You may have chosen foam sclerotherapy to minimize or remove the appearance of varicose veins on your body if you struggle with them. Since ultrasonography is used to direct the foam to close the veins, this treatment is non-invasive. If you are interested in sclerotherapy boise, talk to an expert today.
What is sclerotherapy for?
Sclerotherapy treats varicose veins, which are twisted and swollen veins. Varicose veins are most commonly found in the legs. Sclerotherapy can also be used to treat spider veins, which are a moderate type of varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is most effective on tiny varicose veins. The treatment can also help with varicose vein symptoms such as:
- Swelling
- Aching
- Burning
- Cramping at night
What are the risks associated with sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy generally has minimal serious side effects.
The following side effects could occur where the needle is inserted into the skin:
- Bruising
- Several tiny red blood vessels
- Raised red areas, called hives
- Darkened skin
- Small skin sores
These adverse effects typically subside within a few days to weeks. Some adverse effects may take weeks or months to resolve completely.
Less common sclerotherapy adverse effects that may require treatment include:
- Inflammation
- Allergic reaction
- Blood clot
- Air bubbles
Aftercare tips for foam sclerotherapy
Since foam sclerotherapy is non-invasive, some patients can resume routine activities the next day. However, like with any medical operation, there may be complications that you must deal with afterward. The importance of self-care is critical to a successful recovery.
Some aftercare tips for foam sclerotherapy are:
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Avoid hot water
After your surgery, you should avoid having a hot bath or shower. Patients should also avoid sitting in a sauna or hot tub. Hot water can exfoliate your skin, causing severe skin irritation following foam sclerotherapy. It can also cause clogged pores, leading to later infections.
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Exercise
If you must exercise following your foam sclerotherapy, stick to walking. Vigorous exercise or running will lead you to sweat profusely. This can introduce bacteria into the treated region, causing skin irritation at best and infection at worst. You can resume your regular exercise routine within 24 to 48 hours.
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Pain medication
Any medical procedure may cause some pain. If you have any, you should avoid taking over-the-counter drugs like Ibuprofen. Some of these medications can cause excessive bruising or bleeding. If you experience pain after your treatment, notify your doctor, and they will be able to prescribe medication that will relieve your discomfort without causing further complications.