Procedure Instructions

1. Keep support hose and Comprilan bandage on for the first 72 hours continuously. After the first 72 hours please wear the stockings from first thing in the morning (after a short 10 minute shower), until bedtime at night for another ten days. If bleeding occurs from the puncture site, apply pressure for five minutes. Remove the gauze dressing/bandages on your leg 72 hours after the endovenous ablation procedure day.

2. You can go back to work the following day. You can resume daily activities the same day of the procedure (excluding exercise). You can resume exercising the following day (no lifting weights, sit-ups or pushups for 2 weeks after the procedure). It is mandatory to walk atleast 10 minutes every hour for the first 6 hours after the procedure. We strongly encourage walking at least 30 minutes per day from the day after the procedure for two weeks. You can shower immediately after the procedure (if you wear a leg bag) but no hot baths, hot tub, Jacuzzi, sauna or tanning for 6 weeks after the procedure.

3. Bruising, localized swelling, some tenderness, tightness and pain are normal along the inner thigh or behind the calf after treatment. Bruising may occur the same or following day. In most cases it will be gone after 2 to 4 weeks but could remain longer. You may develop “lumpy” areas in your groin and leg which are tender and part of the normal healing process. Apply a gel pack (part of EVA kit) three times daily and Arnica Gel™ twice per day from day 3 to 5 after the procedure to reduce the bruising. From day 5 to 14 after the procedure, please apply warm compresses to the bruised and lumpy areas. Redness, tenderness and swelling around the point of entry may remain longer than 2 weeks. If you have pain and leg swelling involving the entire leg or calf, please call our office immediately.

4. To Decrease Pain, Bruising & Persistent Discolouration/Pigmentation:

• A. Please continue to take 5 pellets of Arnica™, 3 times per day, one 500mg Bromelain tablet twice per day for 14 days and one 500 mg Venixxa™ tablet twice daily midday and evening with meals for one month after the procedure in order to reduce pain, swelling and bruising. Also, drink atleast 2 liters of water per day to decrease discolouration/pigmentation at the sites of treatment.
• B. Elevate your leg on a couch or chair and please apply a cold gel pack for 10 minutes at a time three times daily to the bruised and painful areas from day 3 to day 5 after the procedure. Then apply a warm gelpack to the bruised/painful or lumpy areas from day 5 to 14 after the procedure. After each application of the gel pack or warm compress, apply Arnica Gel™ to the bruised areas. Please purchase generic Ibuprofen tablets (not Advil™) and take 600 mg three times daily orally for seven days after the procedure date. Ibuprofen may be purchased at any pharmacy.
• C. It is essential to try to avoid sun exposure after the procedure. It is mandatory to apply a strong medical grade sunblock SPF 40 to 50 at sites of bruising or discolouration prior to any sun exposure and reapply as necessary.

WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT?

1. Do not shave your legs or apply cream for one day prior to and on the day of your follow-up appointments. No tanning within two weeks of the treatment date. Do not take Tetracycline or Minocin 10 days before or after sclerotherapy. Eat a snack one hour prior to your treatment. Bring shorts to wear during the procedure and slacks to wear out of the office. Sclerotherapy will only be performed if necessary.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER MY SCLEROTHERAPY TREATMENT?

1. Keep stockings on continuously for the first 72 hours. Only take off stockings to go to the washroom or for showers. After the first 72 hours wear your stockings from morning to night for another 7 days (ideally, take a quick 5 min shower and then put them on before doing the rest of your morning routine). Compression stockings help decrease bruising at the sclerotherapy sites.

2. To decrease Pain, Bruising & Persistent Discolouration/Pigmentation:

• A. Please take 5 pellets of Arnica™, 3 times per day, one 500mg Bromelain tablet twice per day for 11 days and one 500 mg Venixxa™ tablet twice daily, midday and evening with meals for one month after the procedure in order to reduce pain, swelling and bruising. Also, drink atleast 2 liters of water per day to promote healing, reduce bruising and prevent discolouration or pigmentation.
• B. Elevate your leg on a couch or chair and please apply gel pack for 10 minutes at a time three times daily to the bruised and painful areas from day 3 to day 7 after the procedure. Then apply a warm compress to the bruised/painful or lumpy areas from day 7 to 14 after the procedure. After each application of the gel pack or warm compress, apply Arnica Gel™ to the bruised areas.
• C. Please purchase generic Ibuprofen tablets (not Advil™) and take 600 mg three times daily orally for seven days after the procedure date. Ibuprofen may be purchased at any pharmacy.
• D. It is critical to avoid sun exposure after sclerotherapy. It is mandatory to apply a strong sunblock SPF 40 to 50 at sites of bruising, discolouration or pigmentation if there prior to any sun exposure and reapply as necessary.

3. You can resume normal daily activities excluding exercise following sclerotherapy. You can resume exercising in 2 days. You can shower in the morning but no weight lifting, sit-ups, push-ups, hot baths, hot tub, sauna and jacuzzi for 6 weeks after sclerotherapy.

4. Bruising, local swelling, areas of bumpiness, lumps and some tenderness are normal after treatment, but please feel free to call the office if you have any questions or concerns. If you have pain or leg swelling involving the entire leg or calf, call our office immediately.

5. You will not notice an immediate improvement. Clearance of varicose veins and discolouration usually occurs over a 4-18 week period and in some instances may take longer.