How effective is Sclerotherapy?

I have had Sclerotherapy injections for several years in an attempt to combat the spider veins which are in greatest concentration around my shin and ankle areas.

My physician has told me that there is a limit as to what can be done to eradicate these veins, as they are so tiny and numerous. Is there any hope for me to ever have lower legs and ankles that don't look red and blotchy?

5 answers to “How effective is Sclerotherapy?”

A: There are several choices with sclerotherapy

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
By Jeffrey Zwiren, MD - Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a chemical irritant directly into the small spider veins.  These spider veins are completely out of the circulation and do nothing other than look bad.  There are two main chemicals that can be used to  perform sclerotherapy, hypertonic saline and sodium... more

A: Sclerotherapy is my preference

Mary Lupo, MD
By Mary Lupo, MD - New Orleans Dermatologist

There has been several scientific studies comparing sclerotherapy to laser for small leg vessels. Sclerotherapy is more effective with fewer treatments. The ankle area is a risky area if the sclerosant is injected outside the vessel becasue necrosis can occur and this area is very slow to heal. Your age, the... more

A: Sclerotherapy and small blood vessels of the legs and ankles

Bryan K. Chen, MD
By Bryan K. Chen, MD - San Diego Dermatologist

I agree that the small vessels of the legs and ankles can be resistant to treatment with sclerotherapy.  Furthermore, when the vessels are so small, even the best practitioner may have difficulty injecting these vessels. Vascular lasers are options to consider including the ND:YAG 1064, v-beam... more

A: Yes there is more than hope.

Scott E. Kasden, MD
By Scott E. Kasden, MD - Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Sclerotherapy is very effective.  It is important to be aware that several treatments may be needed, and over time you will tend to form more spiders. That said, it is important also to know that sclerotherapy (injections) has limits- spiders that are too small can't be injected because the needle is too... more

A: Yes

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
By Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD - Virginia Beach Dermatologist

 Sclerotherapy has a very high satisfaction rate as you might judge from its sitting pretty close to the top of the poll on this site.      Your physician is correct as the small vessels can be very difficult to eradicate. The more times sclero is done the harder it is to get rid of the... more

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