Are there risks associated with having multiple sclerotherapy sessions, or is there a limited number of treatments a person should have on both legs?

My doctor recommended sclerotherapy after stripping to treat the remaining small(er) veins. He said I have venous insufficiency and that my varicosities will keep coming back. He said that I could have injections of sclerosant every few months if necessary to keep the varicosities under control and to prevent development of big bulging veins. Are there any risks associated with having multiple sclerotherapy sessions, or is there a limited number of treatments a person should have on both legs?

Answers from doctors (4)


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on Oct 02, 2015

Sclerotherapy is performed commonly and frequently. Although sulfa allergy is a contraindication, limiting the injected volume per session reduces the risk of potential adverse reactions. Consult with a vein specialist and be sure to inform them of this before undergoing treatment. The specialist you choose should be board-certified and capable of treating patients with your condition to prevent adverse effects.

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Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Sclerotherapy is performed commonly and frequently. Although sulfa allergy is a contraindication, limiting the injected volume per session reduces the risk of potential adverse reactions. Consult with a vein specialist and be sure to inform them of this before undergoing treatment. The specialist you choose should be board-certified and capable of treating patients with your condition to prevent adverse effects.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 02, 2015

There is no limit to the number of sclerotherapy treatments that one may have but, realistically speaking, 3 to 5 treatments spaced about 6 weeks apart should resolve the vein issues. It is important to treat any underlying refluxing valves first. In addition, sclerotherapy should be considered an ongoing process and periodic touch-up sclerotherapy may be necessary. The majority of my patients usually resolve their veins within 3 sclerotherapy sessions and then I recommend yearly follow-ups.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

There is no limit to the number of sclerotherapy treatments that one may have but, realistically speaking, 3 to 5 treatments spaced about 6 weeks apart should resolve the vein issues. It is important to treat any underlying refluxing valves first. In addition, sclerotherapy should be considered an ongoing process and periodic touch-up sclerotherapy may be necessary. The majority of my patients usually resolve their veins within 3 sclerotherapy sessions and then I recommend yearly follow-ups.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on Oct 01, 2015

There is no risk with having multiple sclerotherapy sessions, and this is perfectly safe as long as they are done by someone who is trained in treating veins.

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Answered by Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

There is no risk with having multiple sclerotherapy sessions, and this is perfectly safe as long as they are done by someone who is trained in treating veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Oct 01, 2015

If the stripping was done appropriately and you do not have varicose veins or smaller visible reticular veins which are causing discomfort, you should not need treatment at this time. If you have concerns with the plan, you could seek a second opinion from a board-certified vascular surgeon who specializes in treating veins. You can then make the appropriate decision. Treatments can be done multiple times without problems in experienced hands.

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

If the stripping was done appropriately and you do not have varicose veins or smaller visible reticular veins which are causing discomfort, you should not need treatment at this time. If you have concerns with the plan, you could seek a second opinion from a board-certified vascular surgeon who specializes in treating veins. You can then make the appropriate decision. Treatments can be done multiple times without problems in experienced hands.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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