Ask Dr. Wright

How long after Sclerotherapy can you get in the sun?

The more you wait the better but the minimum is 6 weeks. You should wait for the acute inflammation to go away, usually in 4-6 weeks, depending on the solution used, the size of the vein treated and you skin complexion (Olive skin or dark skin color may be more predisposed to darker discoloration than fair skin). The main concern here is not to stimulate the melanin (skin pigment) producing skin cells and thus minimize the undesirable skin discoloration that may happen in the treated areas. A compromise may be to venture out with shorts and skirts with sunblock on at most, and certainly no sun tanning

How long do sclerotherapy chemicals stay in the bloodstream?

I am asked this question many times. You can safely get pregnant immediately after a treatment. But if you do get pregnant in the middle of a series of treatments, you should stop all treatments until 3 months after you deliver. This is a wide safety margin for the prevention of blood clots. The medications that are used by almost all experts, Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate and Polidocanol, are very safe. They are fatty acid esters similar to lidocaine. They are cleared out of your system in 24 hours or less.

My friend had sclerotherapy a few days ago, and now she has blisters around the area that was treated. Is this a normal side effect? She said her specialist never mentioned anything about possible blisters.

Your friend may be experiencing skin break down which can happen with any sclerotherapy. It will heal fully but it must be treated properly. I would contact the doctor right away to let them know.

How long until patients can resume normal activity?

Because the Veinwave is not using photocoagulation (such as laser/light-based energy), the patient may immediately return to normal activity, including normal sun exposure. While you can apply makeup over the treated area, it is recommended that you do so lightly to enable the skin to breathe and recover.

How long do sclerotherapy chemicals stay in the bloodstream?

I am asked this question many times. You can safely get pregnant immediately after a treatment. But if you do get pregnant in the middle of a series of treatments, you should stop all treatments until 3 months after you deliver. This is a wide safety margin for the prevention of blood clots. The medications that are used by almost all experts, Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate and Polidocanol, are very safe. They are fatty acid esters similar to lidocaine. They are cleared out of your system in 24 hours or less.

It’s been a year since my surgery and I still have bruising. Does that mean it is permanent?

Probably not. Most likely what you are seeing is not really bruising, but what we refer to as staining. This is a light brownish discoloration, which looks like a light bruise. This is caused from trapped blood in the areas of the treated veins. Typically the body slowly reabsorbs this over time, and while the process is generally over a period of many months, it is not unusual for it to last longer. Although it may be difficult, the best thing to do is to be patient. You need to have a 1 year follow-up with your vein doctor to ensure there is no residual problem which may be slowing the reabsorption process, and which may be easly treated.

Does it matter if I fly after a varicose vein surgery?

Will there is no specific answer to this important questions, the following guidelines should help. First, the question comes up because air travel is a known risk factor for the development of vein thrombosis and phlebitis. The concept is to minimize multiple risks for these complications. The risk of phlebitis is rather low after a vein operation, however the nature and extent of the procedure is the most important aspect to consider. Other pre-existing risks need also be taken into account. There include a previous history of phlebitis, a known hematologic hypercoaguable state, the general activity of the individual, and several co-morbid conditions. While data suggests that the risk of flying increases over 2 1/2 hours, a planned shorter flight may be extended due to airline schedules, ect. I feel it is safe for a limited phlebectomy to fly after 2-3 days, where an extensive large vein sclerotherapy or endovenous vein ablation in my practice would lean towards 7-14 days.

What is the most effective surgery that is least painful?

Most vein procedures are done without sedation. However most surgeries/ treatments can also be done with mild sedation with oral drugs and local anesthetic. Even the most apprehensive patients do well with oral medications and a supportive vein center atmosphere.

Can you please tell me if this is painful or not?

If you’re asking about the Endovenous Laser, it’s not very painful. More like mildly uncomfortable for most people. If you’re asking about the Cutaneous Laser, or an IPL they are a little more uncomfortable. It feels like grease popping on the skin. However, most people tolerate it well. If it bothers people you can use an anesthetic cream before the treatment which helps.

Am I too young to have varicose vein surgery?

I am only 21 years old but I have painful veins on my left leg. I have had them since I was very young, and they only become worse. They are only on one leg. That is the best option to treat the appearance? Thank you.

You need to see a qualified Phlebologist for a clinical evaluation. Some patients need treatment for varicose vein problems in their teenage years. A few patients have abnormally formed veins at birth which become more evident with time. It is important to have a thorough clinical and ultrasound exam in order for anyone to give you further advise.

My vein mapping test showed reflux and weak veins. The test was done because of pain in leg and varicose veins. I had a DVT in that leg 2 yrs ago. Is the procedure to correct this urgent? Can it be delayed or not done at all?

Venous reflux is not an urgent diagnosis. Every varicose vein has reflux which can be documentated on reflux exams.
The manifestations of the reflux are what dictates the timing of intervention. For example, an open ankle veous leg ulcer is more urgent than the mere presence of a test finding. Furthermore, Venous reflux can most immediately be treated with leg compression.
Not all deep vein thromboses are of equal importance. Additionally, the cause and risk factors may no longer be present compared to the time of the previous diagnosis.

Why are pregnant women not good candidates for the Veinwave procedure?

The reason is that the device was not tested or approved for use on pregnant women.

How many times can you safely have your veins done in the same leg?

There is no limit to the number of treatments or procedures which may benefit varicose veins in one leg.
Remember this condition is progressive and new varicose are predictably form as time goes on. We have learned that with our current minimally invasive approach, repetitive treatment as veins develop is superior to fewer invasive procedures.

Is there a possibility to cure or remove the varicose veins in my arms? I had the schlero therapy procedure done already.

Varicose veins on the arms are quite rare. Prominent normal veins can be confused with varicose veins.
If indeed the effected veins are varicose, one failed trial of sclerotherapy may not disqualify further sclerotherapy using additional techniques.
Surgical excision remains an option, however I would insure that the veins are abnormal and varicose and consider alternate sclerotherapy methods.

I have mosquito like marks where, I guess, the machine did the capillary-veins. When will these go away so I don’t have to put make-up on? It has been 5 days..

That seem like a long time. The mosquito like marks are usually gone in a day or two. in very fair skin individuals they could last a week.

How long should I wait after the procedure before I start lifting weights and running?

I usually tell patients to wait a week. But as always listen to your body, and take it easy if there is discomfort.

I was expecting quick results, but have red dots on my cheeks ?

That can occur from the treatment . It should resolve in a week or so.

Expecting quicker results, when will the redness go away?

Generally the redness resolves in a day or two. I expect the redness to be gone within 5 day or at least a week.

Will sclerotherapy treatments stop restless leg syndrome?

There is a strong correlation between restless legs and venous insufficiency. If your ultrasound reveals venous insufficiency and it’s treated, there is a strong chance that you will experience symptomatic improvement. If you are having sclerotherapy for spider veins only, this is doubtful. Of note, spider veins can cause symptoms. I recommend that you ask your vein doctor whether you have venous insufficiency or not.

How many Laser Light Therapy sessions are needed to remove blue veins from underneath the eye?

Often one, sometimes 2-3.I would wait for another week or two before the
second treatment.

Can Laser Light Therapy remove moles?

Benign age spots and and other pigmented bumps can be removed with lasers however any suspicious “mole” should be sent for microscopic exam to be sure it is not a melanoma, a very serious skin cancer, rather than destroying it with a LASER.