Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy
Treatment Complications
Possible Sclerotherapy Complications: What You Need to Know
Sclerotherapy is a commonly performed medical procedure used to manage superficial vascular concerns such as spider veins and some small varicose veins. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. These are uncommon and are outlined not to cause concern, but as part of our responsibility to provide clear and comprehensive information to support informed decision-making.
Understanding these risks allows for appropriate treatment planning and follow-up care.
Common Complications
Bruising, Pain, and Inflammation
What It Is: Localised bruising, discomfort, or inflammation at the injection site due to vessel irritation.
How Common: Relatively common following treatment.
How Long It Lasts: Typically resolves within a few days to a few weeks.
Management: Usually self-limiting, with supportive care as advised.
Less Common, But More Significant Considerations
Ulceration
What It Is: Localised skin breakdown at the injection site.
How Common: Rare.
How Long It Lasts: Healing time varies depending on severity.
Management: Requires clinical review and appropriate wound care. If this occurs, prompt medical assessment is recommended.
Blood Clots
What It Is: Clot formation within treated veins. In rare cases, deeper veins may be involved.
How Common: Uncommon in superficial veins; deep vein involvement is rare but clinically significant.
How Long It Lasts: Varies depending on severity and location.
Management: Medical assessment is required. Seek prompt attention if symptoms such as significant leg swelling, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath occur.
Allergic Reaction
What It Is: Sensitivity to the sclerosing solution.
How Common: Rare.
How Long It Lasts: Typically short-lived but may vary.
Management: Managed according to severity and may require medical treatment.
Additional Considerations
Arterial Injection
What It Is: Inadvertent injection into an artery rather than a vein, which may affect surrounding tissue.
How Common: Very rare.
How Long It Lasts: Varies depending on the extent of tissue involvement.
Management: Requires urgent medical assessment and management.
Minimising Your Risk
Risk may be reduced through appropriate clinical assessment, treatment planning, and adherence to aftercare instructions. Providing a complete medical history allows for a tailored approach to treatment.
Sclerotherapy in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs
If you experience unexpected symptoms following sclerotherapy, it is important to contact your treating clinic promptly. Please call (02) 9388 9191, or if outside of business hours, 0492 175 092.
At Beauty by Doctor, care pathways are in place to assess and manage complications where required.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes and does not replace a consultation with a qualified medical professional.
Suitability for treatment is determined during consultation. All medical and cosmetic procedures carry risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. While complications are uncommon, it is important that potential risks, including rare adverse events, are understood. For more information, please refer to our Treatment Complications page: https://beautybydoctor.com/pages/concerns/treatment-complications