What is the protocol regarding ultrasound after sclerotherapy and laser ablation?

Should ultrasound be done at regular intervals to ensure that treated veins have remained closed? What is the protocol regarding ultrasound after sclerotherapy and laser ablation?

Answers from doctors (17)


Center for Vein Care and Surgery

Published on Apr 04, 2013

I don't typically perform an ultrasound after sclerotherapy. I do recommend a 2 day follow-up ultrasound after vein closure to confirm that there are no deep vein blood clots and to assess the effectiveness of the procedure. Three months later, I also obtain a follow-up vein mapping on one or both legs to confirm closure.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1467_1408044096.jpg
Answered by Center for Vein Care and Surgery

I don't typically perform an ultrasound after sclerotherapy. I do recommend a 2 day follow-up ultrasound after vein closure to confirm that there are no deep vein blood clots and to assess the effectiveness of the procedure. Three months later, I also obtain a follow-up vein mapping on one or both legs to confirm closure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Treatment and Aesthetic Center

Published on Mar 13, 2013

Duplex ultrasound is advised after treating a large vein with either sclerotherapy or laser ablation. Most insurance companies demand that an ultrasound be done to show the patient how well the treatment worked.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1433_1408044095.jpg
Answered by Vein Treatment and Aesthetic Center

Duplex ultrasound is advised after treating a large vein with either sclerotherapy or laser ablation. Most insurance companies demand that an ultrasound be done to show the patient how well the treatment worked.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Feb 19, 2013

Protocols vary greatly. Having performed ultrasound-guided treatment for over 20 years, I find a single follow up one month later usually suffices to prove closure. If the patient is part of an ongoing clinical study, then annual follow ups are usually performed.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1015_1408044084.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Protocols vary greatly. Having performed ultrasound-guided treatment for over 20 years, I find a single follow up one month later usually suffices to prove closure. If the patient is part of an ongoing clinical study, then annual follow ups are usually performed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Feb 13, 2013

The protocols vary. The ultrasound can identify unclosed segments, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), feeders or mobile thrombus. If you are concerned, discuss the matter with the treating physician.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1316_1409862499.jpg
Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

The protocols vary. The ultrasound can identify unclosed segments, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), feeders or mobile thrombus. If you are concerned, discuss the matter with the treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Feb 13, 2013

That is a great question and the answer can vary. In our office, we generally follow up at 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. From there, it really depends on how the patient is healing, if they have any new symptoms or whether additional treatment is needed.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1172_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

That is a great question and the answer can vary. In our office, we generally follow up at 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. From there, it really depends on how the patient is healing, if they have any new symptoms or whether additional treatment is needed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Feb 12, 2013

Protocols vary from practitioner. My protocol after EVLT is to check post-op, then at 1 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months. I have seen veins begin to recanalize at various intervals, but true failures have been seen from other offices who did not follow their patients, and I have been asked to perform many redo procedures as a result. I believe it is better and easier to catch these before they fail, as an ultrasound guided injection is
easier and quicker than an EVLT redo. Many insurance companies are making it difficult to properly follow these patients as of recent, and require that the patient experience symptoms prior to authorization.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1365_1408044094.jpg
Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Protocols vary from practitioner. My protocol after EVLT is to check post-op, then at 1 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months. I have seen veins begin to recanalize at various intervals, but true failures have been seen from other offices who did not follow their patients, and I have been asked to perform many redo procedures as a result. I believe it is better and easier to catch these before they fail, as an ultrasound guided injection is
easier and quicker than an EVLT redo. Many insurance companies are making it difficult to properly follow these patients as of recent, and require that the patient experience symptoms prior to authorization.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Feb 12, 2013

Usually a one-week follow up is required. With a laser ablation, after a week it is obvious that the vein is closed. After sclerotherapy, sometimes the vein does not close all the way and retreatment is necessary. It is good to have these follow up appointments and to have a follow-up when there is continuing pain and discomfort. Sometimes the physician will do a follow-up in one month and another 6 months later.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1153_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Usually a one-week follow up is required. With a laser ablation, after a week it is obvious that the vein is closed. After sclerotherapy, sometimes the vein does not close all the way and retreatment is necessary. It is good to have these follow up appointments and to have a follow-up when there is continuing pain and discomfort. Sometimes the physician will do a follow-up in one month and another 6 months later.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 12, 2013

There is no official protocol. There is a 5 percent failure or recanalization rate over 2 years, so that is the rationale for some periodic re-check. If this is caught early, it can be treated with a simple sclerotherapy injection.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

There is no official protocol. There is a 5 percent failure or recanalization rate over 2 years, so that is the rationale for some periodic re-check. If this is caught early, it can be treated with a simple sclerotherapy injection.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Feb 12, 2013

Re-check at three and six months post-procedure.


//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/554_1447800116.jpg
Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Re-check at three and six months post-procedure.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Feb 11, 2013

The "protocol" varies, but an ultrasound should be done several times time in the first year to be sure the vein is closed and remains closed.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

The "protocol" varies, but an ultrasound should be done several times time in the first year to be sure the vein is closed and remains closed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Feb 11, 2013

No ultrasound needed for small sclero treated veins. I usually ultrasound at 1-2 weeks and then 3 months after laser ablation of major veins only.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/772_1408044077.jpg
Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

No ultrasound needed for small sclero treated veins. I usually ultrasound at 1-2 weeks and then 3 months after laser ablation of major veins only.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Feb 11, 2013

We generally do an ultrasound at 2-4 days and then at 1 year.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

We generally do an ultrasound at 2-4 days and then at 1 year.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Feb 11, 2013

Great question. Typically, each clinic will have their own protocols, so there will be variations. We perform an ultrasound examination during and immediately after ablation and sclerotherapy procedures (ultrasound guided sclerotherapy). I examine my patients at two to five days after the ablation and then again at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. This will vary according to the individual response. After ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, I typically see them again at 6 weeks and 3 months. If they are not sealed at 6 weeks, I will re-inject at that time.

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

Great question. Typically, each clinic will have their own protocols, so there will be variations. We perform an ultrasound examination during and immediately after ablation and sclerotherapy procedures (ultrasound guided sclerotherapy). I examine my patients at two to five days after the ablation and then again at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. This will vary according to the individual response. After ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, I typically see them again at 6 weeks and 3 months. If they are not sealed at 6 weeks, I will re-inject at that time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Feb 11, 2013

Yes, an ultrasound should be done at regular intervals to ensure that treated veins have remained closed. After laser ablation, ultrasounds are usually done at 1-2 weeks, then at 3, 6 and 12 month intervals. Annual checkups then follow.



//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/632_1504890617.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Yes, an ultrasound should be done at regular intervals to ensure that treated veins have remained closed. After laser ablation, ultrasounds are usually done at 1-2 weeks, then at 3, 6 and 12 month intervals. Annual checkups then follow.



Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lubbock Vein Specialists

Published on Feb 11, 2013

Yes, ultrasounds are done at regular intervals to ensure that treated veins have remained closed and to be sure that no new areas of venous insufficiency have developed. My protocol is to check at three months, six months, then yearly after an endovenous laser ablation (EVLA).

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/617_1408044072.jpg
Answered by Lubbock Vein Specialists

Yes, ultrasounds are done at regular intervals to ensure that treated veins have remained closed and to be sure that no new areas of venous insufficiency have developed. My protocol is to check at three months, six months, then yearly after an endovenous laser ablation (EVLA).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Feb 11, 2013

My protocol is to do an ultrasound 7 to 10 days after the closure and then usually 1 year later unless symptoms dictate a more frequent sono.

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

My protocol is to do an ultrasound 7 to 10 days after the closure and then usually 1 year later unless symptoms dictate a more frequent sono.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Feb 11, 2013

There is not a written "protocol". However, it is important to follow up with an ultrasound after each procedure is done, particularly if it is major like endovenous thermal ablation of large truncal veins. The same is true for extensive sclerotherapy or if the patient has symptoms that are concerning, say if due to a complication like deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The rationale is rather obvious to check and make sure that the treatment has been effective and that there are no complications. Also, the ultrasound works as re-evaluation to determine if there is need for more work to be done. There is room to be more lax in cases where the small veins have been injected and there is no clinical evidence of complications.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/923_1408044082.jpg
Answered by Heart and Vein Center

There is not a written "protocol". However, it is important to follow up with an ultrasound after each procedure is done, particularly if it is major like endovenous thermal ablation of large truncal veins. The same is true for extensive sclerotherapy or if the patient has symptoms that are concerning, say if due to a complication like deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The rationale is rather obvious to check and make sure that the treatment has been effective and that there are no complications. Also, the ultrasound works as re-evaluation to determine if there is need for more work to be done. There is room to be more lax in cases where the small veins have been injected and there is no clinical evidence of complications.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy -11 answers
How long does it take to see spider veins vanish after Sclerotherapy? Is there any hope the veins will disappear after more time has gone by?
See More
Sclerotherapy -12 answers
I have a lot of green veins on my legs, calves, even my arms and other parts of my body. Are those on my legs reticular veins, or could they be normal veins? They are very obvious. I never had them until my pregnancy last year. I have delivered 1 year ago.
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
Why is it necessary to wear Compression Stockings after Sclerotherapy?
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
I had 6 treatments of sclerotherappy one week apart. Much of the treatments were injecting "feeders". It's been over 2 months since my first treatment and my veins look worse. I have new quite dark veins that have popped up. What happened?
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
Will the length of time be longer then two weeks?
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
It has been 8 weeks since I had spider and 1 surface blue vein injected by vein surgeon. I still have black blue spots and the surface vein looks worse, will this correct itself or do i need more treatments/ new doc??
See More
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
I had a sclerotherapy treatment, but instead of being prescribed compression stockings, my doctor advised me to use an elastic bandage. Is the bandage just as effective as compression stockings?
See More
Sclerotherapy -12 answers
What chemicals are in the saline solution and does it have mercury in it and if not what is in it? what are the side effects if any.
See More
Sclerotherapy -4 answers
I recently just noticed that all of my veins are visible all over my body, including a few in the chest area....is this normal? I'm currently on Accutane too.
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
How long after Sclerotherapy can you get in the sun?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
I just had the sclerotherapy procedure today. I would love to cut off the feet of my compression stockings. I feel like it would be much more comfortable. Would that defeat the purpose?
See More
Sclerotherapy -6 answers
How soon after sclerotherapy can I play tennis? run? dance?
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
After sclerotherapy, there is a small section that is lumpy and discolored. My treating pysician does not drain these, is there any way to speed up the healing/fading of pigmentation?
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
I hade sclerotherapy yesterday, but I can still see a few of the veins that were treated. How long until all the veins disappear?
See More
Sclerotherapy -13 answers
I've heard that occasionally, small lumps of clotted blood can be felt after sclerotherapy. Aren't blood clots quite dangerous?
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
Will running short distances, say 2-4 miles three times per week, be of detriment to sclerotherapy procedures? What about medium distance hikes of 5-10 miles that include hills?
See More
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
Can you go in a hot tub after sclerotherapy and how long do you have to wear the stocking for?
See More
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
I had sclerotherapy almost 4 weeks ago. My legs now ache and feel heavy as soon as I get up in the morning. I have been wearing support knee highs. How long should this last? Legs didn't feel this way before sclerotherapy.
See More
Sclerotherapy -6 answers
Would I see the results right away after Sclerotherapy treatment? If not, when wil the bruises go away? Is it normal to still see all my treated veins after 10 days?
See More
Sclerotherapy -13 answers
I had a sclerotherapy procedure for spider veins on lateral upper thigh just over two weeks ago at derm dr. Since that time, have noticed an approx. 1" wide area of tons of tiny new vessels just distal to injection sites. How long before this goes away?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR