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Eliminating varicose veins and regaining beautiful legs is the best part of sclerotherapy. But what’s even better is that you get these results with an easy recovery that lets you return to most activities the same day. Here’s what you need to know.
Sclerotherapy is one of the most common treatments for spider and varicose veins. Our experienced Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care team performs the treatment in the office, and you go home shortly afterward.
During sclerotherapy, we inject chemicals that make the vein collapse. The vein becomes scar tissue and is gradually absorbed, making it permanently disappear. Your body also naturally restores circulation by sending the blood through another healthy vein.
You’ll get specific instructions to follow after sclerotherapy. They may vary slightly from the information provided here, depending on the extent, severity, and location of the veins we treat.
Here’s what to expect after your sclerotherapy injections:
Wear compression stockings
You’ll need to wear prescription compression stockings for about two weeks. Most patients need to wear the stocking continuously for three days, even while sleeping. Then, you can take them off at night while continuing to wear them during the day.
Return to activities
You can return to most of your usual activities (including work) after leaving the office. However, we may ask you to avoid strenuous movement and heavy lifting until the leg heals.
Keep walking
During your recovery, it’s essential to walk every day. Walking enhances circulation, reduces inflammation, prevents blood clots, and helps your body reroute blood from the treated vein to healthy veins.
Self-care for the first 48 hours
Follow these guidelines for the first 2-3 days after your treatment:
- Don’t take aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
- Do take acetaminophen if needed to relieve pain
- Don’t take hot baths or sit in a hot tub, whirlpool, or sauna
- Don’t go swimming
- Don’t apply hot compresses or any heat therapy to the treated area
- Don’t stand in one position for an extended time
- Do elevate your legs when sitting (don’t let your legs hang down)
After three days (or sooner if we tell you it’s OK), you can remove the compression stockings to shower (keep the water cool) and clean the treated area. Don’t shave your legs or apply moisture lotion. Gently pat the leg to dry and put the stockings on right away.
Regularly elevate your legs
Keep your legs elevated when sitting, or at least relax and elevate them several times a day. This improves blood flow, relieves pressure, reduces swelling, and promotes healing.
Avoid sunlight
Don’t expose the treated area to sunlight (including tanning beds). Ultraviolet (UV) light can cause hyperpigmentation (dark patches of skin) near the treated veins.
Sunlight won’t be a concern while you’re wearing compression stockings. However, you may need to keep avoiding sunlight after you stop wearing them and while waiting for the area to heal completely.
If you’re outside, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or cover your skin with long pants. Fabrics like denim and polyester block the sun better than loose fabrics like linen.
When to call for help
In the days after sclerotherapy, you may experience some itching, discomfort, or leg cramps. These symptoms are expected and usually mild.
Acetaminophen typically relieves any discomfort. You can take an antihistamine to help with itching. However, call us if these medications don’t help or if you have severe discomfort or pain.
Be aware that the treated area may appear bruised or red. The veins may feel hard or lumpy. Bruising and redness typically disappear in a few days. Rigid, lumpy veins gradually improve as your body absorbs the treated vein.
Serious side effects are rare. However, call us immediately if you have any of the following:
- Inflammation or swelling beyond the injection site (especially if it’s near your groin)
- Sudden swelling in your leg
- Sores (ulcers) near the injection site
- Red streaks up your leg or in the groin area
- Areas of your leg feel warm or turn red
- You develop a fever
Contact Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care anytime you have a question or concern after sclerotherapy, whether it’s about your self-care, symptoms, compression issues, or how your leg looks or feels.
To learn more or schedule a sclerotherapy consultation, request an appointment online or by phone at our offices in Hobart, LaPorte, Munster, Valparaiso, or Merrillville, Indiana, today.