Are there any Side Effects of Sclerotherapy Treatment?

As with all treatments it is important to be aware of the possible side effects of Sclerotherapy treatment:

• Mild to moderate ache in the legs in the first day or two after treatment (relieved by walking and panadol)
  
  
• Some redness at the injection sites: disappears within a day or two
  
  
• Brown spots or lines on the skin: these pigmented areas occur due to blood escaping from the treated veins. The brown pigmentation is mostly haemosiderin, a form of iron that is stored in the body and in most cases disappears within a year. Around 5% of patients find that the pigmentation can persist for more than a year - laser can be used to minimize this effect. To reduce this side effect it is advisable not to take iron supplements during the course of treatment and to have trapped blood removed at your follow up appointment.
  
  
• Tender lumps in the treated vein: this is caused by the trapping of some blood in the injected vessel. These lumps are not blood clots but are a sign that treatment has been effective. They can be alleviated instantly by fine needle aspiration (which is part of the routine treatment) on your next visit.
  
  
• Matting: this is the formation of fine, closely grouped red blood vessels close to the injection sites of larger vessels. Approximately 16% of patients develop these and they either spontaneously resolve or disappear with injection. Occasionally, some may persist. Poor muscle tone or inability to exercise can increase the prevalence of matting as can a large number of surface veins pre-treatment. Cigarette smoking increases this risk. This effect can be greatly minimized by walking for 45mins daily or substitution low impact aerobics or cycling.
  
  
• Rarely, small ulcerations can occur at the injection site within 2 weeks of treatment. These can be painful and can be due to either the escape of the sclerosing agent into the surrounding tissues or sensitivity of the tissues to the concentrate of the agent used. Although they can be easily treated, please inform the doctor immediately. These ulcers tend to heal slowly and can leave a small scar. This side effect is more commonly observed in patients who smoke. Overall the risk of this is minimized by a careful treatment approach.
  
  
• Allergic Reaction: rarely an allergic reaction to a certain sclerosing agent can occur. Although serious, they can be treated instantly by adrenaline injection and antihistamine therapy. Hospitalization in this instance is uncommon. Minor rashes can occur and requires no specific treatment however, please inform the doctor so an alternative solution can be used in your subsequent treatments.
  
  
• Phlebitis (pronounced "Fle-bite-us"): Inflammation of the treated blood vessels can occur in 1% of patients undergoing sclerotherapy. This condition can be painful but resolves quickly with anti-inflammatory treatment, compression and walking.
  
  
• Migraine: Patients may experience migraine headache following sclerotherapy. Often migraine symptoms also include visual disturbances. This can be treated with Pannadol or Panadeine – or usual migraine treatment.
  
  
• Deep Vein Thrombosis: This formation of a clot in a deep vein is a rare occurrence
  (1 in 2000). This can be minimized by walking and using compression stockings.
  
  
• Intra-Arterial Injection: Resulting in muscle and skin damage, this complication is extremely uncommon. Use of through ultrasound examination will reduce complications. Dr lekich uses the highest resolution ultrasound to guide treatment to best avoid this rare complication.
  * Infection: As the Fibrovein solution used is antibacterial, infection is very rare.

There are no known long-term side effects of sclerosing solution

Is there any after treatment care?

Yes, and it is easy!

• Medical Grade Compression Stockings
  Following treatment sessions you will be required to wear a medical venous compression stocking to assist in sealing off the abnormal veins. The length of time that the stocking needs to be worn varies from 7 - 14 days. The medical grade stockings offered at VenusCentre have come a long way from the hot and thick stockings that were used years ago. Today, medical stockings are comfortable and reasonably light. Although autumn, winter and spring are ideal times for treatment; summer is comfortable with access to air-conditioning for those who feel the heat.
  
  
• Why is Compression necessary?
  Compression minimizes:

• Walking
  One 30-40 minute session or two 20 minute sessions of walking are required each day once treatment begins. Immediately after your first treatment session, you will need to walk for a minimum of 30 minutes. This greatly increases comfort by increasing blood flow to the leg and enhances treatment results. Walking also helps reduce complications.
  
  
• Attend Follow up Appointments
  Attending all follow up appointments ensures the best possible results.