Sclerotherapy Procedure

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive, office-based medical procedure used to treat spider veins and smaller varicose veins. The treatment involves injecting a specialized liquid or foam chemical solution (a sclerosant) directly into the targeted blood vessels. This solution causes the lining of the vein to swell, stick together, and clot. Over a period of several weeks, the treated vein turns into scar tissue, fades from view, and is naturally reabsorbed by the body, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. Complete clearing typically requires multiple sessions, and final cosmetic outcomes depend heavily on adherence to compression and aftercare guidelines.

These guidelines are designed to maximize the clearance of your targeted veins, minimize common side effects like hyperpigmentation (staining), bruising, or blood trapping, and prevent complications. Compliance with both pre-treatment restrictions and rigorous post-treatment compression therapy is mandatory for achieving optimal cosmetic results.

To prepare your skin and blood vessels for the procedure and minimize the risk of excess bruising, bleeding, or skin irritation, please follow these directives:

• Avoid Blood Thinners & NSAIDs: Discontinue the use of over-the-counter blood thinners, including Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve), and Vitamin E supplements for 5 to 7 days prior to your appointment to reduce bleeding and bruising.
• Prescription Medications: Do not stop taking prescription blood thinners unless explicitly instructed by your prescribing provider, but ensure you notify the Nurse Practitioner (NP) prior to your session.
• No Shaving or Lotions: Do not shave your legs, use chemical depilatories, or apply any lotions, creams, oils, or self-tanners to the treatment area for 24 hours prior to your appointment. Shaving can create microscopic cuts that sting when the solution or alcohol prep is applied.
• Bring Compression Stockings: You must purchase and bring your prescribed medical-grade compression stockings (typically 20–30 mmHg) to your appointment. The provider will apply them immediately following the procedure.
• Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing (such as loose shorts or a wide skirt) and comfortable walking shoes to your appointment to accommodate the bulk of compression wraps or stockings.

Proper compression is the most critical factor in ensuring the vein walls seal together permanently and to minimize hyperpigmentation.

• Immediate Compression: Your compression stockings or wraps will be applied immediately after the procedure. Leave them on continuously (24 hours a day, including while sleeping) for the first 48 hours. Remove them only briefly to shower if permitted, or as instructed by your provider.
• Extended Wearing Protocol: After the initial 48 hours, wear your compression stockings daily during waking hours for the next 1 to 2 weeks. Consistent compression forces blood out of the treated vessels, reducing the risk of tracking, bruising, and dark staining.
• Skin Care & Cleansing: When showering (after the first 48 hours), use lukewarm water rather than hot water. Gently wash the injection sites with mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with a clean towel; do not rub.
• Hyperpigmentation & Bruising: Bruising, redness, and raised bumps at the injection sites are normal and will resolve over several weeks. You may apply Arnica gel or a topical vitamin K cream to bruised areas after the injection points have closed (typically 48 hours post-procedure).

• Keep Moving: Walk for 15 to 20 minutes immediately following your procedure and maintain a daily walking routine (at least 30 minutes a day). Walking promotes healthy deep-vein circulation and prevents blood clots.
• Avoid Strenuous Exercise: Postpone high-impact exercise, heavy weightlifting, running, or high-intensity aerobics for 5 to 7 days post-treatment. Increased internal pressure can reopen the treated veins.
• No High Heat: Avoid hot baths, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms for at least 7 to 10 days. Heat causes blood vessels to dilate (open up), which directly counteracts the effects of the treatment.
• Sun Protection: Strict sun avoidance on the treated areas is required for at least 4 weeks post-procedure. UV exposure on healing skin can cause permanent brown staining (hemosiderin hyperpigmentation) over the treated veins. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily if the legs are exposed.
• Travel Restrictions: Avoid prolonged sitting, long car rides, or airplane travel (over 2 hours) for 2 weeks following your treatment to mitigate the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

Contact CULT Aesthetics immediately or seek appropriate medical evaluation if you experience any of the following warning signs:

• Severe or Sudden Pain: Intense, localized leg pain or swelling that is not relieved by walking, elevation, or over-the-counter pain medication.
• Signs of DVT: Sudden, significant swelling in only one leg, or pain/tenderness in your calf or thigh.
• Ulceration or Tissue Damage: The formation of a small blister, open sore, or dark/black skin sloughing at an injection site (indicative of a localized tissue reaction).
• Signs of Infection: Expanding redness, severe warmth, or pus draining from an injection site accompanied by a fever or chills.
• Allergic Reaction: Shortness of breath, chest pain, or sudden hives (seek emergency medical care immediately).