Cynthia Steimle, MD

It is not uncommon for a branch of veins to be swollen and painful one week following sclerotherapy treatment.  The solution was instilled into the veins to shut them down.  Depending on their location, for example, the ankle or back of the knee are not able to rest when continuing with normal daily activities.  Continue to monitor the treatment site, wear support hose, and take Tylenol or Motrin as needed.  If the area becomes reddened, contact your sclerotherapy provider. 

The size of the vein will likely determine the amount of time needed for your body to absorb the vein.  The bigger the vein is, the longer the amount of time necessary for the body to absorb the shut-down vein.

Sclerotherapy is not a substitute for EVLT.  Sclerotherapy is ideal for spider and reticular veins.  At times, a higher percentage of the solution is used for ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy to shut down perforating veins, but would not be ideal for treatment of saphenous vein reflux.  

Over the counter compression stockings will not improve the discoloration that was caused by shutting down the reticular veins.  Your body needs time to absorb these veins.  Keep these areas protected from the sun as to not increase the color.  Otherwise, some clinics offer laser machines (such as our office offers Sciton laser treatments) that will help to remove these discolorations.

On average, a complete tattoo removal process will take five to eight treatments with both nanosecond and picosecond technology, typically scheduled every six to eight weeks.  Black colored tattoos typically see quicker results versus a tattoo that contains a lot of colors.