Sclerotherapy — Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Session

You’re scheduled for sclerotherapy — or considering it — and questions are surfacing: Does it hurt? What can’t I do before? How many sessions? When will I see results? This article answers everything, in chronological order.

Step 1: Before Treatment

Day before:

• Avoid shaving your legs 1–2 days before — recently shaved skin is more sensitive to the injections
• Avoid moisturizer or lotion on the day of treatment — these interfere with adhesion and injection technique
• Prepare your compression stockings in advance — you will need them immediately after the session

What to wear: Loose comfortable clothing — shorts or a skirt that allows easy access to the treatment areas.

Food and drink: No restrictions. Eat and drink normally.

Medications: Continue all regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise. If you are taking anticoagulants, inform Dr. Aronhime in advance.

Step 2: On Treatment Day

Dr. Aronhime examines your legs and maps the injection sites based on your ultrasound findings. A brief pre-session vein check is performed.

What happens during a sclerotherapy session:

1. Lie on the treatment table with your legs slightly elevated
2. Target areas are cleaned
3. Fine-needle injections into spider veins — a very fine needle, one of the smallest you will encounter in medicine. Sensation: a small sting and brief burning per injection
4. Gentle pressure applied at each injection site after treatment
5. Compression stockings applied at the end

Session duration: 30–45 minutes. You leave and resume normal activity immediately.

Step 3: Immediately After Treatment

• Walk — immediately. At least 10–15 minutes after the session. Walking helps distribute the sclerosant and activates the calf muscle pump.
• Compression stockings — continuously for 24–48 hours (including overnight), then during waking hours for 1–2 weeks
• You can drive immediately, return to work, and continue your normal routine

Step 4: The First Two Weeks

• Avoid direct sun exposure on the treated leg — sun can cause hyperpigmentation (dark spots) at injection sites
• Avoid hot baths, jacuzzi, sauna — heat from any source
• Avoid intense sport (running, swimming, cycling) for two weeks
• Light walking is encouraged and recommended

Step 5: What to Expect

Completely normal:

• Small bruises at injection sites — resolve within 1–3 weeks
• Mild discomfort around treated veins for a few days
• Treated veins may look darker in the first weeks before fading — this is part of the process
• Mild swelling around the treatment area

Not normal — contact your doctor: Severe pain, spreading redness, high local temperature, chest pain, shortness of breath — rare but important to recognize.

Results — What to Expect and When

• 3–6 weeks: Spider veins begin to fade
• 3–4 months: Final result visible
• Progress is assessed at follow-up visits; additional sessions scheduled as needed

How Many Sessions?

Most patients with moderate spider veins: 2–4 sessions. More extensive veins or those involving reticular veins: may require 4–6 sessions. Dr. Aronhime assesses at each follow-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I prepare for sclerotherapy?

For 48 hours before treatment: avoid ibuprofen/aspirin, skip alcohol, do not apply moisturizer to the legs, and bring or wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes. Compression stockings are recommended for 1-2 weeks after treatment.

Does sclerotherapy hurt?

Most patients describe a brief stinging sensation during each injection. The procedure typically lasts 20-30 minutes and requires no anesthesia. You can drive yourself home and return to most normal activities the same day.

How many sclerotherapy sessions are needed?

Most patients need 1-3 sessions depending on the extent and severity of spider veins. Each session costs ₪1,500 including Doppler assessment. Final results are visible 6-8 weeks after each treatment.

How many days before should I avoid shaving?

1–2 days before. Also avoid moisturizer on treatment day.

Can I exercise after sclerotherapy?

Walking: immediately. Intense exercise (running, swimming): wait two weeks.

When can I be in the sun?

At least two weeks. Sun exposure can cause dark spots at injection sites.

What abnormal signs require calling a doctor?

Severe pain, significant swelling, spreading redness, high local temperature, or chest pain — call your doctor immediately.

Will sclerotherapy leave scars?

Generally no. Mild hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) occasionally occurs and usually resolves within 6–12 months. Sun protection significantly reduces this risk.

Book a sclerotherapy consultation: 073-3744040
Contact Us | Sclerotherapy Treatment Page | Spider Veins