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Post-Procedure Instructions

Post-Procedure Instructions: Sclerotherapy & Endovenous Ablation

Congratulations on completing your vein treatment.

Both sclerotherapy and endovenous ablation are safe, minimally invasive procedures with excellent results. Following the proper aftercare instructions is essential for achieving the best outcomes and preventing complications.

General Post-Procedure Care

Compression Stockings

Wear your prescribed compression stockings during the day (and sometimes at night, if instructed) for 1–2 weeks. These help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and promote healing.

Activity

  • Walking is strongly encouraged immediately after the procedure and daily for at least 20–30 minutes.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and high-impact activities for about 1 week.
  • Do not stand or sit for prolonged periods without moving.

Wound Care

  • Keep bandages or dressings in place as directed.
  • You may shower the next day unless told otherwise; avoid hot tubs, saunas, and long baths for 1 week.
  • Bruising and mild tenderness are common and should improve within days to weeks.

Medications

  • Use over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) as needed unless contraindicated.
  • If prescribed, take antibiotics or anti-inflammatories as directed.

Warning Signs: When to Call Your Doctor

While most patients heal without problems, it’s important to watch for the following:

  • Leg swelling, warmth, or pain in the calf or thigh → may signal a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
  • Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood → could be a pulmonary embolism (PE). Call 911 immediately.
  • Severe pain or redness at the treatment site → may indicate infection or inflammation.
  • Persistent lump or hard cord along a vein → may be a coagulum (trapped blood clot) that requires drainage in clinic.
  • Clusters of small inflamed veins or recurrent spider veins → may need additional sclerosant injections for best cosmetic results.

Possible Interventions After Treatment

  • Evacuation of coagulum – Sometimes a small pocket of trapped blood forms in a treated vein, leading to tenderness. This can be relieved in clinic with a simple needle aspiration.
  • Additional sclerotherapy injections – Occasionally, small residual veins require another round of treatment for complete clearance.
  • Ultrasound evaluation – If swelling or pain occurs, an ultrasound may be ordered to check for DVT or vein closure.
  • Prescription medications – Anti-inflammatories, blood thinners, or antibiotics may be prescribed depending on your symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is pain normal after sclerotherapy or ablation?

Mild soreness, bruising, or tightness is normal and usually improves in a few days. Severe pain should be reported.

Most patients return to work and light activities the next day. Jobs requiring heavy lifting may need a few more days of rest.

Sometimes yes. Large veins may require more than one ablation, and spider or reticular veins often need multiple sclerotherapy sessions.

Symptoms like heaviness and aching often improve quickly. Cosmetic improvements can take weeks to months as veins gradually fade.

Yes. Compression helps prevent complications and improves long-term results, even if your legs already feel better.