Vein Center

Sclerotherapy involves a series of injections using a tiny needle to administer small amounts of a solution into the vein. This solution irritates the inner lining of the vein and, for most patients, causes the vein to collapse and eventually disappear.

This is an outpatient procedure that usually causes only minimal discomfort. The recovery period following sclerotherapy is usually painless as well. Occasionally an ultrasound will be used to visualize larger veins as they are being injected. Several types and forms of solution are available for injecting and the solution most appropriate for you will be discussed prior to treatment.

Following sclerotherapy treatment, you will wear compression stockings for several days but can usually return to all of your normal activities immediately. Multiple sessions may be needed to attain your desired results.

Before your procedure

1. If possible, we advise that you avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (i.e. Advil and Motrin), and vitamin E for 5 days prior to treatment, as they can be associated with increased bruising. If you have been advised by another physician to take these medications daily, please discuss this with him/her prior to stopping them.
2. If you do not already have them, it is also important to get the prescribed compression stockings. You will need to bring them with you to your sclerotherapy session.
   • You can get your compression stockings at a medical supply store. Please plan ahead and get your stockings well in advance of your procedure as the correct size often has to be ordered for you. Please also try your stocking(s) on prior to your procedure to be sure they fit- they will be very snug but they ought to be long enough that they come to the very top of you leg (to your groin).
3. Lastly, please do not shave your legs the morning of your treatment as it leaves the skin mildly irritated and your spider veins may be more difficult inject.

After your procedure

1. Dressing Care: When you leave the Vein Center after your sclerotherapy session you will have compression dressings on as well as the compression stocking(s). Leave all the dressings and the stocking(s) in place until the following morning. In the morning, remove the stocking(s) and all of the dressings. (Leaving the dressing on longer will not give you a better outcome and in fact may increase your risk of infection.) After you have showered and dried completely- put only the stocking(s) back on. No additional dressings are needed.
2. Wound care: Keep in mind that your legs could look quite bruised following sclerotherapy. It is important that you check your legs daily for signs of infection- red streaks beyond the areas treated, extreme tenderness, pus or drainage. Though rare, should you see any of these signs call the Vein Center. When bruising is present, it is very important that you avoid exposing the area to sun (including artificial sun/tanning) as you will increase your chances of getting hyperpigmentation skin changes. Widespread leg swelling and pain when walking is not a normal. Call the Vein Center should you have these or any other concerning symptoms.
3. Compression stocking(s): The purpose of the compression stocking(s) is to insure that the treated veins heal shut and do not re-open. They may also aide in decreasing the amount of bruising you get. Therefore- wearing the compression stocking(s) as prescribed is very important to the success of the procedure. The duration of use will vary from patient to patient but as a general guideline:
4. For the first 3-4 days following the procedure, wear the compression stocking(s) around the clock, just removing daily when you bathe. For the remaining 7-10 days you can take the stocking(s) off at night when you are sleeping but should otherwise wear the stocking(s) all day. You will be wearing the stocking(s) for a total of 10-14 days following the procedure.
5. Bathing: Avoid swimming and soaking in water for the first week after the treatment to prevent infection.
6. Exercise: For the 3-4 days after sclerotherapy, we advise that you avoid lifting greater than 10-15 pounds and any activities that elevate your blood pressure or heart rate. However, we do encourage you to walk a minimum of 30 minutes daily following your sclerotherapy. After one week you may slowly return to your normal level of exercise but be sure you are still wearing the compression stocking(s) as prescribed- even while exercising.
7. Follow-Up: We would be more than happy to see you after your sclerotherapy treatments to address any questions or concerns you may have. When scheduling your follow up appointment as well as any additional sclerotherapy sessions, please keep in mind that the maximal outcome is about 6-8 weeks following treatment.