When Would Sclerotherapy for the Legs Be Needed Again?

Question

Are varicose veins going to reoccur? How often is sclerotherapy repeated on patients?

Joseph J. Castellano, MD · Answer

Sclerotherapy,
or vein treatment, can be a highly effective treatment for varicose veins in
the legs. Over time, swelling can occur in the veins, resulting in increased
discoloration of legs or ankles. Left untreated, these veins may become
painful. Virtually anyone in reasonably good health with unwanted visible veins
in their lower extremities can be a candidate for this technique. Optimal
results are achieved in several visits, typically with a month between
treatments. Recovery time is quick and relatively painless, however, a completed
round of sclerotherapy will not prevent new veins from forming in the future.

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Sometimes more than one sclerotherapy may be required  and usually follow up every 6-8 weeks.  I would recommend wearing compression stockings for at least 2-3 weeks after the treatment.  Spider veins can reoccur but in a different area.  Some do maintenance every couple of years or longer.  If it's a bulging varicose veins, I would recommend consulting with a vascular surgeon. I hope this helps.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

After sclerotherapy treatment, the veins will eventually return.  It is recommended to have additional treatment for maintenance.

Lorrie Klein, MD · Answer

We recommend sclerotherapy every 2-4 weeks until the veins are gone.  Some patients develop new veins and need to be treated again when this occurs.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Sclerotherapy may be needed if you develop new varicose or reticular or spider veins. As you age, other veins can form and this is because all veins have valves and valve failure locally results in blood pooling which engorges veins. The need for additional sclerotherapy does not indicate 'failure' but it is a result of the normal aging process and lack of preventive measures - not wearing stockings, not exercizing calf muscles to help the calf pump, using exogenous hormones (birth control pills), aging, sun damage, etc.

When Would Sclerotherapy for the Legs Be Needed Again?

Answers (9)

Answer: Sclerotherapy every 2-4 weeks

Answer: Sclerotherapy every 2-4 weeks

Answer: Sclerotherapy is performed as needed

Answer: Sclerotherapy is performed as needed

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

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When Would Sclerotherapy for the Legs Be Needed Again?

Answers (9)

Answer: Sclerotherapy every 2-4 weeks

Answer: Sclerotherapy every 2-4 weeks

Answer: Sclerotherapy is performed as needed

Answer: Sclerotherapy is performed as needed

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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.