Should I get venous Doppler studies before Sclerotherapy?

Important considerations in sclerotherapy include the proper use of sclerosant solutions, but more importantly, the technique used for injection.  Larger veins should be addressed prior to smaller end branches. As a fellow of the American College of Phlebology and a double board certified surgeon who is a... more

The experienced vein specialist should be able to detect during the first consultation if you need additional study before proceeding with the sclerotherapy. In some cases it might be necessary to get an ultrasound to make sure there is not a problem with a blood flow in the main vein. If such occurs it must... more

If you only have small spider veins in the absence of signs/symptoms of venous insufficiency, it would be hard to justify obtaining a study that would likely show normal results.  Most doctors who perform sclerotherapy do not obtain any studies for spider veins or small reticular veins in the absence of... more

In my practice, for just spider veins without signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency, I don't get the studies.  In cases where I suspect that venous insufficiency exists, I would refer to a vascular surgeon who may order that work up.

Yes. Before elective vein procedures it is important to get Doppler studies to make sure that you don't have venous insufficiency, also called venous reflux disease. This ensures better success when this condition is excluded as it is less likely for you to have recurrence of spider veins, reticular veins,... more