If matting persists after 3 years, should I learn to live with it?

Question

I had sclerotherapy in 2013 and they told me that matting could occur but that it might go away in about a year. Obviously it has been 3 years and it seems like it has worsen. One specialist told me that injecting the feeder veins might help, but another told me that it would not help, it could even get worse. The first doctor wants to charge me $250 for a test and $400 for sclerotherapy. I have spent already $900 and my legs look much worse than they did before 2013. What can I do?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Start with a diagnostic ultrasound followed by more sclerotherapy of the reticular veins. Matting can be improved. Make sure to wear Venasmart compression stockings afterwards. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Matting can be improved with lasers, I like pulsed dye and/or microsecond YAG lasers.  Please see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Published studies show that matting goes away after a year. You need a Duplex scan to see if there are untreated feeder veins underneath that were not treated.H Karamanoukian MD FACScertified vein specialist from ABVLM

John Landi, MD · Answer

Post sclerotherapy matting is sometimes difficult to treat.  Often times matting will spontaneously resolve over 18 months.  Matting 3 years down the line may be permanent.  I would certainly reevaluate you with a venous ultrasound to look for not only feeders to the matted area but also underlying venous reflux which could contribute to the venous hypertension.  Some topical lasers may help and you also need to distinguisn between matting and staining. See a vein specialist.

Craig Schwartz, DO · Answer

Capillary matting following spider vein sclerotherapy is not an uncommon occurrence, but the good news is there are treatment options available. Lasers can be used to improve the appearance, as well as non-laser devices such as VeinGogh. Typically, when matting appears, there is a feeding vein, or reticular vein, that is still supplying the region, and this must also be shut down to prevent recurrence or persisitence. My suggestion would be to see a vein specialist to review your status, and the ongoing treatment options.

If matting persists after 3 years, should I learn to live with it?

Answers (5)