POSTED UNDER Sclerotherapy REVIEWS
Multiple Sessions, Terrible Results - New York, NY
ORIGINAL POST
I have spider veins and one slightly bumpy...
New York5005February 11, 2011
$1,500
I have spider veins and one slightly bumpy pre-varicose vein. During the first session, I had my entire legs injected (approximately 20 injections) where the veins showed, and the doctor also injected a vein behind my knee he said was 'pre-varicose'. The result was that there was NO improvement, and at some of the injection sights I had NEW burst capillaries from the needle. I knew that one session might not elimate all of my spider veins so I went back for more. After the second session I also saw very minimal results, so I went back again. Again, very minimal results so I went back a FOURTH time just to get one particularly noticable patch treated as that was the one area that bothered me. This time, I was left with huge and painful blisters at the injection site that were like 2nd degree burns. The blisters burst and one of them became slightly ulcerated. That was 3 months ago. Now the spider veins in the area are worse (darker, and more of them)AND I have red marks from the blisters that may not entirely fade. I wish I had never done this. I need to do something to address the problem, which is worse than I had originally, so I will try a different doctor and perhaps a new injectable solution or laser.
Replies (5)
February 12, 2011
The doctor said he 'had no idea' why it didn't work. The injections that gave me these blisters were done in November. I'm going back for a follow up in the beginning of March and I'm going to ask the doctor what he's going to do to fix this, because not only did I didn't see results but the veins look worse than they did before and I have red marks from the blisters. It's a mess. I have read about a new injection solution that's an alternative to saline. Maybe a laser would work to take the scars and veins away. I will update when I see the doctor. I would just go to someone else but I feel he is responsible for this and I paid a lot of money already.
February 13, 2011
Maybe going back in March will provide answers. Yes please do keep us updated.
-Britt
December 31, 2014
I am sorry to read about the unfortunate experience that newyork5005 had at my office. While i would like to comment directly, I have been advised due to HIPPA laws to not be overly specific in this case. However this is very highly unusual for my practice.
If this was typical of my patients I would not have survived professionally as a physician who does nothing but vein treatment for the past twenty five plus years. Granted spider veins do take some time to resolve and may look worse before they get better, but the need to retreat repeatedly is certainly not common. Also, if treating one vein caused one or more then one vein to then appear, nobody would ever get good results, and nobody would ever even attempt treatment.
We have ultrasound machines in each of our offices, and do perform ultrasound evaluation on all patients who may need it. In this case I assume it was not necessary and thus not done. My ultrasound technicians are also fully certified both nationally and in NY state (as am I). As for my phone response, I was surprised how I was also ‘bad’ there. Unlike almost every other physician I know, I give my own personal cell phone number out to many patients, including all who have laser treatment (yes we do it), microsurgery of the veins, all out of town or out of the country patients, and most who have had hand vein therapy (if they are at all apprehensive). We also phone each new patient the day after they start treatment to see how they are doing.
I personally do thousands if not tens of thousands of injections into leg veins each year and fortunately the vast majority of patients are very happy. I see most of my patients from other patients referrals or physicians, some of whom have been patients themselves (including some who also do sclerotherapy in their own offices). I have never been a big self promoter and haven’t asked patients to write reviews of me online although I probably should. Ironically I do have an extremely positive review on this same site ( http://www.realself.com/review/park-avenue-new-york-city-sclerotherapy-leg-hand-and-facial-vein-treatments ) but unfortunately my name is spelled without the C of Schulman, so its most likely seen less often.
Any physician or business owner etc. can never make everybody happy all of the time, and I am sorry that this was such a less then satisfying experience. Again newyork5005, I am sorry we were not able to meet your expectations but appreciate hearing from patients and try to learn from their experiences and continue to improve professionally.
December 31, 2014
I was not given a cell phone number, but I rated the phone response 3 out of 5, which is not 'bad', because I did get a call back after leaving a message. The doctors on this forum were more helpful as to the cause of the blisters. I had to wait 40 minutes after my appointment time, in the exam room, with no apology given. I was told by the doctor that he "did not know what was wrong with my legs" and he basically just went on and on about his delighted patients who come from all over the world to see him (pretty much as he did in his comment above). How does that help me in any way, or attempt to resolve my individual problem? This is 4 years later, by the way, from the time I originally posted.
UPDATED FROM New York5005
I went back in March for a follow up, as I had...
New York5005April 28, 2011
I went back in March for a follow up, as I had spent a lot of money on this doctor and got no results (except that my legs looked worse). I was hoping he would maybe try a different approach- I know there is a new solution out now, or maybe a laser. He dismissed this idea and just gave me more injections in the same area which didn't do a thing. Now I've had five sessions and no results.
Replies (9)
April 28, 2011
Hi Britt,
I did go back and was hoping that since I got no results he would try a different approach- maybe a laser or a different injectable solution. He dismissed this idea and instead gave me more of the same injections, which have not worked at all. So now I've had five sessions with virtually no results. Instead of trying to find a solution, the doctor went on about how all his other patients get good results, how they come from all over the country to see him, etc. and that he didn't know what was "wrong" with my legs! Unbelievable.
I did go back and was hoping that since I got no results he would try a different approach- maybe a laser or a different injectable solution. He dismissed this idea and instead gave me more of the same injections, which have not worked at all. So now I've had five sessions with virtually no results. Instead of trying to find a solution, the doctor went on about how all his other patients get good results, how they come from all over the country to see him, etc. and that he didn't know what was "wrong" with my legs! Unbelievable.
April 28, 2011
Hi New York,
Wow, I can't believe that was said. Have you considered going to someone else?
-Britt
April 28, 2011
I am considering it. I would like to know about other treatments, or get another opinion on why the injections didn't work. I certainly won't go back to that doctor!
May 24, 2011
I live in nyc and have been going to The Vein Treatment Center for many years (new ones eventually come back if you are prone to them), and I have had excellent results. check them out.
May 28, 2011
Thanks, I actually heard about them from another friend who had good results and plan on going there. I'm just disappointed that I spent so much money already with no results.
February 17, 2012
December 31, 2014
try not to be discouraged. it takes time for the veins to dissolve. ive been getting injections since the end of october and there is a patch on my left inner thigh that is still black and blue but slowly disappearing. sometimes when a vein is injected it causes something called 'matting'. this means a bunch of little veins all come together and surround the injected vein. this has happened to me as well, but be patient, because alot of times they will disappear. my dr. was injecting me with asclera. its better than the saline. i also use the sally hanson air brushed leg makeup. its 100% waterproof. i swim and everything and it stays on. most ppl probably dont even notice the veins anyway, but its my insecurity also. hang in there and good luck
December 31, 2014
I don't know if anyone noticed, but my review is almost 4 years old. Patience is not an issue. The veins did not go away with time, but they got worse. The injections were the normal saline solution. As I posted before, the second doctor who examined me determined that the large 'reticulated' veins were not taken care of first (although I asked the first doctor about that and he said they *were*), and that is why the results were so poor.
December 31, 2014
oh ok. my sincerest apologies, i didnt even look at the date. your post just popped up in my news feed and i responded.
UPDATED FROM New York5005
The 'average price' they have listed for...
New York5005July 24, 2012
The 'average price' they have listed for sclerotherapy is way, way off. I went to the Vein Center in NY after the terrible results I got at Schulman Vein Center. They gave me a thorough exam, including an ultrasound of my veins to make sure everything was ok and the only issue was spider veins. During my consultation the doctor said that the 'articulated veins' (the blue veins under my skin, NOT varicose veins, that I thought were just visible because my skin is so pale) need to be taken care of first or the spider veins will keep coming back. This was NOT done at the Schulman center, even though I asked him about that very thing more than once. He said "oh I already did those". Dr. Navarro at the Vein Center told me to expect to undergo several sessions, he said it could not be done in 1 or 2 sessions. Mind you, my veins are not that dramatically bad, but bad enough to make me self concious, especially one cluster on my left thigh. Well the sessions are $500 a pop (40 injections given per session). I guess I should start and expect to pay at least $3,000 or $4,000 dollars before there is significant change, but I do not have that kind of money to spend. It's outrageous. Maybe I should travel to another city where I can get this done more reasonably. For now I am unhappily wearing cover up makeup on my legs when I go to the beach.
Replies (8)
August 2, 2012
There's not a lot you can do to prevent them. Standing up for long hours at a time are what cause it. Especially if you're over weihgt. When you get home, try putting your feet up to help distribute your blood flow better.
August 27, 2013
It appears that the doctor is not injecting directly into the veins! The only time I had a problem or ulcerations was when the doctor did not inject in the vein. This procedure works, you just need to try someone else. I much prefer the polydonconal over the saline solution. I tend to have problems and ulcerations with saline. Good luck and don't give up finding the right doctor.
August 27, 2013
I'm done with trying this. It's too expensive and the spider veins come back anyway. I did consult with another doctor who said $500 per session, 3-4 sessions needed- and my spider veins aren't THAT bad. I'll just use self tanner and maybe get a tattoo to cover the one section that bothers me.
August 27, 2013
If you don't get control of the spider veins, they will continue to multiply over the years. Best described as a road map. I have had no luck with laser treatments, in fact they made my veins worse. I have been having vein treatments for more than 20 years with very good luck. I have very weak veins and I have to go once a year every year for touchups. It is well worth it to me. I have a couple of areas that never seem to completely resolve, so I use Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs. I have pale skin so I rub on a small amount of the Nude Glow, let it dry and then I rub the Light Glow over that. When it dries, I buff it a little to give a sheen. It virtually covers the areas. You can put this on over the self tanning areas. It is great. I heard that it now sold in a jar as well. It will stay on for several days. If you shower just don't rub your legs with soap. I Usually only use the Sally Hanson Product when I wear dresses or capris. Don't forget to rub it on the tops of your feet. It doesn't take much, so don't overdo. Good luck to you (Note: It is very hard to find the Nude Glow...I have to special order it on-line).
December 2, 2013
I've been going to dr Schulman for the last three years. I can't believe anyone would unhappy with him. All my friends use him and were all happy. Sometimes they look worse before they get better you just have to be patient.
March 13, 2015
Really? My name is andrea picano and I am a patient of dr Schulman. I had very good results I also went for multiple treatments. This type of treatment takes awhile to really see results
March 13, 2015
Thank you Andrea, but this post is over 4 years old. I think it became active on the site because people have commented recently. I had 4 sessions and terrible results/no improvement, and I think its safe to say that enough time has passed that I would have seen any benefit from the treatments.
Hi New York,
Wow, four times and you still didn't see results. Have you asked them why it didn't work? Did the procedures hurt at all? I'm so sorry things did not go as you had hoped please keep us updated as to what you will do next.
Thanks so much for the review,
-Britt