Sclerotherapy After 1 Week: What to Expect
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins and spider veins to reduce their appearance and improve vascular health. One week after undergoing this procedure, you will notice changes in the vein’s appearance and some vein fading. Additionally, you might experience some mild tenderness and tightness in the treated areas.
If you’re considering sclerotherapy as treatment for varicose veins or spider veins, CACVI can ensure your swift recovery. We have a team of board certified vein doctors who have over 30 years of experience in treating vascular conditions. Contact us now!
In this blog, we will talk about sclerotherapy and what to expect one week after treatment. It will also cover post-treatment care tips and what to avoid after sclerotherapy.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat spider veins, small varicose veins, and other problematic leg veins. It involves injecting a specialized solution directly into the affected veins, which causes them to collapse, close off, and eventually fade as the body reroutes blood flow to healthier veins.
For this varicose vein and spider vein treatment, the vein specialist identifies the treated areas during a consultation. Then, a small amount of sclerosing solution is injected into the veins using a fine needle. The solution will then irritate the vein walls, leading to closed veins that are gradually absorbed by the body. Patients are typically asked to wear compression stockings and apply pressure to the treated areas to support the healing process and achieve optimal results. Most patients find it to be a painless procedure with only mild discomfort at the injection site.
Generally, people choose sclerotherapy as part of their varicose vein treatments for both cosmetic and medical reasons. Some patients have cosmetic concerns and use sclerotherapy to improve the appearance of spider veins and small varicose veins on the legs. On the other hand, some patients use sclerotherapy for medical relief to address symptoms such as swelling, aching, and discomfort caused by these problematic veins.
Sclerotherapy After 1 Week: What to Expect?
After your sclerotherapy treatment, you will see some common physical changes. These include the darkening or shrinking of veins, as the treated veins may appear darker or smaller as the body begins to absorb them. You will also notice mild bruising or swelling around the injection site, which usually fades within a few weeks.
In addition, there would be trapped blood that appears as small pockets of blood “trapped” in closed veins. This trapped blood then creates minor lumps or discoloration. However, you do not need to worry, as it is part of the healing process and often resolves on its own.
Furthermore, you may experience sensations around the injury site. Some patients experience slight itching, tightness, or discomfort around the treated areas. The skin may also feel sensitive as it heals, particularly near the leg veins or larger treated areas. These sensations are generally mild and improve as you continue to heal properly.
Signs of Complications
It becomes alarming when there is persistent pain or swelling that doesn’t subside after two weeks. It is also a cause for alarm when you begin to notice signs of infection or allergic reactions such as swelling, a rash, or difficulty in breathing.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you need to consult a board-certified vein doctor immediately. In rare cases, untreated complications may lead to skin ulcers near the treated veins.
Common Post-Sclerotherapy Questions and Issues
Sclerotherapy treatment is a highly effective procedure for spider veins and small varicose veins, but it is common for many patients to have questions about their recovery process. Here are answers to the most frequent concerns after sclerotherapy, particularly around the one-week mark:
Is Pain Normal? – Yes, mild discomfort is normal after sclerotherapy treatment. You might feel a slight aching or tightness in the treated areas, as well as tenderness around the injection site, especially in larger veins.
This discomfort is typically temporary and improves within a few weeks. If pain becomes severe, persistent, or is accompanied by redness or warmth, contact your vein specialist immediately.
What If I See Bruising or Redness? – Bruising and redness around the injection site are very common and part of the normal healing process. Bruising usually fades within a few weeks, and wearing compression stockings helps minimize it. On the other hand, redness can occur immediately after treatment and should subside as the skin heals.
However, if bruising or redness worsens over time, this is a cause for alarm. You should also be concerned if you develop signs of infection, such as swelling or discharge.
Can I exercise? Yes, you can, but you must avoid strenuous exercise for at least two weeks. We recommend light walking to promote blood circulation and support healing. However, avoid weightlifting, running, or high-impact activities. You should also avoid standing or sitting for long periods without breaks.
Why do I still feel small lumps in my veins? – After sclerotherapy, it is common to feel small lumps or firmness in the treated veins. This is often caused by trapped blood within the closed veins. The lumps are a normal part of the body’s healing process as the veins are absorbed. However, if the lumps persist or become painful, schedule a follow-up with your vein doctor.
Post-Treatment Care Tips
For your post-care treatment, you should wear compression stockings, as compression improves blood circulation, reduces swelling, and ensures the treated veins close effectively. Most patients should wear compression stockings for at least two weeks after treatment. However, depending on the severity of the varicose or spider veins, your vein specialist may recommend longer use. We recommend that you wear them during the day and remove them before bed. You should also ensure that they fit snugly without being too tight.
Another post-treatment care tip is to adequately take care of your skin, as skincare is key to preventing complications and promoting healing. We recommend that you avoid sun exposure to prevent hyperpigmentation or discoloration. If you need to be outside, use sunscreen with SPF 30+ or wear protective clothing. You should also moisturize properly as it soothes the skin and reduces dryness around the injection site. Also, avoid hard or perfumed lotions that may irritate the skin.
In your post-care treatment, you need to maintain proper hydration and a balanced diet. Drinking plenty of water supports blood circulation and helps your body flush out toxins. Include healing foods in your diet, such as kale, spinach, salmon, whole grains, nuts, etc. These foods are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Additionally, engage in light activities such as gentle walking to promote blood flow and prevent blood clots. Start with short, easy walks and gradually increase the duration.
How Long Until You See Results?
The results of sclerotherapy can vary from person to person. It is influenced by factors such as the size of the treated veins, the number of veins treated during a session, your body’s natural healing process, etc.
Small spider veins usually clear up within 3-6 weeks. However, for larger veins, results may take a few months to become fully visible. We recommend that you take photos of the treated areas before and after your treatment. Comparing progress can help you visualize improvements over time.
What to Avoid After Sclerotherapy?
There are certain things you need to avoid doing after sclerotherapy to ensure a smooth recovery process. After sclerotherapy, avoid prolonged sitting or standing as they can hinder blood circulation and cause swelling and discomfort. You should also avoid hot showers, saunas, or hot tubs. This is because exposing the treated areas to heat can cause the veins to dilate and interfere with the healing process. Instead, stick to cool or lukewarm showers for at least 1-2 weeks.
Furthermore, avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting. While light walking is encouraged, strenuous exercise can put pressure on your treated veins and delay healing. You should also avoid smoking as smoking affects blood circulation and can increase the risk of blood clots or other complications. Additionally, avoid getting a massage on the treated areas, as massaging can lead to bruising or irritation.
Need to See a Doctor After Sclerotherapy Treatment?
After undergoing sclerotherapy treatment for spider veins or varicose veins, you will notice that treated veins may appear darker. Additionally, you might notice bruising or slight swelling around the injection sites. There could also be sensations such as minor tenderness, itching, or small lumps from trapped blood.
It is important to remember that results from sclerotherapy are gradual, and most patients will start to see improvements within 3-6 weeks for small veins. Larger veins may take a few months, and multiple sessions might be necessary for optimal results.
While mild side effects are normal, consult a board-certified vein doctor if you experience persistent pain, signs of infection, or unusual allergies. It is also a cause for alarm if you notice the formation of ulcers.
If you’re experiencing concerns or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to visit our Center for Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Interventions in LA. Our expert vein specialists are here to ensure your recovery is smooth and successful. Contact us today!
✓ Medically reviewed by
Dr. Moinakhtar Lala
M.D., FACC, FSCAI, RPVI · Limb salvage and endovascular intervention
Built the limb salvage and amputation prevention programme at CACVI, which is why patients call him the leg saver. Board certified in general cardiology, endovascular interventions, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology and vascular ultrasound.
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