My varicose and spider veins look worse than they did before sclerotherapy, is this normal?

I had varicose and spider veins treated with sclerotherapy over 6 months ago. I still have dark pigmentation and bruising, and new veins have appeared near the injection sites. It looks so much worse than it did prior to treatment. Is this usual? I'm so disappointed.

Answers from doctors (10)


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Jul 24, 2013

You need to be evaluated.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

You need to be evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 23, 2013

It is common to experience inflammation after sclerotherapy. It sounds like you had some trapped blood in a treated vein which was not drained out and formed pigmentation. Or, you may have had a strong sclerosant which created pigmentation. It is necessary to close 100% of all feeder veins supplying the spider veins or
they won't disappear. You probably need more sclero done to accomplish this important goal.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

It is common to experience inflammation after sclerotherapy. It sounds like you had some trapped blood in a treated vein which was not drained out and formed pigmentation. Or, you may have had a strong sclerosant which created pigmentation. It is necessary to close 100% of all feeder veins supplying the spider veins or
they won't disappear. You probably need more sclero done to accomplish this important goal.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jul 23, 2013

If those veins that were injected were bulging, then I would say yes that is a typical result. If they were bulging veins then they would have needed to be taken out using a technique called ambulatory phlebectomy. Sometimes when there are deeper sources that need to be detected by ultrasound, the spider veins will come back or new veins are developed. I would recommend an ultrasound on your legs if you haven't had one yet. It is important to find a physician that is certified by the American College of Phlebology. If you visit their website, you can find a physician.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

If those veins that were injected were bulging, then I would say yes that is a typical result. If they were bulging veins then they would have needed to be taken out using a technique called ambulatory phlebectomy. Sometimes when there are deeper sources that need to be detected by ultrasound, the spider veins will come back or new veins are developed. I would recommend an ultrasound on your legs if you haven't had one yet. It is important to find a physician that is certified by the American College of Phlebology. If you visit their website, you can find a physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 23, 2013

Varicose veins are better treated using endovenous techniques instead of plain sclerotherapy.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Varicose veins are better treated using endovenous techniques instead of plain sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Jul 23, 2013

I am sorry to hear that. Permanent hyperpigmentation occurs in 5% of cases, even if the injections were administered properly. The increase in veins is due to inflammation. The new veins may be injected or lasered to cause them to go away. Consider going to a skilled vein specialist.

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Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

I am sorry to hear that. Permanent hyperpigmentation occurs in 5% of cases, even if the injections were administered properly. The increase in veins is due to inflammation. The new veins may be injected or lasered to cause them to go away. Consider going to a skilled vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 23, 2013

In my practice I do not inject varicose veins for the reasons you've described. Larger veins are best removed using microphlebectomy (tiny punctures through which the veins are removed under local anesthetic). The chance of pigmentation in these veins is higher, especially if areas of "trapped" blood are not removed. Spider veins typically can take an average of 3-5 treatments and can offer 70% clearing. However, these veins are something you inherited and are considered "chronic." Everyone responds differently, even developing new veins or failing to respond.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

In my practice I do not inject varicose veins for the reasons you've described. Larger veins are best removed using microphlebectomy (tiny punctures through which the veins are removed under local anesthetic). The chance of pigmentation in these veins is higher, especially if areas of "trapped" blood are not removed. Spider veins typically can take an average of 3-5 treatments and can offer 70% clearing. However, these veins are something you inherited and are considered "chronic." Everyone responds differently, even developing new veins or failing to respond.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jul 22, 2013

I need more information please. Did you have an ultrasound to determine if you have an underlying vein problem? I can give you better information once I have those details and results.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

I need more information please. Did you have an ultrasound to determine if you have an underlying vein problem? I can give you better information once I have those details and results.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jul 22, 2013

That is unfortunate. There are some patients whose legs look worse following sclerotherapy due to dark
pigmentation and/or new veins matting. I would recommend you talk to the doctor who performed the treatment and see what can be done.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

That is unfortunate. There are some patients whose legs look worse following sclerotherapy due to dark
pigmentation and/or new veins matting. I would recommend you talk to the doctor who performed the treatment and see what can be done.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jul 22, 2013

It is normal for treated veins to temporarily look worse for a few weeks to months after treatment, including dark lines. If a batch of new purple or pink spider veins appears (matting), it should be re-evaluated.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

It is normal for treated veins to temporarily look worse for a few weeks to months after treatment, including dark lines. If a batch of new purple or pink spider veins appears (matting), it should be re-evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 22, 2013

This is not usual. The fact that your legs and veins look worse and that new veins have formed suggests that possibly you have an underlying reason for vein formation. You should have a full venous reflux ultrasound to evaluate the valves in the saphenous system. If these are malfunctioning, then these should be corrected. If the valves are good, then you may need a stronger or different type of sclerosing solution.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This is not usual. The fact that your legs and veins look worse and that new veins have formed suggests that possibly you have an underlying reason for vein formation. You should have a full venous reflux ultrasound to evaluate the valves in the saphenous system. If these are malfunctioning, then these should be corrected. If the valves are good, then you may need a stronger or different type of sclerosing solution.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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