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Although quite common and medically harmless, hair-thin blemishes, known as spider veins can be cosmetically unsettling to some people and cause others to want to cover up even in the heat. Treating spider veins is rarely a medical necessity, but should you wish to pursue it, spider vein-free skin is just a zap away.
Post-treatment Sclerotherapy does not require any recovery period. You will be able to walk immediately but should refrain from vigorous exercise, aerobics, or jogging for 24 hours. Bed rest is not required.
It is not uncommon for the areas that were injected to appear somewhat red and inflamed. This is an expected reaction to the sclerosing agent and may appear for several days to two weeks, however you can expect to see good results in 6 to 8 weeks.
What Can I Do to Help Achieve Great Results?
To achieve the best outcome from your sclerotherapy treatment sessions, here are some helpful suggestions:
• Wear elastic stockings or ace bandages as you have been advised during your sclerotherapy session. Using compression stockings after sclerotherapy improves results.
• Elevate your legs if swelling occurs or when resting.
• Walk each day to maintain good blood flow and circulation to the legs.
• Avoid sitting with your legs crossed, as it puts pressure on the veins.
• While sitting for long periods of time, at a computer or on air flights, stand and walk about every hour.
• Although sun tanning may mask the appearance of spider veins initially, it actually accentuates their appearance by breaking down the collagen of the skin surface making spider veins more visible. Wearing a sunscreen is advisable.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
While most side effects of sclerotherapy are not serious, one could experience a number of physical reactions during and following the treatment, including:
• Stinging or burning at the injection site is not uncommon and usually lasts for only moments.
• Skin discoloration, or pigmentation may occur and almost always fades, but can take 6 to 12 months to disappear.
• Scarring is rare.
• New vessel growth at the site of injection may necessitate additional treatment or maintenance therapy.
• Raised, hive-like bump or a tiny sore at the treatment area usually dissipates within hours.
• Slight bruising may occur, but typically disappears within one to two weeks.
• You may experience minor itching, bruising or blistering where the vein was treated, this is quick to resolve.
In very rare cases, a mild reaction to the sclerosant (injection solution) may occur.
Wearing an ACE® bandage or support hose can help minimize some of these side effects.
Information for our Sclerotherapy Patients
Pre-therapy: Please bring a pair of shorts to wear during each treatment session. On the day of the procedure, please do not use any creams or oils on your legs. Please do not shave your legs the day of or night before your sclerotherapy treatment. If you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, please notify the office at least 72 hours prior.
Post-therapy: If your leg/legs have been wrapped with an ACE® bandage, the wrap should remain in place for 24 hours. After the removal of the ACE bandage, support stockings are recommended. Please wear them for 7 hours a day for the next 7 days. Please, no heavy aerobics or jogging for 24 hours. You are encouraged to walk for 10 to 15 minutes daily for the next 7 days.
Treating Side Effects: Following injection therapy you may experience some discomfort or minor reaction. This is a common reaction to sclerotherapy and may be treated as follows:
• Itching: May occur within several hours after the procedure. The use of an over-the-counter antihistamine will relieve this symptoms. Please check with your medical doctor before taking any medications.
• Aching: May occur within the first 3 hours after the procedure. The use of any over-the-counter minor pain relief medication will usually relieve this symptom. Please check with your medical doctor before taking any medications.
• Discoloration: The area that has been injected will appear red and possibly slightly inflamed. This will change to brown and eventually fade away.
• Ulceration: On rare occasions, some clients may experience a skin ulcer, which looks like a blister. Should this happen, keep the area clean and cover it with a Band-Aid. If redness occurs, use a small amount of an antibiotic ointment and cover with a Band-Aid. Please call the Vein Center should this occur.
If you have any questions or concerns about your sclerotherapy treatment or session, please call The Rockland Vein Center at
(845) 362-5200 (Pomona) or (845) 291-3656 (Goshen).
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