Sclerotherapy is a common cosmetic procedure carried out to improve the appearance of swollen varicose and spider veins. Besides skin-deep improvements, it usually leads to alleviating common deformed vein symptoms such as swelling, cramps, burning sensations and ache. What should be done after sclerotherapy, which activities should be avoided, and how long does it take to go through complete recovery after sclerotherapy in Beverly Hills? This is what you need to know beforehand.
Here is a quick overview of what sclerotherapy entails. A procedure begins when the patient is laying down steadily with their legs slightly elevated. A specialist uses a fine needle to carefully inject a solution into the vein, and then compresses and massages the treated area before moving on the next one. The number of injections is decided on depending on the size, number, and overall condition of the veins that need to be treated.
Soon after the procedure is done, a patient is free to stand and walk around. Constant movement is advised, as it can stimulate good blood flow, preventing the formation of blood clots. To keep the treated veins constricted, a patient is advised to wear compression bandages or stockings.
In many cases, the patient is ready to resume with their usual activities on the same or the following day. To make sure the recovery period is going well, it’s advised to avoid exposing the treated area to direct sunlight, and the patient should restrain from any strenuous activities for the following two weeks.
After your sclerotherapy intervention is over, your doctor will apply a pressure bandage and gauze to the treated area, and you should keep it untouched for 24-48 hours. After the wrap is removed, depending on the type of vein that was treated, you should wear compression stockings for the following 3-7 days.
The first days after the treatment are crucial for starting the recovery right, so make sure not to strain yourself, or stand or sit for long periods of time. For the time being, there will be no need to lift your legs, as taking this position during the first days of recovery may lead to clot formation.
Wearing compression stockings after the procedure significantly contributes to quick and even closing down of the veins, so it’s important to wear them as your doctor prescribed. Most commonly, it is advised to sleep in your compression stockings only the first night after the procedure. After that, you can continue wearing them only during the day. At first, they will probably cause you some slight discomfort, but soon enough they will loosen up a bit, enough to make you feel comfortable even after a whole day of wearing.
As mentioned previously, the first 48 hours play an important role in your recovery process after sclerotherapy. If unsure, check with your treating physician first. Here are a few things to bear in mind so you’ll stay safe and recover successfully:
On the other hand, exercising and other physical activities are perfectly acceptable. You are free to resume activities such as jogging, weight-lifting and even jumping (for instance, while playing tennis or basketball) after the procedure. This is not the case with the EVLT procedure.
As far as taking medications during your recovery period is concerned, consult with your physician to get precise, fact-checked information.
If you suffered from small varicose or spider veins, you are most likely to notice significant improvements within 3-6 weeks. Depending on the number, size and state of your veins, your specialist might recommend more sessions, as complex vein conditions require more time and patience.
Larger veins may need longer time to withdraw, taking up to 3-4 months. The process sometimes takes some time and patience, so it’s important to remember to always be careful during the recovery process, and to follow the advice given by your doctor as prescribed.
In case you are wondering how long it takes to see sclerotherapy results and experience full benefits of this intervention, the question cannot be answered with certainty. Everybody’s different, and depending on the state your veins were in before the sclerotherapy, your first vein-free day may come somewhere between a few weeks and a few months after intervention.
If your doctor suggests undergoing another session, you will need to wait around six weeks before coming in again. Specialist estimate that 60-80% of sclerotherapy procedures end in complete, successful recoveries. Following the instructions given by your doctor, both before and after the intervention, should be enough to let you enjoy your vein-free skin soon after the sclerotherapy.
The search for a specialist for your varicose or spider veins ends here, at Beverly Hills Vein Institute, an acclaimed, specialized clinic for professional vein treatment. This is the place to find the most experienced, exceptional staff, led by Dr. Ivan Brooks, MD, Double Board Certified Physician accredited by The American Board of Venous & Lymphatics and The American Board of Anesthesiology.
If you wish to successfully complete your sclerotherapy rehabilitation process in Beverly Hills, reach out to us and ask us anything you need to know. We will be happy to assist you in getting back on your feet, enjoying a pleasant walk down the Coldwater Canyon Park with your friends or family. Contact us today, and book your first consultation! Beverly Hills Vein Institute specialists are waiting for your call.
