How Long Does It Take to Recover From Sclerotherapy?

Is sclerotherapy safe?

Sclerotherapy is extremely safe and carries minimal risk of side effects. It is less invasive and less risky than other forms of treatment for problem veins, as it does not require anesthesia.

Does sclerotherapy hurt?

Sclerotherapy usually produces some temporary discomfort. Patients should be aware that the procedure requires a needle, which may prompt anxiety in some people. Although the majority of patients do feel mild pain and bruising near the injection site, this fades within just a few days.

How do people prepare for a sclerotherapy procedure?

The sclerotherapy procedure does not usually require any special preparation on the part of the patient. That said, you should talk to your doctor and follow any instructions provided. It may be necessary to temporarily change your skincare routine and avoid oils or lotions. In some cases, you may need to adjust medications you are taking, so let your doctor know about any current conditions.

What is the recovery time for sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy patients can return to their regular daily activities as soon as the procedure is complete. If pain is present, it usually fades within just a few days. Mild bruising may occur and will heal completely in one to two weeks.

What aftercare is needed following sclerotherapy?

No special aftercare is required for sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy patients don’t require anesthesia for the procedure or pain medication afterward. Simply keep an eye on the area to ensure that redness or bruising are fading away over time as normal.

What are the risks of sclerotherapy?

There are very few risks of sclerotherapy. Aside from localized discomfort, redness, swelling, and bruising, an allergic reaction is the only potential complication in most situations. In rare cases, a blood clot could form in the treated vein. This is generally only a concern for people who have pre-existing risk factors for blood clots, which your doctor will evaluate before treatment.

Is swelling normal after sclerotherapy?

Some amount of swelling should be expected after sclerotherapy since the procedure requires breaking the skin with a needle to inject a solution into the targeted vein. The swelling should decrease soon after treatment and be gone within two weeks.

What are the side effects of sclerotherapy?

For the vast majority of patients, there are no significant side effects of sclerotherapy. Some patients have developed small branches of visible blood vessels around the treatment site. These do not represent any kind of health risk. They generally disappear on their own over time.

Who is a good candidate for sclerotherapy?

Any otherwise healthy adult who has a condition that may respond to sclerotherapy is a good candidate for the procedure. Before scheduling your procedure, talk to your doctor about your medical history and any current health concerns to minimize risk.

How long does sclerotherapy last?

Patients must generally undergo several sclerotherapy sessions to eliminate a problem vein. Once the vein collapses, it is gone for good and no further treatments will be needed in that area. A single treatment takes only a few minutes to do. You should usually expect your sclerotherapy visit to require less than an hour, even if you need to fill out paperwork beforehand.

Although sclerotherapy is quick, painless, and low risk, it still needs to be performed by an experienced expert. Choosing the right doctor is the key to getting the best results from the fewest treatments.

To find out more, make an appointment with Dr. Katayoun Motlagh in her Palmdale, CA office. She specializes in areas of medicine including dermatology and cosmetic services and is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. We service the following areas in Antelope Valley: Lancaster, Quartz Hill, and Acton.