I had sclerotherapy treatment in Feb 2011. Despite following directions to the letter, my spider veins are back. Why?
I know that is frustrating to see spider veins return. Unfortunately, the underlying conditions, primarily genetic, that caused the spider veins are still present so new or returning veins can occur.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Spider veins typically take a series of treatments for long term results. There could be several reasons for your concerns.
Firstly, were the reticular (feeder) veins treated? In other words did your Sclerotherapist use a trans-illumination light (in a darkened room) to see if these were present?
Secondly, we inform our patients that an average area of veins can take 3-5 treatments at about 4 week intervals. This varies from person to person for many reasons (genetics, hormones, age, smoking, previous treatments etc).
Norman N. Bein MD FACS RVT
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Probably the underlying deeper "feeder" vein that generate those spider
veins were not treated. Those feeder veins are often difficult to see and
treat with ordinary light, unless the doctor uses a special deep penetrating
light source when performing sclerotherapy. There are other reasons
for failure, including using a weak and ineffective solution, poor
technique, etc
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is not uncommon for this to happen, even when you follow all instructions perfectly. You want to ensure there is no higher level of reflux present (confirmed with Duplex Ultrasound) in the Great Saphenous Veins or Small Saphenous Veins. This will make the success of sclerotherapy lower.
Repeat sessions are often necessary for reluctant veins, so your situation is not a rare one. It may be necessary to have follow up injections performed. You should discuss these concerns with the physician who performed the procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is no permanent way to eradicate spider veins. Some will always return. When you think of spider vein treatment think in terms of maintenance. Periodically you will need to have touch up spider vein treatments to keep them under control. Some patients are fortunate it that once treated the veins will not recur, but for most, some recurrence happens periodically.
Published on Jul 11, 2012