I had ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy in both legs in 2013, and now I have truncal reflux, pain, more veins and swelling in one leg. Why?
My right leg is two inches wider than my left. The surgeon gave that leg more injections.
I've recently seen someone who says that since the procedure was done I now have lipodema and reflux in my truncal veins. Can scierotherapy make this condition worse and cause pain, swelling and fluid? What can I do to improve? Thank you.
Answers from doctors (5)
Whatever sclerotherapy you had in the past should not be the cause of whatever problems you have described and are now experiencing.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sclerotherapy does not cause lipedema. Secondly venous disease is hereditary, and therefore can be progressive with time. A careful ultrasound exam of your superficial veins should help dictate the best treatment plan for you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The procedure you had may not have treated the source of the problem, such as closure of the Great Saphenous vein, Small Saphenous vein, or other incompetent superficial truncal vein. Probably foam was injected into the varicose veins, which is only a cosmetic treatment, not addressing the source.
You need to be evaluated by a specialist and the source of the problem needs to be treated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Lipedema is a different condition than lymphedema. Lipedema is a genetically predisposed condition with abnormal FAT deposition, i.e. a fat disorder. It is usually bilateral, spares the feet (feet NOT involved) and the legs would be very tender to the touch. It is not associated with venous insufficiency. This is different that LYMPHedema.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is very difficult to say why you have this problem. It could be from over injection damaging saphenous vein valves, but it could also be incidental. I would most likely guess what the swelling is from lymphedema, not lipodema. When the lymph channels become blocked or disrupted, they cannot drain from the legs up into the body. This can be an incidental occurrence, inherited or from an injury. I would recommend being evaluated by a board certified vascular surgeon and also get a referral to a hospital based lymphedema clinic. It is important to treat this as early as possible. There are treatments - massage, wrapping and compression hose - which can be done with a therapist and there is also a home program done with a pump.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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