Even when a highly experienced doctor is performing the treatment, there are a number of possible side effects, most of which are minor and temporary. The most serious side effect is allergy to the solution used, which may require medication and cause discomfort. Severe allergic reactions are rare on a world-wide scale. Minor local side effects such as skin irritation and bruising are common, and the bandaging required to make the treatment effective is inconvenient. Bandages are generally worn for one week following treatment, but normal activity should continue.

The veins treated adequately by sclerotherapy will not recur, unless they are extremely large before treatment. However, the underlying weakness in the vein walls is not corrected, and therefore new vessels will possibly continue to appear at the same rate as before treatment. These of course can be treated as they occur. It is important to maintain normal body weight, exercise regularly, and avoid wearing high heeled shoes to minimise the development of new veins. Major superficial veins treated by sclerotherapy may recur with break down of the closure of the vein if inadequate time elapses before prolonged standing, heavy lifting, or pregnancy occurs, and the larger the vein, the greater the risk of this. In these cases sclerotherapy can be repeated, or surgery performed. [Continued]  [Previous]