How long does sclerotherapy take to work for varicose veins?

The injected medicine irritates the inside of a selected vein, causing it to close. The body then gradually clears the treated vessel. Bruising, mild swelling, tenderness, or a darker line along the vein can appear before the area looks better.

Fine thread veins may respond differently from larger varicose veins. Some veins need repeat treatment, and untreated veins can remain or become visible later. The aim is to improve the targeted veins, not to prevent every future vein change.

Follow the clinic’s instructions about walking, compression, bathing, exercise, and review appointments. Gentle walking is often part of aftercare, but the treating clinician should set limits for strenuous activity and explain how long compression should be worn.

Keep the treated skin protected as advised and avoid picking at irritated areas. Take photographs only as a personal comparison because lighting and leg position can change how veins look. Attend review if the result is incomplete or symptoms persist.

Contact the treating clinic for increasing pain, marked swelling, spreading redness, skin breakdown, or a sore that is not settling. Seek urgent care for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, or one-sided leg swelling with significant pain.

When should this vein start fading? Might I need another session? How long should I use compression? Which activities should I pause? Which changes are expected bruising, and which need review?