Sclerotherapy is a very safe procedure, especially if it is done with a medical professional who has experience and is properly trained. There are generally no major complications associated with this treatment and the same can be said about the side effects. Despite it being so safe, there is the possibility that minor side effects may occur. These are common with the sclerotherapy procedure and they are generally not dangerous and also extremely painful. They can be considered more of an irritation.
It should be noted that women who are pregnant should not undergo this procedure. A word of warning should also be undertaken by people who suffer from high blood pressure. The solution used in the treatment contains large amounts of salt and this could greatly affect high blood pressure sufferers.
Sclerotherapy Side Effects
Irritation – Generally when the sclerotherapy injection is applied, some people will experience some mild irritation. This could be stinging feeling or some amount of pain where the injection was applied. These symptoms do not last very long and the pain is not excruciating.
Inflammation – at the area of injection and also a longer vein, there might be some amount of inflammation. The affected regions will be quite tender and minor discomfort will occur. The doctor may prescribe certain anti-inflammatory medications to help with this problem.
Bruising – at the site of the injection, the area may also be bruised. This is not something to worry about as they will fade away after a couple of days or weeks.
Allergic Reaction – although this is not extremely common, some people may experience an allergic reaction to the sclerotherapy solution. Hives, itching and other symptoms may occur. If any of these symptoms should occur or if something does not feel right, you should go and see a doctor immediately.
Blood Clots – blood clots can sometimes develop from this surgery, even though it is highly unlikely if the procedure was done correctly. In the event that this should occur, the vein becomes larger and it is filled with quiet related blood. As a precaution the doctor should drain the blood from the affected vein. This can be prevented by the patient wearing the compression hose that were designed specifically to stop blood clots from occurring.
Blushes or Flushes – Blushes or flushes may occur around the site of the injection and this is often known as Telangiectatic Matting. This matting results in the development of very small red blood vessels near the site of the injection. Generally these blushes will go away on their own, but a small number pay persist (10%).
Ulcers – Ulcers may occur, even though it is rare. This generally is possible with all types of injections. It should generally heal on its own, however there is a possibility that it will leave a small scar.
Brown lines or spots – These skin discolorations can generally occur at the site of injection. These usually develop when there is blood that escapes the vein that has been treated. Brown lines or spots will generally occur in larger veins and they often disappear after a couple of months.
Bumps on the Skin – Bumps on the skin can often occur when there is blood that gets trapped in a section of the vein that has been closed. When this occurs, there will be a slight lump located on the skin. This is not dangerous and it usually resolves itself on its own. Sometimes the doctor may remove this trapped blood with a needle.
The Veins Return – After treatments, the affected vein will usually fade away and disappear. However, people who suffer from varicose or spider veins will generally develop more in the future. The treatment of these veins will require a new sclerotherapy treatment.