Varicose Veins Basics

Varicose veins are bulging veins that are visible under the skin. They can be painful and unsightly. They are most commonly found in the legs but can develop in other areas of the body such as the vaginal area.
Competent or healthy veins have one-way valves that help to keep the blood flowing toward the heart. When these valves stop working properly, blood backs up and pools in the veins. This is why they swell and become painful.
Varicose veins usually don’t cause significant medical problems, but they could cause problems with wound, swelling, cramping, heaviness, skin discoloration and even restless leg syndrome.

ELVeS Procedure Instructions

One week before your procedure:

• STOP ALL Plavix, Aspirin or NSAID(Ibuprofen, Motrin Alleve, Naproxyn) products 1 week before your procedure.
• Any questions or concerns please ask our staff.

The day of your surgery you should:

• Walk for 20 minutes after your procedure
• Not do any extraneous exercise for the next 7 days
• Heavy lifting or bending
• High impact aerobics, swimming
• Riding bicycles, sitting for long periods of time
• Wear you support stocking for the next 3 weeks
• Not shower for 48 hours

Post Laser Procedure Instruction

48 Hours after your procedure you should:

• Remove all your bandages, and you may take a quick shower
• If you have steri strips (paper stitches), leave them on until they fall off
• You may shower and gently clean over them, tap dry and apply dressing
• Continue to wear your support stockings for next 3 weeks
• Continue walking 20 minutes a day
• Avoid spas and pedicures until all wounds completely heal

What to expect:

• Your areas of incision or puncture may drain for the next 48 hours
• Keep the wounds clean and dry after you remove the dressings in 48 hours
• Clean with soap and water and cover with gauze if they continue to drain
• If you have mild discomfort or pain, you may take Tylenol as directed
• You will have to return to the office in 1 week for a repeat ultrasound of the leg treated to assure final results of the procedure.
• A 3-4 week follow-up appointment
• If you feel the bandages or stockings are too tight or uncomfortable, please remove the dressing and stocking if you cannot contact us immediately.

Please call us with any questions or concerns:

• Union City Office              201-601-0900
• Hackensack Office            201-996-9244

Complications of Sclerotherapy

Hyper pigmentation: discoloration of the skin from the sclerosing agent used to collapse the vein. This will improve within 6-12 months if it occurs.

• Avoid injecting mid cycle of menstruation (estrogen factor)
• Prevented with the use of compression as directed
• Prevented with Vitamin C 1000mg daily 1 week pre/post therapy

Syncope: passing out during the procedure. This is usually stress related phenomenon.

• Prevented by eating light meal prior to session
• Taking medications to help calm you down before the procedure

Bruising: It is a phenomenon after all sclerotherapy treatments. It is temporary and should not be alarming.

• Arnica is a homeopathic remedy shown to help with bruising.
• If you are taking blood thinning medications, expect to have bruising.
• Warm (not HOT) compresses with help absorb the bruise.

Edema: Swelling to the lower extremities. Most common when treating veins below the ankle.

• Prevented by decreasing salt intake several days before treatment
• Use of support hose
• Elevation of legs and performing simple feet exercises
• Will resolve 18-72 hours

Telangiectatic Matting: a network of very fine blushes or red veins that occurs previously sclerosed telangiectasis (veins). Up to 90% have spontaneous resolution. 10% can be permanent

• Most common sites are the thighs, inner knee, inner and outer calves.
• Use of estrogen may increase incidence
• Being overweight may increase incidence
• Prevented by use of compression stockings and activity.