Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into diseased spider veins, which causes them to collapse and fade from view. While it is generally safe and effective, many women who are breastfeeding may wonder whether it is safe for their babies. The short answer is that there is not enough research on the effects of sclerotherapy on breastfeeding women and their infants to provide a definitive answer. However, there are safeguards that will make it as safe as possible should one choose to do sclerotherapy while breastfeeding.

What is the concern for breastfeeding during sclerotherapy?

The predominant concern with sclerotherapy and breastfeeding is the possibility that the sclerosing agent (the solution that is injected into the veins) could be passed on to the baby through breast milk. Most sclerosing agents are not well-studied in terms of their effects on infants, so it is difficult to know for certain whether they are safe or not. However, some experts believe that the risk is low, since the amount of solution that is typically used in sclerotherapy is relatively small, and the agent is usually injected directly into the veins rather than into the bloodstream. Despite this concern, many women successfully undergo sclerotherapy while breastfeeding.

Recommendations for sclerotherapy and breastfeeding

Our advice is that is it best to wait until you are no longer breastfeeding if you want to get sclerotherapy. There is no time limit on when you need to treat your spider veins. However, if you do not want to wait, there is a simple safeguard should be sufficient. You can pump and store extra milk in advance of your procedure. After you have your sclerotherapy treatment, you can then pump and dump your milk for the rest of day. This will give your body time to process and remove solution that could be in your body. This will minimize any potential risks associated with sclerotherapy and breastfeeding.

So even though there is no real research to show any dangerous affects of sclerotherapy on breastfeeding women and their infants, it is best to play it safe. Either wait until your are finished breastfeeding to get your sclerotherapy or simply save your milk and then pump and dump for the day after your injections. Ultimately, the decision to undergo sclerotherapy is a personal one, and will depend on your individual concerns and circumstances.