Sclerotherapy Treatment: Preparation and Aftercare Guide
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. The procedure involves injecting a specialised solution into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and gradually be absorbed by the body.
Preparing appropriately before your treatment and following the recommended aftercare instructions are important for achieving the best results and reducing potential side effects.
Below are Dr Melanie Sung’s recommendations on how to prepare for your sclerotherapy treatment and how to care for your legs after the procedure.
Preparing for Your Sclerotherapy Treatment
Before your treatment begins, several steps are taken to ensure the procedure is planned accurately and performed safely.
Prior to the procedure, you will first meet with our sonographer, who will use ultrasound to carefully assess and mark the veins that require treatment. You will also see our nurse, who will measure your legs to determine the correct size of your medical-grade compression stockings.
In the weeks leading up to your treatment, please follow these preparation guidelines.
Two Weeks Before Treatment
Avoid medications or supplements that may increase bleeding or bruising where medically appropriate. These may include:
- Iron supplements
- Blood-thinning medications
If you take prescription medications, consult your doctor before stopping them.
The Night Before Treatment
Shower and remove hair from the treating leg/s, extending from the ankle to approximately three finger-widths into the pubic hair region. This helps ensure the treatment area is clean and accessible.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Please bring your prescribed thigh-high compression stockings, as these will be applied immediately after the procedure. If your stockings have been ordered through the clinic, they will be ready for you to wear following treatment.
During the Sclerotherapy Procedure
Sclerotherapy is performed in the clinic and usually takes about 40 minutes, depending on the number of veins being treated.
A topical numbing cream may be applied to the skin to improve comfort during the injections.
The sclerosant solution is mixed with air using a specialised filter to create a fine foam. This foam allows the solution to remain in contact with the vein walls more effectively, improving treatment outcomes.
Using ultrasound guidance, the doctor carefully visualises the affected veins and directs a fine needle into the vein. Small amounts of the sclerosant foam are injected along the length of the vein at intervals of approximately 2–3 cm, ensuring the entire vein is treated.
Each injection typically delivers 0.1–0.4 mL of sclerosant solution.
Aftercare Following Sclerotherapy
Following your treatment, proper aftercare is essential for promoting healing and achieving the best results.
Compression Stockings
Compression stockings must be worn 24 hours a day for the first 14 days after treatment. This is an important part of recovery and helps to:
- Reduce bruising and swelling
- Minimise discomfort
- Support circulation
- Reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Your stockings should be worn overnight. However, if you experience pain in your foot or heel while sleeping, remove the stockings while lying down and reapply them in the morning before getting out of bed.
Activity
You may return to work as soon as you feel comfortable.
Walking is strongly encouraged following treatment. Aim to walk at least 30 minutes each day for two weeks after your procedure.
Avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting. If seated, elevate your legs where possible.
Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for the first four days after treatment.
What to Expect After Sclerotherapy
After treatment, it is normal to experience mild side effects such as:
- Mild discomfort
- Localised swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness in the treated areas
These symptoms usually settle within a few days. Gentle walking and wearing your prescribed compression stockings will help reduce discomfort.
Some patients may experience trapped blood within the treated veins, which may require removal during follow-up appointments.
Varicose veins generally improve over 6–12 weeks following treatment.
Spider veins may not disappear completely but typically improve by 60–80%, depending on the severity of the veins and the number of treatments performed. Additional treatments may be recommended if further improvement is desired.
Optimal results are usually visible around three months after treatment.
Sclerotherapy Treatment in Canberra
Sclerotherapy is a well-established treatment for varicose veins and spider veins and is widely performed in specialised vein clinics.
If you are considering sclerotherapy treatment in Canberra or Belconnen ACT, a consultation with a qualified vein specialist can determine whether this treatment is suitable for your vein condition.
