Before Varicose Vein Treatment Canberra

Before your vein treatment

Preparing for sclerotherapy or endovenous laser ablation is straightforward. Arrive well hydrated, having walked, with walking shoes for the 30 minutes of walking that follows every treatment. Talk to us in advance about hormone therapy or the contraceptive pill, and avoid fake tan and solariums for four weeks beforehand. These are the standing instructions; the written sheet you receive when treatment is booked takes precedence if anything differs.

What to do before treatment

Drink plenty of water on the day of treatment. Well-hydrated veins are easier to treat and the procedure is more comfortable.
Take a short walk before your appointment, and bring your walking shoes. Every vein treatment is followed by 30 minutes of walking at a normal pace, starting immediately afterwards.
Eat normally. Treatments are performed under local anaesthetic; there is no need to fast.
Wear loose clothing that is easy to change out of, and bring your compression stockings if you have already been fitted with them.
Ask about numbing cream if you are needle-averse. A prescription topical anaesthetic cream, applied before you arrive, can greatly reduce the discomfort of the small injections used in sclerotherapy. If you would like a script, contact the clinic to arrange an appointment with Dr Lapenga.

What not to do before treatment

Medicines and hormones. Tell us about all medicines you take, including HRT, hormonal contraception and blood-thinning medicines. Do not stop or change them yourself. Your clinician will consider your treatment, medicine formulation and clotting risk, and give you individual instructions if any change is needed, including when to restart.
No self-tanning products, spray tans or solariums for at least four weeks before treatment. Tanned or stained skin makes veins harder to see and increases the chance of pigmentation marks afterwards.
No moisturiser or oil on the legs on the day, so that ultrasound gel and dressings adhere properly.
Plan travel with the clinic. Tell us about any planned flights or long car, bus or train journeys before booking treatment. The timing needs to fit your procedure, journey length, clotting risk and follow-up appointments. Ask the clinic for advice specific to your plans and follow your written treatment instructions.

On the day

Arrive a few minutes early. You will change into shorts or a gown, the doctor will confirm the plan against your ultrasound, and the treated area will be cleaned and marked. Local anaesthetic is used for endovenous laser ablation; sclerotherapy involves small injections only. Afterwards, compression stockings are applied and you walk for 30 minutes before heading home. Details of what each procedure involves are on the treatment pages, and what happens next is on recovering from treatment.

Questions

If anything on this list does not fit your circumstances, or you are unsure whether it applies to you, call (02) 5119 3136 before the day. It is far easier to adjust a plan in advance than to postpone on arrival.

Canberra Vein & Laser Medicine is at The Woden Suites, Level 3, Francis Chambers, 40 Corinna Street, Phillip ACT 2606. Book online or call (02) 5119 3136.

Questions people ask

What should I do before sclerotherapy?

Drink plenty of water on the day, take a short walk before your appointment, and bring comfortable walking shoes for the 30-minute walk afterwards. Eat normally. Wear loose clothing that is easy to change out of, and bring your compression stockings if you have already been fitted. Do not apply moisturiser or fake tan to your legs.

Should I stop the pill or HRT before vein treatment?

Tell us about all medicines you take, including HRT, hormonal contraception and blood-thinning medicines. Do not stop or change them yourself. Your clinician will consider your treatment, medicine formulation and clotting risk, and give you individual instructions if any change is needed, including when to restart.

Can I eat before varicose vein treatment?

Yes. Vein treatments at CVLM are performed under local anaesthetic, so you do not need to fast. Have a normal meal and drink plenty of water beforehand; being well hydrated makes the veins easier to access and the treatment more comfortable.

Can I drive to my vein treatment appointment?

Before treatment, we will confirm whether you need someone to take you home and when you may drive again. Follow the driving restrictions in your written treatment instructions. If you are unsure, contact the clinic before driving.

Why can't I have a spray tan before sclerotherapy?

Self-tanning products, spray tans and solarium use stain or sensitise the skin and make the veins harder to see and treat, and darkened skin is more prone to pigmentation marks after treatment. Avoid all of them for at least four weeks before your appointment.