Sclerotherapy while on Accutane?

Is it okay to have Sclerotherapy performed on red spider or varicose veins on my legs while on Accutane?

4 answers to “Sclerotherapy while on Accutane?”

A: Yes

Scott E. Kasden, MD

I perform a lot of sclerotherapy.  The big concern is that some of the solution may leak out of the vein, and result in a wound.  Accutane will not affect the vein or the injection, but may have some potential to inhibit healing should a wound develop. sek

A: It will be fine unless....

Mary Lupo, MD

Rarely, sclerotherapy can cause an ulcer if the sclerosant liquid leaks into the skin rather than stay in the vessel. If that happens, the healing would be significantly delayed if on Accutane. For certain, laser is a definite "no", but I'd say if the doctor has done it before for you, and is very... more

A: Sclerotherapy while on accutane

Bryan K. Chen, MD

I agree fully with Dr. Oppenheim, that injection sclerotherapy should not be a problem in patients on accutane, while laser sclerotherapy is best avoided for 6 months after discontinuation of Accutane because of the increased risk of scarring.  

A: Traditional Sclerotherapy Would be Fine

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

I do not see a problem with injection sclerotherapy. A fine needle would not deliver much trauma to the skin. However, I would wait six months after you have competed your course of Accutane before laser sclerotherapy. The laser traces the vessels rather than a single injection point. An... more

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