bumps, lines etc) there may be trapped blood in there. This happens when the vein collapses and there are small pockets of old blood in there. These are best released by your treating sclerotheapist/doctor. It is a quick visit and there shouldn't be a charge. It will speed up healing. Veins can take 3-5 treatments to resolve. Reticulars often seal in less time. There are procedures that involve injection and a combination with interrupting the vein with a small puncture which can be very effective.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein and Laser Institute

Published on Mar 30, 2011

If the veins became large during the day it means there is active flow in those veins and need further treatment.

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Answered by Arizona Vein and Laser Institute

If the veins became large during the day it means there is active flow in those veins and need further treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Mar 29, 2011

A few questions regarding your evaluation. Did you have a thorough venous
insufficiency ultrasound before your sclerotherapy? It sounds like you
might have some underlying insufficiency in the deeper veins so if you have
not had an ultrasound this is the next step. If you have had an ultrasound
you might want to consider a second opinion and another ultrasound. Bulging
in the veins is a pretty good sign of underlying leaky veins connecting to
and causing the reticular veins to be pressurized (and bulge). If the veins
are tender and you can feel a "knot" where the vein was then this is likely
clot and should be drained.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/740_1408044075.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialists

A few questions regarding your evaluation. Did you have a thorough venous
insufficiency ultrasound before your sclerotherapy? It sounds like you
might have some underlying insufficiency in the deeper veins so if you have
not had an ultrasound this is the next step. If you have had an ultrasound
you might want to consider a second opinion and another ultrasound. Bulging
in the veins is a pretty good sign of underlying leaky veins connecting to
and causing the reticular veins to be pressurized (and bulge). If the veins
are tender and you can feel a "knot" where the vein was then this is likely
clot and should be drained.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Mar 29, 2011

Generally if the vein is filling and collapsing they are still open, but possibly partially treated. Not all sclerotherapy treatment are 100% sucessful, and commonly repeat injections are required.
Michael D. Ingegno, MD

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Generally if the vein is filling and collapsing they are still open, but possibly partially treated. Not all sclerotherapy treatment are 100% sucessful, and commonly repeat injections are required.
Michael D. Ingegno, MD

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Mar 29, 2011

Have the treating physician re-evaluate them.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Have the treating physician re-evaluate them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 29, 2011

It is impossible to answer this question without seeing you. Veins can be open and bulge when you stand or clotted from sclero and seem more prominent when you stand. You should follow up with your vein care specialist.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

It is impossible to answer this question without seeing you. Veins can be open and bulge when you stand or clotted from sclero and seem more prominent when you stand. You should follow up with your vein care specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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