After care for Foam Sclerotherapy
After care for foam sclerotherapy
After Treatment Care
You will be instructed on how long to wear compression stockings after treatment, depending on the size of the veins that are treated. Most patients wear thigh-high compression stockings continuously for 1-3 days, then another 7 days.
For the first 24 hours after the procedure, you should not get the area wet. But after, you may shower with the stockings on or take a quick cool shower with them off. Avoid heated showers for one week after the foam sclerotherapy treatment.
You should walk 30 minutes twice daily after treatment and move your legs frequently throughout the day with short walks and/or calf exercises. This avoids pooling of blood in the legs. Avoid prolonged sitting during the day, and when you are sitting have your legs be elevated.
Avoid direct sun exposure during the healing process. The two weeks after treatment. Using sun tan lotion after is recommended.
No swimming in public pools, lakes, or oceans for one week to reduce risk of infection.
It is normal to have aching in the treated veins. This responds well to walking, ice packs, and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
What to avoid after foam sclerotherapy treatment
For at least two weeks after treatment, you should avoid strenuous exercise (anything more than a brisk walk), heavy lifting, saunas or hot tubs, and leg massages. All of these dilate the superficial veins and interfere with their healing. You should also avoid airline travel for two weeks after treatment.
Possible side effects after foam sclerotherapy treatment
You will likely have some bruising over the injection sites, then the treated veins may become firm and blue. We recommend patients use the product, RECOVA cream, as this helps reduce swelling, redness, and bruising post procedure.
The skin overlying the treated veins may also develop brownish hyperpigmentation as the blood products within those veins are absorbed by the body; in some patients it can take up to a year to fade.
An uncommon complication is a blood clot within a deep vein. The risk is minimized by using ultrasound guidance and performing calf exercises throughout the procedure.
