eMedicine Specialties > Plastic Surgery > Ancillary Procedures

Sclerotherapy: Follow-up

Author: Samer Alaiti, MD, FACP, Clinical Assistant Professor, Departments of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine; Medical Director, Miracle Mile Medical Center for Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Inc
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Jun 26, 2009

Future and Controversies

The amount of compression therapy necessary after sclerotherapy of telangiectasias and reticular veins is a controversial issue. Use of at least a minimally graduated compression hose is recommended for the first few days and possibly for 7-10 days after sclerotherapy sessions. This compression theoretically helps to improve the results and minimizes adverse effects, such as edema and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Class I (20-30 mm Hg) or class II (30-40 mm Hg) compression is best. For patients who cannot tolerate this level, a class I fashion hose support can be used. After treatment, the patient can continue low-impact exercises, such as walking or riding bicycles, but direct isometric exercise to the lower legs should be avoided for at least 1 week.
 
Advancements and refinements in foam sclerotherapy are expected to revolutionize the management of venous disorders.

 
Acknowledgments

The authors and editors of eMedicine gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous authors Laurence Z Rosenberg, MD; Jorge I de la Torre, MD, FACS; Gary D Monheit, MD; and John D Kayal, MD; to the development and writing of this article.



More on Sclerotherapy

Overview: Sclerotherapy
Workup: Sclerotherapy
Treatment: Sclerotherapy
Follow-up: Sclerotherapy
References

References

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Further Reading

Keywords

telangiectasia, reticular veins, sclerosants, unwanted vasculation, thromboembolic disease, telangiectatic vessels, varicose veins, varicosities, varicosity, incompetent perforators, aspiration technique, puncture fed technique, puncture-fed technique, air bolus technique, empty vein technique, spider telangiectasia, spider veins

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Samer Alaiti, MD, FACP, Clinical Assistant Professor, Departments of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine; Medical Director, Miracle Mile Medical Center for Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, Inc
Samer Alaiti, MD, FACP is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Phlebology, American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and American Society of Lipo-Suction Surgery
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Shahin Javaheri, MD, Chief, Department of Plastic Surgery, Martinez Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic; Consulting Staff, Advanced Aesthetic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Shahin Javaheri, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Managing Editor

Mark E Krugman, MD, Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery and Clinical Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at Irvine School of Medicine
Mark E Krugman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Nicolas (Nick) G Slenkovich, MD, Director, Colorado Plastic Surgery Center
Nicolas (Nick) G Slenkovich, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Colorado Medical Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Jorge I de la Torre, MD, FACS, Professor of Surgery and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Residency Program Director, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Director, Center for Advanced Surgical Aesthetics
Jorge I de la Torre, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Association of Plastic Surgeons, American Burn Association, American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Association for Academic Surgery, and Medical Association of the State of Alabama
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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