Varicose Vein Treatment Guide
Please read these instructions carefully after your varicose vein sclerotherapy treatment at Evita Clinic. Proper compression, walking, and aftercare help improve treatment results and reduce bruising, swelling, pigmentation, and other side effects.
Most Important Notes
- Compression Bandage: A compression bandage is applied after treatment to help reduce bruising and swelling.
- Remove the Bandage the Next Morning: You may remove the compression bandage the next morning and take a shower.
- Compression Stockings: After removing the bandage, start wearing your compression stockings during the daytime as instructed.
- Walking is Recommended: Light walking helps circulation and supports recovery.
- Avoid Strenuous Activity: Avoid jogging, jumping, heavy lifting, and intense exercise for the first 48 hours.
- Long Flights: Long-distance flights are allowed after 48 hours.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a treatment for varicose veins in which a special medication is injected into the affected vein.
The medication causes an inflammatory reaction inside the vein, helping the vein collapse, close, and gradually be absorbed by the body.
The treated veins usually fade gradually over 1–3 months. Larger veins may take 3–4 months or longer, and additional treatment sessions may be needed for optimal results.
Recovery Timeline
Compression Bandage
A compression bandage is applied after sclerotherapy to help keep the treated vein compressed.
Compression helps reduce bruising and swelling and supports the treated vessel as it closes.
- Keep the compression bandage in place until the next morning.
- Do not remove it on the day of treatment unless instructed by our medical staff.
- Light walking is encouraged after treatment.
Remove the Bandage and Shower
The next morning, you may remove the compression bandage and take a shower.
After showering, begin wearing your compression stockings during the daytime as instructed.
Walk, But Avoid Strenuous Exercise
Light walking is recommended because it helps improve blood flow in the legs.
- Walking is encouraged.
- Avoid jogging.
- Avoid jumping.
- Avoid heavy weight lifting.
- Avoid intense lower-body exercise.
Long-distance flights are allowed after 48 hours.
Avoid Heat
Please avoid hot baths, saunas, public baths, and hot tubs for 2–3 days after treatment.
Heat may dilate blood vessels and may worsen swelling, bruising, or irritation around the treated area.
Gradual Vein Fading
The treated veins usually fade gradually over several weeks to months.
Treated veins may feel firm, hard, or cord-like during the healing process. This is common and usually softens gradually over 2–3 months.
Compression Stockings
Compression stockings help improve blood flow in the legs and keep the treated vessels flattened during recovery.
- Start wearing compression stockings after removing the bandage the next morning.
- Wear them during the daytime as much as possible.
- Compression stockings are especially helpful if you stand or sit for long periods.
- They may also help reduce swelling, bruising, and pigmentation after treatment.
Walking and Activity
Walking is strongly encouraged after sclerotherapy.
Light walking helps blood circulation and may reduce the risk of blood pooling in the legs.
However, please avoid vigorous activity for the first 48 hours, including running, jumping, heavy lifting, and intense exercise.
Flying and Travel
Long-distance flights are allowed after 48 hours.
If you need to fly or travel for a long time, we recommend wearing compression stockings, moving your ankles frequently, and walking when possible during travel.
Normal Reactions After Sclerotherapy
The following reactions are common after sclerotherapy and usually improve gradually.
- Itching around the treated veins
- Mild redness
- Mild swelling
- Bruising around the treated area
- Firm or cord-like treated veins
- Temporary brown discoloration
Itching, redness, and swelling usually improve within 1–2 days. Bruising commonly improves within about 1 week.
Firm or Cord-Like Veins
Treated veins may feel firm, hard, or cord-like after sclerotherapy.
This is usually part of the expected healing process as the treated vein closes and is gradually absorbed by the body.
Most treated veins soften over 2–3 months. Larger veins may take 3–4 months or longer.
Skin Discoloration and Pigmentation
Treated veins may temporarily become darker or brown as they heal.
This pigmentation usually fades gradually over time. In some patients, it may take several months.
- Avoid strong sun exposure until the treated area returns closer to your normal skin color.
- If Evita Clinic prescribed a pigmentation cream, it is usually started about 2 weeks after treatment.
- Apply only a small amount thinly to the pigmented area as instructed.
Matting
After sclerotherapy, fine thread-like vessels may sometimes appear around the treated area.
This is called matting. It often fades gradually over time, but additional treatment may be needed in some cases.
Long-Term Prevention
Varicose veins can recur or appear in new areas over time. Long-term prevention is important.
- Elevate your legs whenever possible.
- Walk regularly.
- Avoid standing or sitting in one position for long periods.
- Wear compression stockings if you sit or stand for more than 6 hours a day.
- Compression stockings may also be helpful if you have a strong family history of varicose veins.
When Should I Contact Evita Clinic?
- Increasing or severe pain around the treated area
- Discharge from the treated area accompanied by pain
- Skin becoming dark red, blackish, blistered, or ulcerated
- Severe swelling or heat in one calf or thigh
- Persistent bleeding from an injection site
- Any symptom that feels unusual or concerning after treatment
Important Note
Sclerotherapy results appear gradually. Treated veins do not disappear immediately, and additional sessions may be needed depending on the number, size, and severity of the veins.
Questions?
If you have any questions after your sclerotherapy treatment, please contact Evita Clinic.