Why would cellulite develop after sclerotherapy? What should I do?!

I had one treatment of slerotherapy on both legs (actually I think it was a double treatment in one) about 8 months ago. Right after the procedure, I noticed patchy swelling. I thought it would get better, but now I'm stuck with cellulite! Why did this happen? What can I do about it?

Answers from doctors (9)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Dec 09, 2013

I would recommend a follow-up appointment because the sclero probably didn't close the vein like it should have previously. Make sure your physician is accredited by the American College of Phlebology.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

I would recommend a follow-up appointment because the sclero probably didn't close the vein like it should have previously. Make sure your physician is accredited by the American College of Phlebology.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 11, 2013

I don't know why cellulite has developed; this is a very unusual occurrence. You should return to your treating physician for an evaluation.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

I don't know why cellulite has developed; this is a very unusual occurrence. You should return to your treating physician for an evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Nov 11, 2013

Unfortunately, I can't help you there.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Unfortunately, I can't help you there.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Nov 11, 2013

After working as a vein specialist for 25 years, I have never seen cellulite occur as a result of sclerotherapy. But, on rare occasions I have seen a small depressed area develop where a large varicosity had been. Consult with your treating physician.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

After working as a vein specialist for 25 years, I have never seen cellulite occur as a result of sclerotherapy. But, on rare occasions I have seen a small depressed area develop where a large varicosity had been. Consult with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 08, 2013

Celllulite caused by sclerotherapy would be unlikely. It is difficult to say what the cause is without seeing the area.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Celllulite caused by sclerotherapy would be unlikely. It is difficult to say what the cause is without seeing the area.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Nov 08, 2013

You should return to the physician who treated you and get assessed.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

You should return to the physician who treated you and get assessed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Nov 08, 2013

Sclerotherapy did NOT cause cellulite. Swelling, discoloration (pigmentation), and irregularity in skin contour due to subcutaneous scarring from extravasation can be effects of sclerotherapy.

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

Sclerotherapy did NOT cause cellulite. Swelling, discoloration (pigmentation), and irregularity in skin contour due to subcutaneous scarring from extravasation can be effects of sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Nov 07, 2013

I have never heard of cellulite developing following sclerotherapy. Swelling following sclerotherapy can occur, and certainly should resolve over several weeks. Cellulite is not a swelling problem, rather it is due to thickening (fibrous) areas of the skin and underlying tissue which form an irregular appearance. The true cause of cellulite is not known, but there is a strong genetic component. I doubt that this occurred because of the sclerotherapy.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

I have never heard of cellulite developing following sclerotherapy. Swelling following sclerotherapy can occur, and certainly should resolve over several weeks. Cellulite is not a swelling problem, rather it is due to thickening (fibrous) areas of the skin and underlying tissue which form an irregular appearance. The true cause of cellulite is not known, but there is a strong genetic component. I doubt that this occurred because of the sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Nov 07, 2013

Not sure if that can happen.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Not sure if that can happen.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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