How to Prepare for Sclerotherapy and What to Expect After
If you’re dealing with visible spider veins or small varicose veins, sclerotherapy offers a proven, minimally invasive solution for restoring clearer, healthier-looking legs. At Perizia Aesthetics in Jupiter, Florida, this effective treatment is performed by Dr. Fred Silvestri, MD, FACS—a board-certified surgeon with over 40 years of experience and specialized training in vascular surgery.
This unique combination of medical expertise and aesthetic precision ensures your sclerotherapy treatment goes beyond cosmetic improvement—it’s rooted in a deep understanding of vein function and long-term health.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about sclerotherapy: how to prepare, what to expect during the procedure, and the steps to follow for optimal recovery. By the end, you’ll understand why so many patients in Jupiter, FL choose Perizia Aesthetics for expert vein care and natural-looking results.
Call us today at 561-318-7895 or book online.
What Is Sclerotherapy and How Does It Work?
Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical vein treatment used to address spider veins and small varicose veins. During the procedure, a medical professional injects a specialized solution—such as polidocanol, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, or Varithena foam—directly into the affected vein. This solution irritates the vein wall, causing it to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body.
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that spider veins may fade in as little as three to six weeks, while small varicose veins may take three to four months to clear. Some patients may require two or three sessions for optimal results (source).
Because it is performed in-office and requires no anesthesia, sclerotherapy has become one of the most minimally invasive vein procedures available today.
Preparing for Your Sclerotherapy Session
One of the most important steps to achieving great results is proper preparation. At Perizia Aesthetics, your journey begins with a personalized consultation. We will assess your veins, and in some cases, an ultrasound may be recommended to evaluate underlying venous function.
Medication and Health Considerations
The Cleveland Clinic advises patients to avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs for about 48 hours before and after treatment, unless directed otherwise by your physician. These medications can increase the risk of bruising. Acetaminophen is generally a safe alternative for pain relief.
If you are taking certain medications such as corticosteroids or blood thinners, you may need to adjust usage under your prescribing doctor’s guidance. Conditions such as pregnancy, active deep vein thrombosis, or acute infections may require postponing treatment until it’s safe to proceed.
Day-of Preparation
On the day of your appointment:
- Do not apply lotion, oil, or cream on your legs.
- Wear comfortable shorts to allow easy access to treatment areas.
- Bring your graduated compression stockings, which you’ll need immediately after treatment.
This preparation helps ensure your session runs smoothly and optimizes your healing afterward.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Patients are often surprised at how quick and comfortable sclerotherapy can be. Treatments typically last 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of veins being addressed.
Using a fine needle, your provider injects the solution into targeted veins. Some patients may feel mild burning or cramping during the injection, but anesthesia is not necessary. In certain cases, ultrasound guidance may be used to treat deeper veins with greater precision.
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, sclerotherapy is performed entirely in-office, and patients can resume light activities immediately afterward. At Perizia Aesthetics, we prioritize your comfort while focusing on delivering excellent cosmetic outcomes.
Aftercare: What to Expect in the Hours and Days After
What happens after your treatment is just as important as the procedure itself. Proper aftercare helps reduce side effects and maximize your cosmetic results.
Compression Therapy
Compression stockings play a vital role in recovery. Depending on the extent of your treatment, you may be asked to wear them for several days to up to three weeks. Research published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery – Venous and Lymphatic Disorders found that wearing compression stockings with 23–32 mmHg of pressure for about three weeks improved treatment outcomes (source).
The Mayo Clinic recommends wearing compression for about two weeks, while the Cleveland Clinic suggests three to seven days for smaller cases (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic). Your provider at Perizia Aesthetics will guide you based on your vein type and overall treatment plan.
Activity and Lifestyle Adjustments
- Walk immediately after your appointment to promote circulation.
- Avoid strenuous workouts, heavy lifting, and long flights for several days.
- Skip hot baths, saunas, and tanning beds for at least 48 hours.
- Protect treated areas from direct sun exposure to prevent pigmentation.
Following these instructions helps your body heal smoothly and reduces the risk of complications.
Recovery Timeline and Cosmetic Expectations
Patience is key when it comes to seeing results from sclerotherapy. While you may notice some early improvements, the timeline varies depending on the size and type of veins treated.
- Spider veins: Typically fade within three to six weeks, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Small varicose veins: May take three to four months to disappear fully.
- Multiple sessions: Many patients need two to three treatments for optimal cosmetic outcomes.
During follow-up visits, usually scheduled six to eight weeks after spider vein treatment, your provider will assess your progress and determine if additional sessions are needed.
The goal is not only smoother skin but also long-term confidence in your appearance.
Risks and Side Effects: What You Should Know
Like all medical procedures, sclerotherapy has potential side effects. Understanding them helps set realistic expectations and ensures you know what’s normal versus when to contact your provider.
Common, Temporary Effects
- Redness at the injection site (a few days)
- Bruising (days to weeks)
- Itching or mild irritation
- Lumps or firm cords in larger veins (can last for months but gradually soften)
Pigmentation and Matting
- Brown spots or lines occur in about 10–30% of cases but usually fade within three to six months.
- In about 5–10% of patients, pigmentation may last longer.
Telangiectatic matting—tiny clusters of new red vessels—develops in 5–35% of cases but often resolves naturally within months (source).
Rare but Serious Risks
While uncommon, complications such as allergic reactions, ulcers at injection sites, or blood clots can occur. The FDA label for Asclera® (polidocanol) warns of rare but serious allergic reactions. Similarly, Sotradecol® (STS) includes warnings about necrosis if the solution leaks outside the vein.
At Perizia Aesthetics, your safety is our top priority. We use FDA-approved sclerosants, follow strict protocols, and carefully monitor every patient to minimize these risks.
Why Choose Perizia Aesthetics for Sclerotherapy in Jupiter, FL
When it comes to vein treatment, choosing the right provider matters as much as the procedure itself. At Perizia Aesthetics, we combine medical expertise with personalized care. Our patients benefit from:
- Advanced techniques tailored to each vein type.
- Personalized aftercare plans to support recovery and maximize results.
- Aesthetic focus that ensures your results are both safe and cosmetically pleasing.
As a local medical spa in Jupiter, Florida, we understand the importance of both health and confidence. That’s why we emphasize not only medical effectiveness but also patient comfort and satisfaction.
Conclusion: Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Skin
Sclerotherapy remains one of the most effective, minimally invasive treatments for spider and varicose veins. With the right preparation, realistic expectations, and dedicated aftercare, patients can enjoy smoother skin and renewed confidence in just a few weeks to months.
If you’re ready to explore your options for spider vein removal in Jupiter, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Perizia Aesthetics. Our experienced team is here to answer your questions and design a plan tailored to your needs.
Call us today at 561-318-7895, or reach out through our contact page to book your appointment.
