Yes, sclerotherapy does work. However, you should not expect all those nasty little vessles to be gone in one session. If 75 per cent resolve after each session that is not a bad success rate.
There are a number of potential complications depending on the solution that is used. For instance, ulcerations are most common with hypertonic saline, and rare with chromated glycerine. Some of the more common complications include bruising, ulcerations, and edema (swelling) of the lower legs,
It is possible to have an allergic reaction to the solution being injected. This could obviously be a life-threatening event. I had a patient who had an anaphylactic reaction to polidocanol, (not in my office praise the Lord) and nearly died.
Thrombophlebitis is the most feared event. This is a very rare event. Most physicians will use compression in the form of bandages or stockings to help prevent this.
Costs, like many of these procedures varies between $100-300 a session.
