Standard Sclerotherapy: Normal effects from sclerotherapy treatment for superficial/spider veins

BRUISES AT INJECTION SITE

These will usually disappear within a few weeks. Blood trapped in the sclerosed vein may cause the vein to become more noticeable in the first few weeks following treatment, and is an early sign that the treatment has been successful.

ACHING IN THE LEG

Aching in the treated leg may occur for the first couple of days after treatment. This is unlikely unless you have had varicose veins treated or have a particularly large treatment session. This aching is usually relieved by walking. Panadol is rarely necessary.

PHLEBITIS

This is an inflammation of the treated blood vessels, which may also be associated with tender lumps along the line of the treated veins. This is unlikely unless you have also had your varicose veins treated. It is due to the reaction of the sclerosant on the blood vessel wall and the trapping of "old" blood. When it occurs to a large or prolonged extent, it may be treated by draining the blood out of the painful lumps by a small needle puncture. Other treatments for this may include anti-inflammatory medication, heat packs, massage with a special cream, compression and regular walking. The lumps will always disappear with time, but this may take several months.