Summer is more than just a season of sunny skies. It’s a time when you want to feel your best – confident and free. If you’re bothered by varicose or spider veins, you may avoid wearing shorts, skirts, or swimsuits that expose your legs. Don’t let these veins ruin this summer’s fun. Let’s see how a sclerotherapy treatment plan can help you achieve smoother, vein-free legs in time for the warm weather!
Sclerotherapy Treatment for Vein-Free Legs
Sclerotherapy is a well-established and widely used approach for treating varicose and spider veins. Both types of veins can affect your appearance and self-esteem and cause uncomfortable and unsightly symptoms.
Sclerotherapy has many advantages over other treatments because it:
- is minimally invasive
- is anesthesia-free
- has a high success rate
- has a low risk of complications and side effects
- involves only a short recovery time and minimal downtime
When to Begin Your Sclerotherapy
If you’re interested in sclerotherapy, now is the best time to start. Depending on the number and size of the veins you want to treat, you may need 2-3 sessions of sclerotherapy, spaced 6-8 weeks apart, to achieve optimal results.
Starting in January means you can complete your treatment plan well before summer, allowing your body enough time to heal and the veins to disappear. Remember, with May comes shorts weather – and there’s no better time to show off your results!
So, let’s look at the process and benefits.
What Happens Before Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Before you undergo sclerotherapy, you must have a thorough consultation with a qualified healthcare provider to examine your legs, evaluate your medical history, and discuss your goals and expectations.
Before sclerotherapy treatment, we recommend you:
- Avoid taking medications such as antibiotics, blood thinners, or anti-inflammatory medications.
- Avoid applying creams, lotions, or oils to your legs on the day of the procedure.
- Bring a pair of shorts to wear during the procedure and comfortable clothing that accommodates the compression socks afterward.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home afterward in case you feel discomfort.
- Purchase compression stockings. You will need to wear these for 3 days following the procedure. Compression of 20 mmHg is required. You can purchase them online or here in our office.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment
Sclerotherapy treatment is more than just a cosmetic procedure; it’s a comprehensive treatment that can improve your comfort, health, and wellbeing. Here are the main benefits:
- It relieves the symptoms associated with varicose and spider veins. By reducing or eliminating these symptoms, sclerotherapy treatment can enhance your physical and mental health.
- Sclerotherapy treatment improves blood circulation and oxygen delivery in your legs. Varicose and spider veins impair the normal flow of blood and oxygen in your legs, leading to fatigue, muscle cramps, skin changes, and ulcers. By rerouting blood and oxygen supply to nearby healthy veins, sclerotherapy prevents or heals these complications and improves the function and appearance of your legs. Avoiding venous insufficiency in your legs is crucial for your overall health.
- It boosts your self-confidence and self-esteem. Varicose and spider veins can affect your body image and self-perception – especially in summer – making you feel embarrassed, insecure, or depressed. By removing these veins, sclerotherapy can help you regain your confidence and happiness.
Sclerotherapy Recovery and Aftercare
Sclerotherapy is a quick and easy procedure that usually takes 30-45 minutes, and you can walk out immediately after the treatment.
You may experience some mild side effects after sclerotherapy:
- At the injection site: pain, cramping, redness, itching, or swelling
- Around the treated veins: bruising, discoloration, staining of the skin, minor ulcers, blisters, or scabs, lumps, tiny blood vessels
- Some more rare side effects can be headache, nausea, or dizziness
These side effects are usually temporary and resolve within a few days or weeks. To ease your discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers and apply ice packs or cold compresses to the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain. If you bruise easily, you may take a herbal medication such as Arnica, Bromelain, or Dermaka skin cream (available on Amazon). Taken individually or together, these will help minimize the risk of bruising.
To help with healing and to help decrease the risk of discoloration, you may take NSAIDS for the first 1-2 weeks after treatment. We typically recommend Ibuprofen or Aleve as directed on the package or by your PCP.
To ensure a smooth and successful recovery, here are some tips for immediate aftercare:
- Walk at least 30 minutes a day to improve blood circulation and prevent clots.
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.
- Elevate your legs when resting.
- Avoid hot baths, saunas, or hot tubs for two weeks.
- Wear compression stockings or bandages for 3 days following the procedure.
- Avoid shaving your legs until the site heals.
- Avoid sun exposure until all bruising and discoloration resolves.
- Use sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage and hyperpigmentation.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or contact sports for 7 days.
- Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet.
Results of Sclerotherapy Treatment: How Long Do They Last?
Sclerotherapy for varicose and spider veins can produce noticeable and lasting results for most patients. You may see some improvement in the appearance of your veins within a few weeks, but it may take several months for the full effect to be visible.
To maintain the results of your sclerotherapy treatment and avoid future varicose vein problems:
- Wear compression stockings regularly, especially when traveling or standing for long periods of time.
- Exercise regularly to improve blood circulation and muscle tone.
- Eat a balanced diet low in salt and fiber, with fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Elevate your legs whenever possible.
- Avoid crossing your legs or wearing tight clothing or shoes.
Who Should Not Have Sclerotherapy Treatment?
Sclerotherapy can be an amazing solution for most people with varicose and spider veins, but it is not suitable for everyone. Make sure to discuss with your healthcare practitioner beforehand if you have any contraindications or limitations, such as:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Blood clotting disorders or history of deep vein thrombosis
- Allergy to the sclerosant or the local anesthesia
Step Into Summer with Confidence at Denver Vein Center!
Spot that surprise in the heading? Denver Vein is our sister site! As summer approaches, remember that the best time to start sclerotherapy treatment is now. And if you’re looking for a reliable and experienced team to do your sclerotherapy treatment, look no further than Denver Vein Center. They’re not scary and they’re ready to guide you through each step of your sclerotherapy journey. Summer starts in May – don’t delay! Contact us today and we’ll introduce you!
Related read: Other ways to look your best this summer?
