Liposuction caused many broken veins, how can I fix this? (Sclerotherapy?).

Question

I recently had thigh lipo, after the bruising subsided around week 4, I realized I was left with horrific broken spider veins all over my legs. I'm also still getting electrical shocks of pain in the thigh.The broken veins are so dark that leg makeup will not cover them, it's devastating. Is sclerotherapy for broken spider veins effective? How long after lipo can I get sclerotherapy-Is it safe? I've read it can cause more pain, dangerous blood clots, and other dangerous side effects.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Sclerotherapy is effective, but a formal evaluation is needed. Typically it takes 2-3 treatments of sclerotherapy for improvement otherwise you can try lasers for the smaller vessels. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jenny Weyler, MD · Answer

Sclerotherapy for spider veins is the best treatment for these veins. It is not very painful, and it has very minimal risks and side effects (mostly bruising). In my office we use Asclera, as it is very safe and effective. Sometimes it takes several sessions to treat veins, so don't be disappointed if the first session does not work 100%. I have some patients who are very sensitive to pain who find the procedure uncomfortable, but for the most part it is minimally painful, and there is no pain after the treatment. Clots are not common. I have seen superficial clots which are tiny, and not dangerous. They can be tender, but they resolve eventually, but it can take months.  The dangerous type of clots (deep venous thrombosis) are very rare with Asclera. I have only seen one in 5 years, and I have treated hundreds of patients (that patient had a prior history of a blood clot that I did not know about).

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Sclerotherapy might be a good option to treat your veins. Sclerotherapy treatment involves an injection of a chemical that will cause your vein to contract and become scarred internally. The vein will disappear from your body after some time. Generally, it takes about 8-10 weeks for the vein to disappear. You could also try laser resurfacing and microneedling. For more information, I recommend getting a in person consultation from a board-certified dermatologist.

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

Liposuction is a very aggressive procedure where a machine is used to suction out fat.  It can damage little nerves and blood vessels.  Yes, sclerotherapy can be used to treat blue veins that be unsightly.  However, I would not treat until you are fully healed from liposuction.  The nerve twinges, I would speak to your doctor about.  In doing the liposuction they may have irritated some little nerves.

John Landi, MD · Answer

I frequently see patients post liposuction who develop spider veins.  Sclerotherapy works well on these veins and is very safe.

Liposuction caused many broken veins, how can I fix this? (Sclerotherapy?).

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Answer: Veins post liposuction

Answer: Veins post liposuction

Answer: Liposuction and spider veins.

Answer: Liposuction and spider veins.

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Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

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Liposuction caused many broken veins, how can I fix this? (Sclerotherapy?).

Answers (6)

Answer: Veins post liposuction

Answer: Veins post liposuction

Answer: Liposuction and spider veins.

Answer: Liposuction and spider 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.