Sclerotherapy is a known method to get rid of varicose veins without undergoing bloody surgical operations to address the issue. Many people have vouched for the excellent results they got from undergoing sclerotherapy sessions. They loved it because it is nonsurgical, and the results appear quicker than any other treatment addressing varicose veins.
However, every cosmetic procedure has its own risks and side effects. These happen to people who react differently from others when undergoing cosmetic procedures, such as sclerotherapy. However, one thing to remember is that it does not happen to everyone, and these do not last longer than they should.
We know that you want to find out more, and we will tell you more. Here are some of the possible side effects of sclerotherapy that you should know.
Sclerotherapy in a Nutshell
For those who are not yet familiar with how sclerotherapy works, it is a nonsurgical procedure that aims to remove and diminish the appearance of varicose veins in the thighs and legs. This procedure does not require the patient to undergo any bloody and painful surgeries just to remove the varicose veins insight.
It works by injecting a sclerotherapy solution directly into the varicose vein. This injected solution causes the vein to scar, forcing the blood to move to healthier veins. After this, the collapsed vein gets reabsorbed into local tissue, and it fades in the end.
This procedure can be done in an hour max. After the process, the patient can quickly return to their normal activities without rest for more extended periods. Therefore, this is a good solution for those who want to remove their varicose veins without undergoing complicated surgeries.
Risks and Side Effects of Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a really safe cosmetic procedure. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat patients suffering from varicose veins. That being said, it has side effects and risks to people who underwent the procedure.
After the procedure, patients can experience several symptoms such as swelling, aching, and burning around the injected area. Some people have also reported experiencing night cramps in the injected area. Some other people have also experienced stinging and bruising around the area. Other side effects after the procedure include skin discoloration, discomfort, and raised red areas appearing around the injection areas.
These minor side effects are expected to fade away after a few months without taking any medications prescribed by the doctor. Some side effects usually disappear within three to six months. However, there are cases that side effects last even longer or may even become permanent, but these are sporadic cases.
However, serious side effects also occur in some cases. Those serious side effects include ulceration of skin around the injected area, allergic reaction to the sclerotherapy solution, mild inflammation and discomfort around the injected area, and blood clot formation in the treated veins.
Other lesser-known side effects of sclerotherapy to the patients include hyperpigmentation, capillary dilation or telangiectatic matting, localized hives, tape compression folliculitis, tape compression blister, vasovagal reflex, skin death or also known as cutaneous necrosis, localized hair growth or hirsutism, superficial thrombophlebitis, arterial injection, deep vein thrombosis, nerve damage, pulmonary embolism, and bouts of migraine and other headaches.
Preparation Before the Procedure
It is highly advisable for people considering undergoing sclerotherapy to consult their trusted healthcare provider before booking an appointment. This step is important because the doctor will help you decide if you can continue with the procedure without worrying about sclerotherapy’s severe side effects and other consequences.
Suppose the patient is already cleared by the doctor to undergo sclerotherapy. In that case, it is necessary to avoid certain medications that may have side effects or any adverse reactions to the body before undergoing sclerotherapy. This should also be discussed with the doctor, including dietary supplements, herbs, and over-the-counter drugs. Taking antibiotics should also be consulted with the doctor before the procedure.
Some doctors recommend that their patients avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or any anti-inflammatory drugs for 48-72 hours before the scheduled appointment. Avoiding these drugs would help in reducing the risks of bruising in the injected areas after the procedure.
Applying lotion on the areas to be injected is also not allowed. Shaving the legs is also not allowed to decrease the chances of irritation. Compression stockings may also help in accelerating the healing of the injected areas after the procedure.
What to Do After the Treatment
Aside from the side effects, both regular and severe in some cases, patients can already expect different results from undergoing sclerotherapy. One thing that makes sclerotherapy a standout above the others is the minimal downtime required after the procedure. Thus, patients can go back to normal after a few days, depending on how the body reacts after the procedure.
Wearing compression stockings is recommended in the first 24 hours of the procedure. These socks can only be removed when the patient is taking a shower. After the first day, they should wear the stockings, and they can sleep without wearing them at night.
As mentioned above, taking painkillers before the scheduled appointment is not allowed, but taking Tylenol after the procedure is fine. Tylenol helps in keeping discomfort away, and the only Tylenol should be taken. Anti-inflammatory drugs are known to affect the patient’s blood clotting process. So to avoid complications, it is recommended that the patient should stick to Tylenol.
It is also advisable to avoid any sun exposure on the treated areas after the procedure. During the first two days after the treatment, the patients should avoid hot baths, sauna, swimming pools, the beach, and any sunlight exposure to avoid any adverse reactions.
Avoiding exercises that can be strenuous should also be avoided for a couple of days. However, it is advisable to do simple activities such as stretches and yoga since they do not employ complicated nor strenuous routines. The patient might be advised not to fly for several days after the procedure in some instances.
Our Takeaway
Sclerotherapy is a nonsurgical method of removing varicose veins from the legs and thighs without undergoing any surgical techniques to address the issue. Even though the procedure is primarily painless and entirely bloodless, side effects might happen due to the body adjusting to the sclerotherapy solution injected in the treated areas. However, these side effects tend to fade away after a few weeks or months if proper aftercare is done.
GlowLaser and Beauty provide solutions for cosmetic issues that can affect how people see their appearances from the outside. They offer a list of services, including sclerotherapy, that helps improve their clients’ appearance and boost their self-confidence into owning the skin they are in. At GlowLaser and Beauty, customer satisfaction is their top priority. Thus, they aim to deliver services to their clients with satisfactory results. Book a visit here.
