Is It Safe to Get Sclerotherapy at a Med Spa?

Question

I recently purchased a vein treatment package at a med spa that includes 2 sclerotherapy treatments and 2 laser treatments. I'm now having buyer's remorse and am wondering if it's even safe to get a procedure like sclerotherapy done at a cosmetic med spa. I don't really feel like the people at the med spa know me (and they've barely even looked at my legs!). Am I right in worrying that I should be seeing a dermatologist or vein specialist for this procedure?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

The safety of sclerotherapy really depends on the expertise of the injector and the underlying reason you are getting sclerotherapy.  A board certified vein surgeon will always be your best bet.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Sclerotherapy, and any vein removal treatments for that matter, should always be performed by a board certified dermatologist, as they have the highest level of knowledge necessary to carry out the procedure in a safe and effective way. As a pioneer of sclerotherapy and double board certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, I would encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable dermatologist before having your injections at a MedSpa. We NEVER sell a “package” for any medical procedure, because, if performed properly, only one procedure is necessary. I have found that lasers are only effective for the smallest veins and then only after sclerotherapy. In my experience, less than 1% of all leg vein patients require a laser treatment. While a “package” might sound like a good deal, I have found that you “get what you pay for.”

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

I would highly recommend that you see a plastic surgeon, dermatologist, vascular surgeon for an evaluation and treatment for your leg veins.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Sclerotherapy is an art in of itself. Medical judgement and expertise is necessary to determine if the injection is purely for cosmetic reasons or for underlying medical venous disease or BOTH. Seek a Board Certified Physician who has certification from the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.

Hal Michael Bass, MD · Answer

Whether the treatment takes place in a dermatologist’s office or licensed medical spa, the safety and efficacy of sclerotherapy depends upon the knowledge and skill of the administering practitioner. You need to go for a consultation, and select a practitioner based on his or her credentials as well as the level of trust inspired. Expect to be given a thorough examination by the administering physician or PA who specializes in vascular conditions. I’d also suggest you ask to see before and after photos of actual patients before you make your decision.

John Landi, MD · Answer

Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure and should be performed by trained personnel-either a physician or a physician's assistant under the guidance of the physician. There is overlap in physicians who perform sclerotherapy including vein specialists, vascular surgeons, dermatologists and plastic surgeons. In addition to this, before undergoing sclerotherapy you should first be certain that this is the ideal procedure for you and, in order to determine that, you should be evaluated by a physician. Therefore, the short answer is that you should NOT have sclerotherapy in a med spa unless done by a physician trained in vein treatment.

Donna Bilu Martin, MD · Answer

Sclerotherapy is a very effective treatment for small to medium varicose veins. That being said, a number of side effects can occur with treatments, including: allergic reactions, hyperpigmentation, matting of vessels, ulceration, and blood clots. Although these side effects are uncommon, it is always advisable to have injections of any kind performed by a board certified physician with cosmetic experience, such as a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or vascular surgeon.

David Goldberg, MD · Answer

Sclerotherapy treatment should be performed by a highly trained dermatologist. At Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists, we combine injections (sclerotherapy) with the use of lasers to treat veins of various sizes. Blue veins are typically treated with sclerotherapy; smaller red ones are often treated with an Nd:YAG or other lasers. Larger varicose veins are often treated with an endovenous laser approach.

Joel Gotvald, MD, FACS · Answer

In the era of Groupon and other internet-based discount sites, it is not uncommon to see advertisements by "med-spas" for inexpensive skin treatments, including spider vein treatments. As a vein specialist, what I have seen is an increasing influx of patients seeing me after their med spa experience, dissatisfied with their results. The main complaints are either lack of response to the treatments, or skin side effects from the treatment. And it seems to always be the same story, regardless if whether sclerotherapy, laser therapy, or another vein treatment was tried. What I always preach is that you get what you pay for. I would suggest that you seek out a vein specialist who does primarily cosmetic vein treatments. I would also check to make sure that the physician is actually going to be doing the treatments, not a medical assistant or nurse (as their level of experience and abilities is unpredictable). I hope that was a helpful answer.

Channing R. Barnett, MD · Answer

In my opinion, sclerotherapy should be performed by a physician in a physician's office. There are permanent negative side effects that can result from sclerotherapy when performed in an inappropriate setting by someone who is not properly trained.

Is It Safe to Get Sclerotherapy at a Med Spa?

Answers (12)

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