Your sclerotherapy appointment is today. You're in the kitchen looking at the coffee maker, wondering if you're okay to have breakfast (you may have even planned a quick run). The good news is that getting ready for spider vein treatment is pretty straightforward.
In sclerotherapy you have a solution injected into the small, visible veins. That solution then closes the vein and it subsequently fades away. Here are the answers to the questions that patients ask most.
CAN YOU EAT BEFORE SCLEROTHERAPY?
In most cases yes, a normal light meal is fine prior to your visit unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Skipping meals can actually backfire. An empty stomach will leave you feeling a bit shaky or lightheaded (particularly if needles are your thing).
Have a reasonable breakfast or lunch (eggs and toast or yogurt with fruit would be good). As normal, have your water. Just don't go in with the big plate.
Standard sclerotherapy doesn't require you to fast. That may change depending on the procedure you're having or your individual circumstances.
If you have diabetes, are on daily medication, have any allergies or have fainted previously then you should let your provider know.
Diabetes in itself doesn't exclude you. Your provider will assess your circulation, your nerve health, your skin, your healing and your blood sugar control before deciding what's appropriate for you.
Bottom line: you don't need to be on an empty stomach. Just follow your clinician's instructions.
CAN YOU DRINK COFFEE BEFORE SCLEROTHERAPY?
Your normal cup of coffee is fine prior to routine sclerotherapy unless the clinic tells you otherwise.
Caffeine has different effects on different people. For some it will quicken the heart and give you a jolt of energy.
If you're already prone to anxiety with injections then a strong Cafecito could well make that worse. Keep it to one small cup today.
Skip the energy drinks and the big coffees. Go for water instead so you get there properly hydrated.
Coffee won't in any way make you ineligible for treatment. Your history is what matters. If you drink coffee as part of your day then you should ask your provider whether you need to modify that. Don't just assume you have to stop.
CAN YOU EXERCISE BEFORE SCLEROTHERAPY?
Light movement is fine. You can just walk the dog or take the stairs. Save the actual workout for another day.
A hard gym session will leave you hot, sweaty and uncomfortable. Miami heat on top of that is the last thing you need. Your provider needs clean dry skin to work on.
If you're having leg veins done then just move your gym session to another time, shower and get down to the clinic in comfortable clothes with no lotion on your legs.
Exercise after treatment is a separate issue. Most doctors will in fact encourage you to go for a walk straight after sclerotherapy as this will keep the blood moving.
You may need to wait a bit before doing running, heavy lifting or any particularly intense exercise. Your doctor will let you know how long to wait.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD YOU DO BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT?
A few small steps help your visit go smoothly:
REVIEW YOUR MEDICATIONS. Let your doctor know about any blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements. Never stop a medication without first consulting your doctor.
Don't use any lotions, oils or self-tanner on the treatment area that day.
Wear loose shorts or whatever you're comfortable in that gives you easy access to the area.
Any past history of blood clots, any allergies, any history of pregnancy or breastfeeding, any new symptoms.
Find out if you need compression stockings and what type of stocking is best for your particular treatment.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SCLEROTHERAPY?
Your session may involve a number of small injections depending on how many veins you're treating and where they are situated. You may well notice some mild bruising, tenderness, itching and/or transient discoloration afterwards which will all resolve over time.
Results don't come overnight. The veins will gradually fade over several weeks and many people will require more than one session. Walking is helpful in the recovery process but you may need to take a break from strenuous exercise and strong sun.
Your provider may also recommend compression stockings, further visits or a more in-depth vein assessment if your symptoms warrant it.
BOOK YOUR SCLEROTHERAPY CONSULTATION IN MIAMI
You don't have to figure out every prep detail on your own. Beyond Health MedSpa in Miami can review your spider veins, health history, and goals with you.
Contact Beyond Health MedSpa today to see whether sclerotherapy fits your needs and how to prepare with confidence.
