Sclerotherapy
Instructions for Your Sclerotherapy Procedure
To make sure your procedure goes smoothly and effectively, please read these instructions two weeks before, as well as the day before your procedure.
Prior to the Procedure
One week before your treatment stop aspirin, aspirin-containing drugs and other anti-inflammatory medications, vitamin E, fish oil and other supplements that thin the blood, including certain herbal supplements.
Other than that, just follow these guidelines:
Do…
- Take a shower in the morning. You will not be taking your stockings off for two to three days.
- Take all your normal medications at their normal times.
- Arrive at the office 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
- Bring your compression stockings and loose fitting shorts to the office on the day of your injections.
Do Not…
- Take aspirin, ibuprofen, or any blood thinners (vitamin E, fish oil, dietary supplements, etc.) for 10 days before your procedure
- Fast before your procedure
- Shave or use lotion, cream or moisturizing soap on your legs on the day of the treatment
You will be putting your compression stockings on after the injections. The injections cannot be done if you do not bring the stockings with you on the day of your treatment. You can purchase the stockings on the day of your injections if you do not have them with you. Although we have a very large stock of compression hose, we may not always have your size.
After the Procedure
Keep the dressings and stockings on for 24 – 72 hours (day and night). Do not take them off to shower. Dr. Greenwald will advise you on the duration of time for wearing your compression hose.
After the designated time, take off the dressings and stockings. You may shower or bathe. Continue to wear your compression hose during the day for the next 7 – 14 days depending on the size and extent of the veins treated. At your injection session you will be advised of the duration of time that you will have to wear the hose. DO NOT SUN TAN OR GO TO TANNING SALONS OR USE SELF-TANNING CREAMS FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX WEEKS AFTER YOUR TREATMENT. This can cause staining which may be permanent. This does not mean that you cannot be in the sun, but the area injected cannot be exposed to the sun.
If you are going to be in the sun, cover the injected area with clothing, a towel, a band-aid, etc. SUNSCREEN IS NOT ENOUGH. Avoid strenuous leg exercises for a week. If your veins are very large you should not lift anything heavy (> 15 pounds) or run for the first 14 days. After that you may return to your normal activities. Do not use a hot tub for two weeks.
Oftentimes, your legs will look worse after the treatment. Please remember that hardness, lumps and discoloration are part of the process. You may use a non-steroidal agent such as Advil if there is some discomfort. Extreme discomfort at a particular site is not normal.
If you experience marked discomfort at any of the injection sites you should remove the stocking and dressing. The tape or the stocking may be the cause of the irritation and removing them may relieve the pain. If not, examine the site. Either way, please give us a call at 860-761-6666 so that we may advise you properly. Please be patient with your treatments. Varicose and spider veins form over many years. Treatment takes time. The duration of your treatment will depend on the degree and extent of your venous disease. You will continue to see improvement for months and up to a year after you complete your treatment.