Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that is used to shut down unwanted veins by injecting a sclerosing chemical agent into the vein with the purpose of destroying the targeted veins. Sclerotherapy works well for most patients. Three to five sessions are the norm rather than the exception to get rid of targeted veins. However, treated veins usually respond in 3 to 6 months.
During sclerotherapy, mild discomfort may occur. A burning or cramping sensation may be felt for a couple of minutes when veins are injected with a sclerosing agent. The sclerotherapy itself usually takes an average of 30 minutes.
Veins that respond to sclerotherapy injection treatment usually will not reappear. However, new veins may appear over time as blood flow shifts occur in the tissues. If clinically indicated, these veins may also be treated by injection sclerotherapy.
Pre-Treatment Instructions:
- Do not use self-tanning products for at least 2 weeks prior to your session
- Avoid sun exposure or sunbeds to your legs I week prior to your session
- Avoid taking aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen for one week prior to your sclerotherapy session. If you are taking oral steroids, it is recommended to be discontinued two days before your sclerotherapy session.
- Report any medication allergies to your medical practitioner prior to your sclerotherapy session.
If you have any questions or concerns, call 01328 853586
No air travel should be done within 72 hours following your sclerotherapy session.
The day of your treatment:
- Avoid using moisturizer or oil on your legs
- Do not shave your legs 24 hours prior to your session
- Remember to bring your compression stockings to your sclerotherapy session.
- You may prefer to wear trousers as they will conceal the compression stockings
- Please wear flat or comfortable shoes so that you may walk comfortably after the procedure
Post-Treatment Instructions:
After the sclerotherapy, you will need to walk for 20 minutes. You will then be able to drive yourself home. You may resume your regular activities with the exception of running, jumping, swimming, weight lifting and strenuous activities for two weeks.
You will be instructed to wear your thigh high compression stockings continuously for a minimum of two more weeks during waking hours or as indicated by the physician. During these 2 weeks, you can remove your stockings at bedtime, but you will need to put the stockings back on while in bed before you get up for the day. Wear compression stockings for 3 to 7 days and the specific number of days will be decided by your practitioner on the day of treatment.
Avoid aspirin or Ibuprofen for 2 days following your sclerotherapy session. Thereafter, you may resume them.
Do not take hot baths or sit in a spa or sauna for 2 weeks following a sclerotherapy session. Showers are fine, but the water should be cooler than usual. The injection sites may be washed with mild soap and towel dry. Showers are best taken in the evenings before bedtime since dilation of the superficial veins can occur after showering. A lying-down position while in bed is least likely to cause pooling of blood in the leg veins.
You are encouraged to walk a mile a day and to avoid excessive standing while motionless. Options to walking include cycling and light aerobics. You may flex and point your toes 10 times or so every 5 minutes while sitting to circulate blood through your legs by exercising your calf muscle venous pump.
Certain tissue changes may be experienced after sclerotherapy. Injected veins may become lumpy and hard for several months but usually, soften and resolve with time. Several injections are usually needed to shut down the tortuous, more significant, varicose veins. Bruising may occur around the injection site and can last days or weeks.
If you experience any signs or symptoms which are worrisome to you, you should contact 01328 853586 Side effects that are worrisome include fever and chills, expanding redness or swelling at the injection site, formation of skin ulcers at the injection site, and increasing pain localizing to a varicose vein segment. While deep vein thrombosis is uncommon following sclerotherapy, the development of selling or tissue edema in the leg should prompt you to contact us immediately
