
At Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, our experienced doctors take pride in helping patients enhance their aesthetics, boost their confidence, and feel better about their appearance by removing the unsightly spider veins from their legs and other parts of their bodies. If you are considering our sclerotherapy procedure, you may have questions about what you should – and shouldn’t – do before your treatment session.
To help you prepare and give you realistic expectations, we have outlined what you should know about planning for sclerotherapy and what to anticipate afterward.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive aesthetic treatment that involves injecting a solution into the prominent veins, causing them to collapse. Ultimately, the resulting lack of blood flow will cause the veins to fade away. This procedure requires zero downtime and is practically painless, making it an excellent treatment for many women and men in San Francisco. Sclerotherapy outcomes are permanent, with the malfunctioning veins destroyed.
Sclerotherapy Benefits
Though spider veins are harmless, they might cause you to feel self-conscious about their unsightly appearance. Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical solution for spider veins. Other benefits include:
- Quick and convenient treatment sessions
- Improved appearance
- A boost in your self-confidence
- No recovery time and minimal potential complications
If spider veins are a cosmetic concern, sclerotherapy offers a safe and effective treatment to improve your leg appearance and eliminate discomfort.
What Should I Do Before Sclerotherapy?
Before sclerotherapy, you should schedule a consultation with a qualified physician. You may need an ultrasound of the target site to devise a treatment plan. In the days before your treatment, follow the directions provided by your physician to prepare for sclerotherapy.
- Avoid alcohol for 48 hours before treatment.
- Don’t smoke.
- Do not take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen.
- Do not apply lotions or shave.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the clinic.
When Will I See My Sclerotherapy Results?
Our patients always ask us when they’ll see an improvement in their appearance and how long they’ll enjoy their sclerotherapy results. The answer depends on the severity of the problem veins. For smaller spider veins, you will see favorable outcomes between three to six weeks later. More prominent veins may require multiple sessions to clear.
Are Compression Stockings Necessary?
Compression stockings are an essential component of your post-procedural care. We ensure proper fitting for these garments and ask that you wear them to sleep for the first few nights after each treatment.
No recovery is necessary after sclerotherapy, but you might experience mild bruising and some cramping for a few days. We also ask you to avoid exercise and other strenuous activities for three to four days, while limiting sun exposure.
Get Clear Skin and a Boost of Self-Confidence Today
At Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, our patient-first philosophy drives everything we do, from our cutting-edge treatments to our collaborative approach to aesthetic medicine and dermatology. We study each treatment and technique and technology we offer to ensure we can confidently administer them to you.
To learn more about sclerotherapy for spider veins in San Francisco, reach out to us today.