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What to Expect
Activities and Restrictions

Redness and Swelling at the treatment site: This will subside gradually over the next 24 hours.

Itching:  You may experience mild itching during the treatment that usually diminishes within 2 hours.

Bruising:  Occurs at the injection site and along the treated veins and may be extensive.  Bruising typically subsides in 2 weeks.  Bruising is usually worse in the early treatments and lessens as only smaller vessels remain.  Arnica is an over-the-counter homeopathic remedy that may or may not help with the bruising.  Most believe that it helps with bruising and discomfort.

Trapped Blood:  After treatment blood may accumulate in a treated vessel.  It may be firm and tender to the touch for a few days but will gradually subside.  Trapped blood in spider veins may temporarily make the treated vein look darker.  Trapped blood typically dissolves with the passage of time but will be treated to facilitate the healing process and decrease risk of hyper-pigmentation if it is still present 6 weeks later or at your next appointment.  

Pain:  Some patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort after treatment.  The treated area may be tender to the touch and leg soreness may be present.  This usually subsides within 1-2 days.  Leg elevation and over the counter pain medications, such as Acetaminophen, should help alleviate the discomfort.  Anti-Inflammatories such as; Naproxen, Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen may increase bruising.  If possible, avoid taking anti-inflammatories for 3 days. 

Expect that you will look worse after treatment before you look better.  This is due to bruises, trapped blood, and other skin changes that will take place after each treatment.  These things are temporary but may mask the underlying improvement of the receding veins.  Changes begin to occur immediately but the cosmetic improvement takes longer.  Patience is important during this process. 

When to call: Please notify me if you develop any areas that are dark in the center, reddened around the edges, are painful, or if you have any questions or concerns. ​​​​​​​

Resume Your Daily Activities: You may go back to work, go for a brisk walk, swim, bike ride, or engage in other low-impact exercise after your treatment.  You may also prop up or elevate your legs for 1 hour after your treatment.  I encourage as much walking after treatments as you would like.  You should avoid any high impact exercise such as long-distance running, heavy weight-lifting, jumping, squatting, or sit-ups for preferably up to 3 days after treatment.

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  • Avoid Prolonged Sitting/Standing: For the first 24-48 hours after your treatment.  Maintain good circulation by flexing and contracting the muscles in your legs at least every hour while awake, walking, or elevating your legs. 

  • Avoid Hot Water: You may shower but you should avoid soaking in a hot tub or Jacuzzi for a minimum of 1-2 weeks after each treatment.

  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Use minimum 30 SPF on treated areas during the treatment phase if you are going to be in the sun.  Avoid heavy tanning while going through treatment.  Especially keep any darkened areas protected from the sun until they are healed.

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