What Should We Pay Attention to Before and After Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a common cosmetic procedure performed to improve the appearance of swollen varicose and spider veins. In addition to deeply improving the skin, it often leads to relief of common deformed vein symptoms such as swelling, cramps, burning sensation and pain. Sclerotherapy is an innovative treatment option for men and women with varicose veins. These large, twisted veins that appear blue or dark red under the skin are a non-surgical method of encouraging blood flow to redirect to healthier veins. This treatment method causes varicose or spider veins to disappear. Sclerotherapy as a procedure is nearly 100 years old and has been performed on countless successful patients.

So what should be done after sclerotherapy, what activities should be avoided and how long does full recovery after sclerotherapy take? What you need to know beforehand.

Dos and Don’ts of Sclerotherapy Post-Care

Remember that sclerotherapy is a safe procedure, but pregnancy is not suitable for this procedure. Additionally, people with a history of blood clots may not be suitable for sclerotherapy, and eligibility will be decided on an individual basis based on health history and the overall health of the area requiring treatment.

Anyone receiving sclerotherapy treatment should follow the following recovery guidelines:

1- Wear compression stockings until bedtime for 14 days after treatment (or another timeline developed by your doctor). It is not necessary to wear compression socks while sleeping or showering.

2- After the treatment, the treated areas should not be exposed to excessive sun for at least one month. This can cause hyperpigmentation (dark color formation).

3- Postpone strenuous activities or high-impact workouts for one week after treatment.

4- Hot baths should not be taken for a week after the treatment.

5- Apply warm compresses to the treated areas after 48 hours of treatment.

6- You should not be excessively sedentary during your recovery. An important activity that supports your recovery is walking.

7- Anti-inflammatory medications, if necessary, as directed by your doctor.

What to Expect After Sclerotherapy Treatment?

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment and allows patients to return to their normal lives immediately after the procedure. However, some patients report tenderness, discoloration, or bruising at the injection site, but recovery is relatively easy. These problems usually resolve on their own after a few weeks.

Sometimes, when treating larger veins, a small clot or “knot” may develop. You should also call your doctor in case of severe pain, redness, swelling, crusting or bleeding.

When to Resume Normal Activities After Sclerotherapy Treatment?

Most patients can go home immediately after the procedure. Some patients can return to work the same day, but it is generally recommended to return to work the next day. You should start taking routine walks immediately after the procedure to help blood circulation. Most patients begin to notice results within a few weeks, especially if the treatment primarily targets smaller varicose veins or spider veins. Once the veins respond to treatment, they do not appear again. While new veins may appear at the same rate as before your treatment, your doctor will recommend healthy habits and changes to reduce the growth of these veins or provide you with additional treatment options.

How is sclerotherapy performed?

Here’s a quick overview of what sclerotherapy entails. A procedure begins when the patient lies in a stable position with legs slightly elevated. A specialist uses a fine needle to carefully inject a solution into the vein and then pinches and massages the treated area before moving on to the next one. The number of injections is decided according to the size, number and general condition of the veins that need to be treated.

Shortly after the procedure is completed, the patient is free to stand and move around. Constant movement is recommended as it can stimulate good blood flow, preventing the formation of blood clots. The patient is advised to wear compression bandages or stockings to narrow the treated veins

In most cases, the patient is ready to resume normal activities the same day or the next day. To ensure that the healing period goes well, it is recommended that the treated area is not exposed to direct sunlight and that the patient avoids any strenuous activity for the following week.

How long should compression stockings be worn after sclerotherapy?

After your sclerotherapy treatment is completed, your doctor will apply a pressure bandage and gauze to the treated area and you will need to keep it untouched for 24-48 hours. After the dressing is removed, compression stockings should be worn for the following 3-7 days, depending on the type of vein being treated.

The first days after treatment are crucial to start your recovery off right, so be careful not to strain yourself or stand or sit for long periods of time.

Should I sleep with compression stockings after sclerotherapy?

Wearing compression stockings after the procedure significantly contributes to the rapid and even closure of the veins, so it is important to wear them as recommended by your doctor. Most commonly, you will be advised to sleep with bandages on the first night after the procedure. After that, you can continue to wear the compression stockings only throughout the day. At first, they will probably give you some discomfort, but soon they will loosen up a bit, making you feel comfortable even after wearing them for a whole day.

How long does it take for varicose veins to disappear after sclerotherapy?

If you have minor varicose or spider veins, you will most likely notice significant improvements within 3-6 weeks. Depending on the number, size and condition of your veins, your cardiovascular surgeon may recommend more sessions, as denser vascularization requires more time and patience.

Larger veins may take up to 3-4 months to heal. The process sometimes requires some time and patience, so it’s important to remember that you should always be careful during the healing process and follow the advice your doctor gives.

How long does it take to feel the full benefits of sclerotherapy?

If you are wondering how long it takes to see the results of sclerotherapy and experience the full benefits of this intervention, this question cannot be answered with certainty. It’s different for everyone, and depending on the condition of your veins before sclerotherapy, your first vein-free day may come a few weeks to a few months after the procedure.

If your doctor recommends you have another session, you will need to wait about six weeks before coming again. Experts estimate that 60-80% of sclerotherapy procedures result in complete and successful recoveries. Following the instructions given by your doctor before and after the intervention will be enough for you to enjoy your vein-free skin immediately after sclerotherapy.

What are the Potential Side Effects of Sclerotherapy?

Most people who have the procedure experience only mild side effects. These may include itching for a day or two or some bruising or redness near the injection site. Some people experience some temporary skin changes, such as spots or brown lines near the treatment area. Again these are not permanent and usually disappear within a few months, but sometimes last up to a year.

Are There Any Complications of This Procedure?

Although complications are rare, they do exist. It includes an allergic reaction to the solution and ulceration at the injection site. The latter usually heals within two months and may leave a slight scar.

The rarest complication is a blood clot in a deep vein or in the lungs. If you are prone to blood clots or have a history of one, it is important to discuss this with your doctor before the procedure.