Varicose Vein Treatment Pre- and Post-Procedure Instructions
Varicose Vein Treatment Pre- and Post-Procedure Instructions
Although varicose or “spider” veins may not cause significant health problems, many people find them unsightly or distracting. They can also become uncomfortable if they continue to grow.
First and foremost, it is essential to see your primary healthcare provider to make sure your varicose veins aren’t a symptom of something serious. But if the cause is benign or your doctor clears you for treatment, then varicose vein laser light therapy can reduce or eliminate the problem.
Our treatment uses laser light and bipolar radio frequency to target damaged veins and seal them off. With no more blood flow, the vein won’t be as visible. Over time, your body will flush out the unnecessary tissues, leaving you with clearer, younger-looking skin.
Pre-Procedure Instructions for Varicose Vein Treatment
- Avoid sun exposure for 1-2 weeks before your appointment. Wear SPF 30 or more every day to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, especially in the area we will be treating.
- Do not use self-tanning products for 1-2 weeks before and after treatment.
- Please disclose all medications to our office prior to your appointment. Photosensitive medications, such as some antibiotics, Accutane, and St. John’s Wort, may make you more sensitive to laser and light therapy and will need to be discontinued before treatment.
Aftercare for Varicose Vein Treatment
- You may experience small red bumps or scabs. Do not pick, rub, or scratch these until they have cleared. Doing so can result in infection, permanent pigment changes in your skin, or scarring. Please contact us immediately if you experience any burns.
- Do not sunbathe or use a tanning bed for at least 2 weeks following your treatment. If you need to be out in the sun, wear an SPF 30 or more and keep the treated area as protected as possible.
- Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and saunas for several days after treatment.
- Walking is strongly recommended to increase blood flow. For at least the first five days, walk for a minimum of 20 minutes every day.
- We recommend wearing compression stockings to accelerate healing, reduce swelling, and lessen discomfort.
- Although rare, infection in the treated area is possible. Signs of an infection include redness and tenderness in the infected area and fever. If you develop an infection, you should contact us or your healthcare provider, as antibiotics may be necessary.
What to Expect After Varicose Vein Treatment
Because our treatment is completely non-invasive, there is minimal discomfort compared to other vein-reducing treatments.
Light therapy uses cold heat to target and destroy the vein, so it can cause a sunburn-like effect on the surface of your skin. You may feel slight burning, tingling, or stinging for the first day or two. The treated area may also appear redder or slightly bruised.
Compression and cold packs will relieve these symptoms.
If you experience intense pain or severe or noticeable burning, call your healthcare provider or our office immediately.
Since this is a gentler therapy than other options, you may need more than one treatment. While this therapy does permanently remove the targeted vein, more spider veins may develop in the area.
Please call our office at (817) 581-4354 during regular business hours if you have any questions or concerns.
