Sclerotherapy on abdomen. Should I get the treatment again?

Question

I have had sclerotherapy done on my abdominal veins. I have had 2 treatments. Right after the 2nd treatment i noticed the veins were basically gone. Now it has been 6 weeks and they are back. Not as visible as they were before the first treatment, but I can still see them. Should I get the treatment again? Is it bad to wait a couple months to see if they end up going away? Or will this defeat the purpose of having the 2 treatments.

Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with the previous comments - spider veins on the abdomen can be successfully treated and it can take 1 to 3 sessions for clearance, spaced 6 weeks apart. Longer is OK. I have treated spider veins on the shoulders, back, abdomen, and chest. Varicose veins in the abdominal area should be evaluated with an ultrasound, but scattered spider veins seem to be a normal variant. Go ahead and give it another try, recognizing that these veins, like all spider veins, can take a series of sessions to resolve completely and can re-occur.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This is difficult to answer without an in-person evaluation.Typically it takes 2-3 treatments of sclerotherapy for improvement otherwise you can try lasers for the smaller vessels. I recommend following up with your Doctor about the best timing of treatments. Best, Dr. Emer

Jeffrey Gosin, MD, FACS · Answer

There is never any harm in waiting a bit longer to see the results of sclerotherapy.  It will not defeat the purpose of having the first 2 treatments.  It often takes a month or 2, sometimes even longer, to observe the final results of a sclerotherapy treatment.

Michael Nguyen, MD · Answer

Consider an evaluation with a vein specialist first including abdomen and lower extremities imaging to assess patency of circulation. This is my recommendation before treating again with an sclerosant agent. Your physician will be able to make proper recommendation based on imaging results and expertise. 
Best,

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

This particlar problem requires expertise. Provided there are no liver issues (portal hypertension), these are best treated by a vein specialist who is a surgeon with microphlebectomy. They need to be imaged by a vein specialist who has ultrasound credentials who can do the exam himself. This is not routine vein work. See an expert. We will be happy to evaluate and treat you.H Karamanoukian MD FACS RVT RPVI RPhS

Sclerotherapy on abdomen. Should I get the treatment again?

Answers (8)

Answer: Vein specialist evaluation

Answer: Vein specialist evaluation

Answer: Recurrence of abdominal wall veins

Answer: Recurrence of abdominal wall veins

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Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

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Sclerotherapy on abdomen. Should I get the treatment again?

Answers (8)

Answer: Vein specialist evaluation

Answer: Vein specialist evaluation

Answer: Recurrence of abdominal wall veins

Answer: Recurrence of abdominal wall veins

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.