Ready for Your Varicose Vein Treatment? Here Are Some Tips to Get You Prepped

Worldwide, millions of people suffer from varicose veins. Up to a couple of decades ago, treatment was limited to vein removal surgery, a scenario many would prefer to avoid for fear of a painful or lengthy recovery process. But with the emergence of faster, minimally invasive techniques such as Radiofrequency Ablation and Sclerotherapy, getting rid of varicose veins has never been easier.

Whether or not you’ve fully made up your mind to seek treatment, there are some key tips you should be aware of prior to undergoing either procedure. In this article, we will tell how to get ready for Radiofrequency Ablation and Sclerotherapy treatment.

Getting prepped for Radiofrequency Ablation

This non-surgical and minimally invasive technique uses heat energy to treat and remove damaged veins. But, as gentle as it is, there are some steps you need to take right before an appointment to ensure that the procedure will be carried out smoothly.

First, it is very important that you shower before the procedure. This is because it is not advisable to do so during the first 24 hours following treatment. Applying moisturisers in the affected area should also be avoided. For 10 days before a session, don’t take pain relief (including aspirin, Advil or Aleve). You may still be able to take Tylenol, but only if your doctor allows it.

In terms of meals, having breakfast on the day of your session is fine, but make sure to avoid drinking any caffeinated beverages until after the procedure. Drinking water, on the other hand, is highly advisable, as it will be important that you stay fully hydrated before and after the procedure.

Lastly, if you’re going to the clinic straight from work and won’t have time to change your clothes before the session, take loose-fitting clothes and flat shoes to the office. 

Getting prepped for Micro or Foam Sclerotherapy

Micro and Foam Sclerotherapy work in similar ways but with small variations; the former involves an injection of a simple saline solution, whilst the latter uses a harmless foam solution that is injected into the vein. Just as with Radiofrequency Ablation, these gentle techniques also come with a preparation process.

Ahead of your session, you will be asked not to shave the area to be treated, to refrain from using any moisturisers and to wear either shorts or a short dress. It is important to also bring your compression stockings to the clinic, as these are a key part of the treatment aftercare.

As simple as it gets!

Both Sclerotherapy and Radiofrequency Ablation offer some very good results without the risks and hurdles of other forms of treatment, such as vein removal surgery or laser treatments.

If you’ve already decided to seek treatment, make sure to follow these tips in the run up to your session. And if you’re still unsure about which technique is more appropriate for you, or if even treatment altogether is the right course of action, you can book a consultation with one of our vein specialists here.