There are several different procedures performed at our clinic for varicose veins, including endovenous thermal (laser or RF) ablation, echosclerotherapy, sclerotherapy and surgery. One of our medical specialists will advise you on specific pre and post procedure care. However, these are some general recommendations for varicose vein patients:

Prior to Your Procedure

• Prior to the day of your procedure, you may be given a prescription for compression stockings. Please fill this prescription and bring your compression stockings with you the day of your procedure. If for some reason you do not have compression stockings to bring to the procedure, they are available for purchase at our clinic.
• Do not put lotion, oil, tanners or creams on your legs for 24 hours prior to your session.
• Please shave your legs the night before your procedure. If this is the first time shaving your legs, you don’t need to use a razor. Use an electric clipper or beard trimmer.  Please get as close as you can, but a little stubble on your legs is okay.
• Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to buy online next day delivery or other medications before your procedure. Please follow these instructions carefully.
• If your procedure requires sedation (either oral or IV), you will need to arrange a ride to your procedure and a ride home. Please arrange these before the day of your procedure. Please contact us if you are having trouble arranging a ride.
• Patients who are having a procedure requiring sedation should not eat for 8 hours prior to the procedure. Clear liquids and juices are fine but no dairy or creamers, please.
• Wear comfortable, loose pants, sweats or a skirt to accommodate bandages the day of your procedure.

After Your Procedure

• In many cases, you may be required to wear your compression stockings for several days, weeks or sometimes longer if you have severe skin complications caused by your varicose veins. Wearing compression stockings longer may help the skin heal.
• Bandages or pads may be placed under your compressions stockings. Do not remove them unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• You may return to normal activities immediately. Walking, light biking, and upper body conditioning are all okay. We encouraged you to be up and walking around 5 to 10 minutes each hour you are awake.
• Depending on your procedure, it is common for your legs to be sore and to ache.  After 5 to 7 days, your pain might increase due to inflammation.  This is normal and, after 12 to 14 days after your procedure, the soreness should improve.
• You may experience a “pulling” sensation or hard knot in the vein(s) that were treated. If you had echosclerotherapy, this means the treatment is working. It is normal to feel these “lumps” for up to 6 months. You may also see a light red streak. This is also normal. At your 2 week post-procedure visits, you may be asked to make an appointment for evacuation of trapped coagulated blood from the prominent lumps. This is important to reduce brown staining.
• No swimming, hot tubs, or soaking in the bath for two weeks.
• No tanning or sunbathing until your doctor says it is okay. It is a good idea to use sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) if your legs are exposed to the sun in the first few months after any vein procedure. We prefer a zinc or titanium based sunscreen.