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Prior to the Procedure
Please read instructions carefully two weeks before and the day before your procedure. Do not take aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, etc.) or any type of blood thinners such as vitamin E, fish oil or certain herbal supplements for ten days before the procedure. If you have taken any of these, please call the office and let us know. We will get back to you after reviewing the matter with Dr. Greenwald.
Wear loose, comfortable, warm clothing including socks. Layering is most comfortable and allows for temperature fluctuation. Bring an old pair of boxers or very loose fitting shorts. They may get soiled from fluids used during the procedure. Men should bring an extra old pair of boxer shorts. Bring an extra pair of loose fitting pants to wear home.
Bring your compression stockings to the office.
Do not fast prior to the procedure. Have a light meal at your regular time prior to your procedure (breakfast and/or lunch depending on the time of day your procedure is scheduled).
Please take all routine medications at their normally scheduled times. Please check with the office before taking any diuretic medication (water pills). You will need a ride home after the procedure. Expect to be in the office approximately three hours that day.
Prior to the procedure you will receive a phone call at which time we will ask for your phone numbers and the amount of time that it takes to reach our offices from your home. You will be given an approximate time slot for the procedure. However, though every attempt is made to stay on time, delays do occur. So as to minimize the amount of time that you have to wait in our office, on the day of the procedure do not come to our office until we call and tell you to do so. You needn't worry as we will give you plenty of time to get to Vanishing Veins.
After the Procedure
Keep your compression stocking or ace wrap in place for 48 hours. Remove the stocking or wrap the morning of the third day and shower. Apply the stocking and continue wearing your compression stocking every day until the bruising has resolved. Put them on first thing in the morning with your leg elevated. You do not need them to sleep. Take them off to shower.
You will become black and blue from the procedure. We recommend taking Arnica, an herbal medication, which can be purchased at our office. Bruising will fade over time but you will heal best if you take the Arnica tablets that we recommend. Pain medication may be taken if needed. You may use Tylenol instead of the prescribed pain medication if you have minimal discomfort. More significant discomfort should be treated with the prescription pain medication. Nausea is a frequent side effect of these medications. Please let us know if you have had this problem in the past.
Resume all your usual medications and diet as before. No heavy lifting (nothing over 15 pounds) or running for two weeks. If you wish to return to an exercise program you may begin in moderation after the first week. No leg exercise for two weeks. Moderation with your exercise program will allow for an easy recovery.
You may resume driving in 24 to 48 hours if you are not taking pain medication and your leg is strong enough to step on the pedal.
Listen to your body. If your leg is in pain or fatigued then elevate it for a while and resume a less vigorous schedule.