Outcomes of Sclerotherapy in Patients With Facial Venous Malformations: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND

Facial venous malformations (VMs) are congenital low-flow vascular anomalies that may cause cosmetic disfigurement and functional impairment. Because of the anatomical complexity of the facial region, management of these lesions remains challenging, and minimally invasive approaches such as sclerotherapy have gained increasing attention.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the efficacy, patient satisfaction, and complications of sclerotherapy in patients with facial VMs.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 21 patients diagnosed with facial VMs and treated with polidocanol sclerotherapy between March 2000 and January 2025. Treatment response, patient satisfaction, and complications were assessed. Statistical analyses included chi-square testing and Spearman correlation.

RESULTS

Of the 21 patients, 23.8% achieved an excellent response (>90% reduction), 57.1% had a significant response (50%-90%), and 19.0% showed a mild response (<50%). Mean patient satisfaction score was 2.81/3. Complications such as pain (47.6%) and swelling (28.6%) were common but transient. A negative correlation was observed between number of procedures and treatment response ( p = .032).

CONCLUSION

Sclerotherapy is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for facial VMs, associated with high patient satisfaction despite frequent but manageable minor complications.