Take These Steps to Stay Healthy After Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is the gold standard in reducing and eliminating these pesky purple or blue lines going up and down your legs. It’s a minimally invasive, straightforward way to restore the appearance of your skin. And our board-certified radiologists with REDI Diagnostic Corp in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, are the experts you want to see.

What happens at my appointment? 

First our staff cleans the area to be treated. Next your physician injects a special solution into your problem veins. Sclerotherapy isn’t magic; your veins won’t immediately disappear. You’ll need to have patience. Over the next several months, the treated veins collapse and are absorbed into surrounding tissue. You can read more about the procedure here.

What happens after my appointment? 

Now the procedure is over and you’re looking forward to putting it behind you and moving on, but what about aftercare? The good news is that after the procedure, you’ll be able to go about your normal day, depending on what’s a normal activity level for you. 

There are some important caveats. Note the following important tips for care after sclerotherapy. 

Get a ride home

Ask a family member or friend for a ride home the day of your treatment. You don’t want to overexert your body after the procedure. 

Wait on bathing 

If you have a bandage over your incision, your physician gives you written instructions on how to care for the area. You can shower one or two days after your procedure and pat dry. Avoid taking a bath or swimming until your doctor gives you the OK. 

Avoid the sun 

Winter is the perfect time to take care of varicose and spider veins. You need to avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks after sclerotherapy. It can produce darker skin on the treatment area. Since you’ll likely be wearing long pants most of the time in the winter, it’s a great time to have this procedure. 

Walk to prevent clotting

Your physician asks you to get up and walk right after the procedure. Plan to take a walk every day. Start out slowly and gradually increase your distance. Walking aids circulation and healing, and it helps prevent blood clots. 

Avoid strenuous activity 

If you work out at the gym, play a sport, or engage in other vigorous activities like biking, gardening, or dancing, ask your physician when you can safely resume them. Be sure to get plenty of rest in the days following your treatment. 

Wear compression stockings 

You’ll wear compression stockings for anywhere from one to three weeks on the area that’s been treated. Compression prevents the disintegrating veins from filling with blood and improves treatment outcomes. 

You don’t have to live with blemished skin. Call our office or book an appointment online today for expert treatment for your varicose and spider veins.