Sclerotherapy is the most common form of varicose and spider vein therapy, according to WomensHealth.gov. This treatment involves a doctor-administered injection of an irritating solution into the problematic vein, which pushes blood out of the vein. In the absence of normal blood flow, the vein collapses and is no longer able to cause symptoms. Before treatment, people should discuss potential sclerotherapy complications with a medical professional.
Hyperpigmentation
Sclerotherapy can result in the appearance of unusual dark or brown patches of skin near the site of injection. This complication, referred to as hyperpigmentation, may arise when a specific form of iron within the blood leaks from the treated vein. Typically, hyperpigmentation complications resolve within three to six months following sclerotherapy treatment; however, approximately 5 percent of people can experience permanent skin discoloration, the Cleveland Clinic warns.
Matting
Matting is a term used to describe the appearance of fine red lines around the treated skin site. Approximately one-third of treated people develop these unusual clusters of thin blood vessels after receiving sclerotherapy, the American Academy of Dermatology explains. Generally, matting complications resolve without additional medical intervention. If matting is bothersome, people can receive laser therapy or additional injections to eliminate these fine red lines.
Ulcers
Certain people can develop ulcers as a complication of sclerotherapy within a few hours or days of treatment. Ulcers are open skin lesions that can be painful and may leave permanent scars across the affected skin once they heal, the Better Health Channel reports.
Blood Clots or Superficial Thrombophlebitis
Sclerotherapy can cause blood clot or superficial thrombophlebitis complications in treated people, the University of Alabama at Birmingham explains. Blood clots, also called deep venous thrombosis, are a potentially life-threatening condition that can interfere with blood flow to the lungs, brain or heart. Superficial thrombophlebitis results in inflammation of the treated vein. It can cause symptoms of pain or tenderness, and redness or warmth near the injection site. People who develop persistent pain at the site of treatment, unusual breathing difficulties or chest pain after undergoing sclerotherapy should seek immediate medical care.
Arteriolar Injection
During sclerotherapy, a doctor may accidentally inject an arteriole rather than the intended vein, the University of Alabama at Birmingham warns. An arteriole is a blood vessel that branches off from an artery and carries oxygen-rich blood to the body's tissues. If this occurs, a person can experience sudden, sharp leg pain and may be at an increased risk of developing skin ulcers, nerve damage or other severe medical complications.
Allergic Reaction
People can develop an allergic reaction to the injected solution immediately following sclerotherapy treatment, the AAD reports. Allergic reaction symptoms can include hives, heart rate changes and severe breathing difficulties. People who develop allergic reaction symptoms require immediate medical attention to prevent potentially fatal complications.
