Sclerotherapy - After Care - Sydney

It is important that you follow these instructions carefully as your final result, and the number of treatments you will need, depend very much upon maintaining firm compression on your legs following your treatment.

• You will be fitted with surgical compression stockings at your first visit and will be asked to put these on immediately after treatment. (If you have private medical insurance and wish to claim these stockings from your fund, please ask us for the necessary paper work.) Patients who are prone to allergic reactions, or who have a known allergy to Elastoplast or other adhesives, are advised to choose pantyhose rather than “stay up” stockings because of the risk of allergy to their adhesive border.
• Tapes and cotton balls may be removed a few hours after your treatment. While sitting down, roll your stockings down and remove the cotton balls. Pull your stockings up again before you stand up.
• Wear your stockings continuously for the first four days and nights and then in the daytime only for the following week.
• Alternatives for washing during this time include:

  1. Pull your stockings down slightly each day and wash with a sponge; OR

  2. Shower with your stockings on.  Getting your legs wet is not a problem. Towel dry first and complete drying with a blow dryer; OR

  3. Purchase two pairs of stockings and alternate them. Shower with one pair on and then, when sitting down, change to the fresh pair.

• Continue your normal daily routine during your recovery period. While it is not necessary to rest your legs, do avoid heavy exercise such as aerobics, weight training and other heavy muscular activities.
• Avoid long distance, especially air, travel for one month after sclerotherapy.
• Remember to bring your stockings to each of your treatments as they need to be worn each time.
  What to expect.

  You may experience some discomfort in your legs for a few weeks after your treatment, especially if larger veins were treated. This is usually a good sign that the treatment is working well. You may find that continuing to wear your stockings beyond the recommended time supports your legs and helps reduce discomfort. Panadol may be taken as necessary. Larger veins may form hard and possibly tender lumps as they respond to treatment. Such lumps are not cause for concern, but may need attention at your next visit. A red blush may develop around the injection sites. This usually settles over weeks to months and does not require treatment. Delay any further treatments until this blushing settles.

  RESULTS USUALLY DO NOT BECOME APPARENT FOR SIX WEEKS, SO BE PATIENT.

  To care for your stay-up stockings and to maximise their effectiveness please note the following tips.

  • Wash your stockings by hand in lukewarm water using a gentle detergent.
  • Do not moisturize your legs during the aftercare period as some creams may cause deterioration of the adhesive bands.
  • When pulling stockings up the leg have the adhesive section rolled down until you reach the top of the leg.
  • Use a nail brush to gently clean around the adhesive section if there is a build of cotton threads.
  • If the adhesive deteriorates over time a roll-on product called Body Adhesive “It Stays” may be purchased from chemists to extend their wear.