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

John Landi, MD · Answer

Sclerotherapy is a process and I wait 6 weeks between treatments.  My first concern would be why you have abdominal veins.  Spider veins can occur for many minor reasons but varicose veins usually indicate an underlying problem.  So if you have varicose veins then a vascular evaluation with a duplex ultrasound is indicated.  If you have only spider veins then I would wait another 6 weeks before undergoing a 3rd sclerotherapy treatment.

Ivan Brooks, MD · Answer

The results of sclerotherapy can not be truly appreciated until 2 months after sometime several months.  The question I have is why you are getting these veins around the belly.  I would definitely suggest an vascular ultrasound to verify there is no other pathology with the vascular components that feed into the larger veins.

Alix J. Charles, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I think you should discuss this in person with the person who did your treatments.  They may have an explanation for what you are experiencing, and perhaps they can offer you more guidance with an in person examination.  Best of luck to you!

Sclerotherapy on abdomen. Should I get the treatment again?

Answers (8)

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