Recommendations after sclerotherapy



Directly before sclerotherapy, independently of examinations carried out earlier, the patient has an ultrasound scan in order secure the best treatment.



A sclerotherapy session lasts for 15-30 minutes.



After the treatment and application of pressure dressings the patient should walk for 20-30 minutes.

One isn't allowed at that time to sit, stand or lie.



The first pressure dressings should kept on for 5-7 days - depending on doctor's orders.

The next pressure dressings ( bandage or stocking ) should be worn for 2-3 weeks.

The patient should not warm lower limbs and should shower only under lukewarm water.

For large varicose veins, pressure may be required for longer, especially with consecutive procedures, pressure and the amount of time required is unique to each patient and requires an ultrasound test.

It is recommended for the period of time the dressing is required to be in place that patients try to be as active as possible, at a bare minimum, an hours walk is necessary , and long periods of sitting or standing advised against.



With large varicose veins the reddening of the skin, cramping and pain is a beneficial occurrence and is a good sign that the procedure has been successful and the vein is shutting down.

Small varicose veins may turn blue and look a little stained this is a normal phenomena which in time fades, it can take up to 6 months for the stains to finally disappear.

Patients with ulceration of large varicose veins may experience increasing reddening of the skin in the second week after treatment which is also a beneficial occurrence.

A little swelling on the bone or of the foot is normal during the period in which the dressing is worn. A little painfulness is a transitional occurrence.

But after the treatment should the patient experience extreme swelling and/or pain or any other unusual symptoms he should contact the clinic immediately.

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Complications:

Sclerotherapy is a safe method, used in many countries for many years but as with all medical treatments there are some side effects that can arise in a very small number of patients:

• allergic reaction, similar to that of nettle rash after the injections,

• chafing of the skin from the bandages,

• allergic reaction to surgical cut.