Sclerotherapy is a common and effective treatment for spider and varicose veins. If you’ve recently undergone or are considering sclerotherapy, it’s important to clearly understand what to expect during and after the procedure.
Read this blog to understand what you can expect after sclerotherapy.
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat varicose and spider veins, often on your legs. Your healthcare provider injects a special solution into the vein using a needle. This solution irritates the veins lining, causing it to shrink, stick together, and form a scar. This closes off the vein, making it look and feel better.
Who Needs to Have Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Sclerotherapy may be a good option for people with varicose veins or spider veins, but it’s not right for everyone.
Before the procedure, you’ll meet with a vascular specialist who will decide if you’re a good candidate for sclerotherapy.
You can’t have sclerotherapy if you:
- Have a blood clot in your leg.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Can’t get out of bed.
Even if you have taken birth control pills before, you can still undergo sclerotherapy. If you have had a blood clot previously, you may still be eligible for sclerotherapy, depending on the cause and severity of the clot.
In most cases, your provider won’t do sclerotherapy on a vein that might be used for future surgery, such as the saphenous vein for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (unless that vein is already unusable).
In most cases, your provider won’t do sclerotherapy on a vein that might be used for future surgery, such as the saphenous vein for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (unless that vein is already unusable).
If you’re unsure about whether you’re a good candidate for sclerotherapy, you can consult with Dr. Omar G Awar, our esteemed cardiologist. With board certifications in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, Echocardiography, and Nuclear Cardiology, Dr. Awar brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his practice. He can discuss how successful he thinks sclerotherapy treatment will be for you.
How to Get Ready for Sclerotherapy?
Follow these steps to prepare for sclerotherapy:
- Talk to your doctor about your condition and medical history.
- Tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking.
- Wear comfortable clothes and avoid applying lotions or oils to your legs.
- Drink plenty of water and eat a light meal before your appointment.
What is the Sclerotherapy Procedure?
Sclerotherapy is a quick and painless procedure done in the doctor’s office. You’ll lie down, and the doctor will clean your leg and inject a special solution into the vein. You may feel a slight pinch or sting, but this is temporary. After the injections, your doctor may apply compression stockings or bandages.
What are the Pre-Op Instructions for Sclerotherapy?
After sclerotherapy, your doctor will give you specific instructions to help you recover. It’s important to follow these instructions closely to get the best results.
Some of the common recommendations include:
Walking
Walking helps promote blood flow and prevents blood clots. Your doctor may advise you to walk for a certain period of time after the procedure.
Compression Stockings
Wearing compression stockings or bandages helps support the treated veins, reduces swelling, and enhances healing.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Direct sun exposure to the treated area should be avoided for a few days after sclerotherapy. Sunburn can interfere with the healing process and may increase the risk of complications.
Proper Skin Care
Keep the treated area clean and follow your doctor’s specific skincare instructions. Avoid applying any creams, lotions, or oils unless specifically advised by your healthcare provider.
How Do Sclerotherapy Results Look 1 Week Later?
After sclerotherapy, you may experience mild side effects like bruising, swelling, or redness. These usually disappear within a few days. You’ll also notice a difference in the appearance of your veins, but it takes time for full results.
Week 1
By week one, you should see a significant improvement. Any discomfort or swelling from the procedure should be gone. The vein should be shrinking and fading. You might not need to wear compression stockings or avoid intense exercises anymore.
Weeks 2-6
In the following weeks, your veins will continue to fade and disappear. Small spider veins may vanish faster, while larger varicose veins could take a couple of months to fully disappear.
Follow-Up Appointments
Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and determine if further treatments are necessary.
In a Nutshell
Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective way to treat spider and varicose veins. It can also improve the appearance and feel of your veins. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after the procedure is important to get the best results.
Memorial Cardiology Associates has a team of expert cardiologists who can help you decide if sclerotherapy is right for you and provide personalized guidance. Call (713) 464-6006 to contact our Memorial City and Bellville clinic, (281) 398-4944 for our Katy West clinic, or (713) 861-2424 for our Greater Heights clinic.