Side Effects

botox3Does it hurt and what could go wrong?

Some pain or burning at the injection site may occur following injections, and some patients experience restlessness in their legs during the first few nights. This is due to the swelling of the walls of the veins.

For a month or so, the vessels may appear more prominent. The injection sites look like insect bites, and may occasionally itch. The veins gradually begin to fade and continue to improve for up to 8 weeks. After this time, a brownish discolouration of the skin may continue and may take many months to fade away.

Complications following microsclerotherapy are very rare, but the solution can sometimes escape from the veins and cause inflammation in the skin surrounding the treated area. There is also a small risk of the development of tiny ulcers, which may leave a small pink or white scar on healing.

Occasionally you may also find new veins developing in the treated areas, or even old veins flaring up again.

What should you do after treatment?

As we have said, your life can proceed as normal following a microsclerotherapy treatment session, but as with all medical procedures, it is wise to observe the advice of your practitioner as closely as possible to ensure that you get the full benefit of the treatment, and avoid complications.

Post-treatment advice may include:

  • keeping the compression stocking dry and you may be asked to try and raise your legs as much as possible during the first 24 hours;
  • removing the stocking and cotton wool pads after 24-48 hours. Short walks are fine, but try to avoid vigorous exercise for a few days;
  • wearing your compression stockings if advised, for four weeks after the last treatment;
  • avoiding Aspirin-based painkillers and replacing them with paracetamol for six weeks after the last treatment;
  • contact your practitioner immediately if you notice any signs of infection or a sudden increase in pain.

Who should not have treatment?

You cannot have sclerotherapy if you:

  • have a known allergy to sclerosants;
  • are pregnant;
  • are taking the contraceptive pill;
  • have a local skin infection;
  • have heart disease requiring surgery;
  • have varicose veins caused by pelvic tumours;
  • have an uncontrolled disease e.g. diabetes;
  • have weak valves in your heart which require surgery;
  • are unable to walk.