“Sclero-” literally means hardening or scarring, and sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment in which a chemical irritant solution is injected into varicose veins; the solution causes the veins to form scar tissue and collapse, which closes off the blood supply. The blood is naturally and automatically re-routed to nearby healthier veins, and the collapsed veins are slowly re-absorbed and disappear from view.
If you have recently undergone sclerotherapy or are preparing for one, let’s talk about how to care for your skin after the procedure, best practices you should follow to promote a healthy healing process, and where you can go in Tampa Bay to get clear, beautiful legs again.
Immediately After Sclerotherapy for Treating Varicose Veins
Because this procedure is simple and does not involve anesthesia, patients can safely drive themselves home afterwards. For 48 hours after sclerotherapy, avoid taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, avoid direct sunlight exposure to the treated area, and don’t take hot baths or showers. However, it is recommended to cleanse the treated area with soap and lukewarm water.
Temporary side effects are common and usually resolve themselves within a few days. These include dark lines or spots, a raised red area at the site of injection, or bruising. Rare side effects that warrant treatment include inflammation, blood clots, or an allergic reaction to the solution.
In the Weeks and Months After a Sclerotherapy Procedure
During the first two weeks following the procedure, walking and light exercise are recommended to prevent blood clot formation. Compression stockings are also recommended to keep constant light pressure on the treated area.
In most cases, multiple procedures are necessary to completely get rid of varicose veins – so your vein doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment about a month after the treatment in order to evaluate your progress. Smaller veins should disappear in three to six weeks, while larger ones can take three to four months. Veins that disappear within this time typically do not come back.
If new varicose veins appear elsewhere, sclerotherapy can be performed again as long as the patient waits at least six weeks between visits.
Sclerotherapy Injections in Palm Harbor, FL
Sclerotherapy is safe, effective, and the gold standard for removing varicose veins and spider veins. After sclerotherapy treatment, it is important to keep the treated area clean and healthy to ensure the best results from the procedure. For large veins, you will probably go back for multiple procedures that help the veins fade more each time until you are satisfied with the results.
At Edward G. Mackay and Associates, sclerotherapy is performed successfully every day. With nearly 30 years of experience, including board certification and fellowship training in vascular surgery, Dr. Mackay treats patients in the Tampa Bay area to eliminate their varicose veins and to help them achieve clearer, healthier skin.
To arrange an appointment with Dr. Mackay, call our friendly staff today at (727) 781-5652 or fill out our online request form now. We look forward to helping you eliminate varicose veins from your body and your life!