Sclerotherapy can be used to treat superficial spider veins and small to medium varicose veins. This procedure involves a FDA-approved medical grade sclerosant that is injected into the veins that causes the vein walls to collapse and stick together. The body then resorbs the closed veins.
If a vein specialist determines this to be the best treatment for your condition, what should you know about sclerotherapy post-care?
What to Avoid
This vein treatment is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure with little to no serious side effects. However, it is important to follow the post-care instructions to make sure you heal properly. Following the procedure, be sure to avoid:
- The sun and tanning beds for 3 weeks
- Hot tubs, steam baths and saunas for 1 week
- Heavy impact exercise for 1 week
After sclerotherapy, expect there to be some mild itching, bruising or swelling within the first 24 hours. Some patients also develop hard knots at the site of injection that resolve on their own. If such symptoms persist or cause more than minimal pain, see your doctor.
About Compression Stockings
Compression stockings can help you achieve better results faster and with fewer side effects. This garment may also prevent new veins from forming, especially in people who sit for long periods of time, have a history of varicose vein disease or who are pregnant.
As soon as you put the compression stockings on after the procedure, walk around for 10 to 30 minutes to get the blood flowing again. Throughout your recovery, it’s important to take walks every day, especially when wearing the compression stockings during the day for five days. After five days, they can be removed at night or any time the legs are elevated.
Your Next Appointment
After two weeks, patients return to the office to make sure there is no trapped blood in the injected area(s). Blood clots can be life-threatening, so we drain any trapped blood. Keep in mind, it can take multiple sessions to achieve your desired results. Your doctor may recommend waiting 4 to 6 weeks between treatments, depending the severity of your veins.
NEOCUTIS Restorative Skincare
This Swiss skincare line provides innovative solutions for common skin problems. Certain NEOCUTIS products can provide relief after sclerotherapy treatment, including:
- PRISM+: This defense cream helps prevent collagen and elasticity loss, while protecting against the sun’s rays.
- RéACTIVE: This antioxidant serum provides protection from environment stress and skin redness related to oxidative stress.
Both of these products can be found at our New Britain clinic location.
To learn more about pre and post-care instructions for different varicose vein treatment options, contact the Vein Centers of Connecticut today!