What to expect from sclerotherapy for varicose veins

After examining your circulation, the clinician cleans the skin and uses a fine needle to place the solution inside targeted veins. The medicine irritates the vein lining, encouraging the vessel to seal and gradually be reabsorbed. Nearby blood flow is redirected through healthier veins.

You may notice brief stinging, bruising, itching, firmness, or a change in skin colour. Larger or numerous veins may need separate sessions, and the visible result develops gradually rather than immediately.

Tell the clinician about medicines, previous clots, circulation problems, pregnancy, and allergies. Follow instructions about clothing and skin products before the appointment. After treatment, walk as advised and wear compression if prescribed.

Avoid rubbing the treated area and follow guidance about strenuous exercise, heat exposure, and travel. Attend review visits so the clinician can check healing and decide whether further treatment is appropriate.

Contact the treating service for worsening pain, spreading redness, increasing swelling, skin breakdown, or a new tender cord. Seek emergency care for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, or one-sided leg swelling with severe pain.

Ask which veins are suitable, how compression should be used, when normal activity can resume, and how long bruising may last. Ask how recurrence or remaining veins will be assessed.