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Sclerotherapy
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
Prior to
sclerotherapy
- Fill your precription for your compressions stockings early. Stocking can take up to three weeks for delivery. Visit our Stocking web page for local and web vendors, stocking fitting instructions, and care tips. You may also download and print our handy Stocking Information Sheet (pdf).
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Aleve (ibuprofen) or aspirin
7 - 10 days before the scheduled procedure.
- Do not shave your legs the night before or the day of your procedure.
- Do not apply lotion to your legs the day of your procedure.
- Be sure to bring or wear loose-fitting pants or sweatpants. You may also wear shorts.
- Bring the compression stockings that were prescribed for you as you will be wearing them home.
What to expect the day of the procedure:
- Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled procedure time.
- Consent forms and photographs of veins will be added to your office record.
- Comfortable shorts will be provided for you to wear during the procedure.
- Although the procedure may cause some discomfort, it is usually well tolerated.
- Cotton balls and tape will be applied to each injection site, providing local compression. Proper compression is very important because it minimizes the blood reentering the injected vein, decreases the incidence of post-sclerotherapy hyperpigmentation and telangiectatic matting, and improves venous blood flow. Your compression stockings or ace wraps will be applied at the end of the procedure to wear home.
Post-procedure instructions for sclerotherapy:
- Wear compression stockings continuously for the first 48 hours following your injection appointment. After that you may remove the tape and cotton balls. Wear the stockings daily for at least 2 weeks, though 4 - 6 weeks is best for optimal results. Proper compression is very important because it minimizes the blood reentering the injected area, decreases the incidence of post-sclerotherapy hyperpigmentation and telangiectatic matting, and improves venous blood flow.
- You may shower after 48 hours. Hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas should be avoided for two weeks after sclerotherapy to avoid venous dilation.
- Take Tylenol for any discomfort. Avoid Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory medicines for at least 10 days. The inflammatory response is part of the treatment process.
- You may elevate your legs to improve your comfort level.
- Avoid sun exposure, including tanning booths, for 4 - 6 weeks or until bruising or discoloration resolves. Apply sun block if sun exposure is anticipated with normal daily activities.
- Watch for any signs of infection. Some redness is expected. If you develop progressively enlarging areas of redness or any drainage of pus, contact our office immediately at (541) 282-6680.
- Do not "pop" blisters. If you develop a blister and it opens, simply allow it to dry. Wash the area gently with mild soap and water during your regular hygiene.
- Avoid high-impact activities such as aerobics, jogging, running, and leg weight lifting for one to two weeks after each injection treatment.
- Please be patient as you await the final result. You may think your legs look worse initially because of possible bruising, blistering, or local swelling. Results can take several weeks to be appreciated.
- Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our phone number is (541) 282-6680.
Download Instructions (pdf).
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