This information is for anyone having sclerotherapy (injection of leg veins) to improve varicose veins or spider veins. It explains what to expect after the procedure and how to take care of the treated area.

In hospital

After your procedure you will return to a rest-room for a few minutes. Do not get up without a nurse being there to help. 

A tight compression stocking will be applied to the affected leg(s) as soon as the procedure is complete. This helps to prevent blood clots in your veins and promotes healing. Cotton wool rolls are also left over the treated area, under the stocking, to apply pressure.

Going home

You will be told when you can go home. This is usually a few minutes after the procedure.

For the first 2 days

  • Keep the bandages and compression stocking on for the first 48 hours.
  • Do not have a bath or shower because the stocking must be kept dry.
  • You may feel some surface irritation in the legs. If necessary, paracetamol or an antihistamine medicine should help.
  • Aim to go for a 20 to 30 minute walk, at least twice a day. If you can’t manage this, do as much as you can. You can do more if you feel comfortable.
  • Avoid standing still for more than 30 minutes, or sitting with your feet down.

2 days afterwards

  • Two days after the procedure, the stocking should be removed. You can do this yourself or get someone else to help you.
  • Any cotton rolls over the injections sites can be removed and put in a bin.
  • You may see bruising and redness at the injection sites. These will fade over 2 to 4 weeks. Larger injected veins may become lumpy and hard for several months before clearing. 
  • You can have a quick bath or shower. You do not need to clean the wounds. Dry them gently. Then put the stocking back on.
  • Continue to wear the stocking during the day for 1 to 2 weeks.

Driving

You can drive immediately if the stocking(s) do not interfere with leg movements.

Rare side effects

Side effects are rare following sclerotherapy.

Report any of the following as soon as possible:

  • suddenly swollen leg
  • small ulcers at the injection site
  • red streaking, especially in the groin area
  • allergic reactions to what was injected. This would be most likely to happen at the time of the procedure but may be delayed.

Getting advice

If you are concerned about any part of your recovery:

  • call the vascular department at Kingston (during office hours)
  • call NHS 111
  • go to Kingston Hospital Emergency Department (A&E) if you need urgent help when the vascular department or your GP practice is closed.

Activities and exercise

For the first 2 weeks, you should:

  • aim to go for a 20 to 30 minute walk at least twice a day
  • avoid standing still for long periods
  • raise your legs when sitting.

After 2 days, you can take light exercise (such as using a treadmill, gentle swimming), depending on how sore you are. 

After about 1 week, if all is well, you can try more vigorous exercise (such as aerobics, running, cycling).

Contact information

Vascular department

Telephone:

020 8934 6041
(9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)