Is it normal for my legs to look this bad 9 days after sclerotherapy? This is a lot worse than before the treatment (Photo)

Sclerotherapy is a process that takes patience, as they often come back red and may even look worse for a little while unfortunately. However, they do eventually fade over time making it all well worth it! We typically coach our patients to expect 4-6 weeks for the sclerotherapy to work completely. That being said, spider veins are pesky! Chances are, if you have had them before, they may be hereditary meaning there is a good chance they may form in new places after 2-3 years. It's relatively a small cost to keep them cosmetically maintained for that amount of time. Reach out to your provider with any additional concerns you may have. Take care!

Typically the sclerosing agents will cause an inflammatory response resulting in scarring of the dilated veins and their eventual collapse. This process may take several days to weeks depending on the agent used. Repeat treatments may often be needed. 

The posted picture shows still extensive spider and reticular veins.  I do not see anything abnormal.  The treatment of spider veins is a process and may take multiple treatments.  Following a treatment some veins will resolve over several days, some will resolve over 6 weeks and some will not resolve.  I schedule sclerotherapy sessions 6 weeks apart.

I often tell my patients that my magic wand is in for repair! What I mean by that is that there is no quick way to eliminate spider veins instantly. All methods used are based on an injury to the vein, whether or not it is a chemical injury by injection, heat injury by laser or electrical injury by Veinwave.  It can take weeks to months for the bruising to resolved and veins to be absorbed by the body.  If there is significant trapped blood in the vein, it may be released to accelerate healing.