Sclerotherapy Aftercare: What You Need to Know

Sclerotherapy has eliminated spider and varicose veins for countless patients. Make the most out of your treatment with these aftercare tips.

Sclerotherapy is one of the most popular and effective methods to eliminate spider veins and smaller varicose veins. The injection of a safe saline solution called sclerosant irritates the affected vein and seals it shut, allowing blood to divert to healthy veins. Eventually, the swollen varicose vein or spider vein fades, allowing you to have smooth, blemish-free legs once again.

Because sclerotherapy is minimally invasive, it can be completed during a brief outpatient visit. While you can resume your routine immediately with few restrictions, you’ll have to follow an aftercare program to ensure a successful recovery.

Sclerotherapy aftercare

Sclerotherapy requires injecting a sclerosing agent into the diseased vein through a very thin needle. As such, you may see minor bruising and discolorations after the procedure. It’s also normal to feel a tugging sensation along the treated vein as scar tissue forms. After-effects are temporary and should fade in the coming weeks and months.

The first 48 hours after sclerotherapy are critical in your recovery. Your vein specialist will provide more detailed instructions. In the meantime, here are some basic do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

DO take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain.

DON’T take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications that may increase bleeding.

DO clean the site with mild soap and lukewarm water.

DON’T take baths or showers in hot water or apply hot compresses to the injection site.

DO wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

DON’T expose the injection site to direct sunlight or sit in a tanning bed.

DO wear medical-grade compression stockings three to seven days after the procedure to improve blood flow in the leg veins.

DON’T apply lotions or creams to the treated area.

DO walk as much as you can to promote healing.

DON’T engage in strenuous workouts such as running or weightlifting for two weeks, as these activities can cause the injection site to open up.

DO schedule a follow-up appointment with your vein specialist to check on your progress.

DON’T travel by air for 72 hours after the sclerotherapy session. It’s best to check with your vein specialist on any upcoming travel plans.

Complications from sclerotherapy are extremely rare. Note that there is a slight chance of an allergic reaction to the solution. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Increased swelling, particularly in the groin area.

• Sores near the injection site.

• Red streaks along the groin area.

• Severe itchiness or pain.

Within weeks, you should notice a considerable improvement in your veins. As the blood flows freely, you’ll no longer see nor feel the pain, cramps, itchiness, and heaviness caused by varicose veins. You’ll reach these goals much faster by following your sclerotherapy aftercare program.

Center for Vein Restoration has you covered in Georgia

Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) operates three offices in the Atlanta area, each staffed by a vein specialist and a team who has performed thousands of sclerotherapy procedures.

Keith S. Moore, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in vein procedures. Louis Prevosti, MD, FACS, is a board-certified physician in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, and James Fonger, MD, FRCS, is also a board-certified physician in general and cardiovascular surgery.

Contact us for a consultation today, or call 240-965-3915 to speak to a representative.

Camp Creek Medical Center

3886 Princeton Lakes Way

Suite 140

Atlanta, GA 30331

Northside Center Pointe

1100 Johnson Ferry Road NE

Suite 165

Atlanta, GA 30342

Gwinnett Professional Center

601 Professional Drive

Suite 170

Lawrenceville, GA 30046