SCLEROTHERAPY

The injected medication is a “sclerosant”. This irritates the cells lining the blood vessel wall.

After injection, the vein walls contract, slowly close, and are reabsorbed. Deeper larger veins take over their blood flow. The recovery is slow, taking 2-8 weeks, sometimes longer for larger veins.  Improvement will continue beyond this time, with the responses & recovery time varying between individuals. Compression stockings must be worn as per instructions.

What to expect following treatment:

• The veins become irritated, may be raised and slightly itchy. The area treated will have a somewhat red and inflamed appearance.
• Small spot bruises will occur at injection sites. This will settle within 1-2 weeks.
• It is usual for the areas treated to look “worse before they look better”. This is the normal process of sclerosant treatment.
• In some cases, transient increased pigmentation can occur from a pigment called haemosiderin being retained along treated veins. This will usually fade over the next 3-6 months. Avoid your legs being exposed to the sun after treatment for 3 months.

• Your legs may feel tender, with patchy areas of fading bruises for some time afterwards. Larger veins may appear darker & feel a little lumpy for some days after treatment.
• The number of treatments required will be determined by the extent of your spider veins, the maximum dose we can administer per treatment, and the results we aim to achieve.
• Spider veins require several treatments to achieve desired results: 2 to 5 sessions depending on individual factors. Treatments can be repeated at 4 weekly intervals.
• Specific medical compression stockings / socks must be worn after treatment.

Instructions after Microsclerotherapy treatments: 

• Walk for 10mins immediately after treatment (please bring suitable shoes for wearing with compression stockings).

• For the first 3 days and nights, 24 hours a day the compression stockings / socks MUST be worn and not removed. After showering, dry your legs with a towel.  A hairdryer can be gently used on low heat to help dry the stockings on your legs.
• On days 4 to 7 inclusive, you must wear the stockings during the day only. Remove the stockings at night, and wear after morning showering.
• Walk for 30 minutes every day in compression stockings – this may be two shorter walks over each day.

1. Try to avoid stocking creases at knee and ankle, as this can cause irritation & discomfort.

• Do not apply moisturiser to the thigh area as the “hold-up” stockings will be unable to grip your skin. If the stockings start to slip, moisten the contact area with water.
• At night, should your feet feel tight or painful, or if your toes swell, or if your skin is irritated from creases or the “hold-up” grip area, then you may remove the stocking while in bed only. Put stockings on again before getting up the next morning.
• Avoid all strenuous & high impact exercise, e.g. running, lifting heavy items, wearing high heels, prolonged standing or sitting while in the stockings. Avoid the exertion of walking up steep hills or many stairs.
• Avoid any long-haul flights within 4 weeks of treatment after the procedure.
• Take Panadol or Nurofen for discomfort or pain relief, as necessary.
• Try to resume your normal daily activities as soon as possible.

We hope you will be delighted with the outcome of your treatment.
If for any reason you are concerned or have any questions, please call the clinic (09) 638 4242