You can get rid of spider veins with a minimally invasive procedure available from your vascular doctor. Sclerotherapy involves an injection into the affected veins that encourages vein collapse. This is done to reduce the unsightly appearance of both varicose veins and spider veins.
As with any medical procedure, you will want to prepare appropriately for the best results and to remain safe during the treatment. Your doctor will give you specific guidelines, but there are general rules you can follow too. Read on to find preparation tips from a vascular specialist regarding spider vein treatment with sclerotherapy.
What to Do Before Sclerotherapy
Communicate with Your Vein Doctor
Before you undergo sclerotherapy, you will attend a consultation appointment with your vein doctor to make sure this is the right treatment for your unique needs. This provides an ideal opportunity to voice any questions or concerns about the treatment. Understanding what will occur can relieve lingering nerves about your procedure.
You should be honest with your doctor as well about your medical history and any medicines that you take. These medications can impact your treatment, so you should let them know. The doctor will also ask you to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and NSAIDs ahead of your treatment.
Get Comfortable
Your doctor will need to access the part of your body that have spider veins. To make it easier for your doctor and comfortable for you, you should wear loose clothing. If you have spider veins on your legs, you may want to wear shorts.
You should also eat and drink plenty of water ahead of your appointment so that your body feels well and strong. Your doctor will encourage you to shower as you normally would, and they may recommend an antibacterial soap on the affected area on the day of your sclerotherapy procedure.
However, the doctor will ask you to avoid shaving or applying lotion on these parts of the body so that you do not irritate the area.
Prepare for Your Recovery
Sclerotherapy involves an injection and no other invasive methods. You can expect to return to your regular activities after this treatment. However, you should still prepare for your recovery process ahead of your appointment. This way, you do not have to stress after the procedure.
Your doctor will likely ask you to wear compression stockings if you had treatment in your legs for three weeks or more. You will need to begin wearing them directly after your treatment, so you should have these items on hand before you undergo the procedure.
You will not have lingering pain or discomfort after your injection. But you may still feel tired in aftermath of a doctor’s appointment. Preparing for your recovery and reviewing post-procedure guidelines before your treatment will allow you to relax more as you heal. If you notice signs of an infection at your injection site or other complications, do not hesitate to call your doctor.