Veins After Sclerotherapy: What to Expect

Varicose veins get progressively worse without treatment. To prevent that outcome, our Georgia vascular center offers multiple treatment options, including sclerotherapy. But what should you expect from your veins after sclerotherapy? Here's what you need to know.

What is Cosmetic Sclerotherapy?

There are two types of sclerotherapy to choose from in our Georgia vascular specialists. With cosmetic sclerotherapy, we inject your affected veins with a solution that causes it to close by making the walls stick together. Then, blood flow gets redirected to healthy veins, making the varicose veins less visible on your skin. The procedure is performed without anesthesia or sedation.

Veins After Cosmetic Sclerotherapy

Depending on the severity or number of varicose veins that you have, you may receive several injections. After each injection, we'll gently massage your left to help spread the injected solution, and to redirect blood away from your targeted vein. You can walk right away after the procedure, but you will need to spend at least a week wearing compression socks afterward, staying away from the sun and strenuous activities for two weeks. Results should be noticeable three weeks after sclerotherapy, with the full effect taking up to six months after your procedure.

What is Foam Sclerotherapy?

Ultrasound-guided or foam sclerotherapy is a follow-up procedure for varicose veins that are still visible or symptomatic after radiofrequency ablation. Veins after foam sclerotherapy will improve in appearance, and any lingering varicose vein symptoms should improve. You'll wear compression socks for a full week after the procedure, making sure to walk for at least half an hour each day. Again, you'll need to avoid sun exposure for two weeks. And initial results will be appreciable in three to six weeks, with full effects taking up to six months.

Whether you choose cosmetic or foam sclerotherapy, research has proven that these procedures reduce the symptom burden of chronic venous insufficiency, also improving your quality of life. In fact, in describing what happens to veins after after sclerotherapy, one researcher said: "Sclerotherapy offers a minimally invasive approach that can improve the appearance of veins and reduce symptoms associated with venous insufficiency. Sclerotherapy has shown promising results in treating CVI."

Want to find relief from symptomatic varicose veins? Ready to see if your veins will improve after sclerotherapy or a different treatment option? Reach out to our team today to schedule an appointment with one of our Georgia Endovascular associates.