What you should do before foam sclerotherapy

When is treatment not possible?

You must not have foam sclerotherapy

• if you are allergic to polidocanol (lauromacrogol 400) or any other component of the sclerosant.
• if you are currently suffering from a severe systemic disease (for example, acute leukaemia or acute liver insufficiency).
• if you have severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease (a disorder of the arterial circulation in the legs).
• if you have a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
• if you have a high risk of thrombosis. This could be, for example, a known, inherited tendency to thrombosis (thrombophilia) or if you have to lie in bed with a plaster cast for a long time after an injury.
• if you know you have a patent foramen ovale (an atrial septal defect or ‘hole in the heart’) that is causing symptoms.

Your doctor will discuss any other illnesses that have to be considered.

If there is any possibility that you could be pregnant at the present time, you must tell your doctor about this without fail before starting treatment.

On the day of treatment

• If you are acutely unwell on the day of treatment and/or have an infection associated with fever, call your doctor and ask whether the treatment session should be postponed.
• Do not plan any other procedures for the same day, but rather concentrate entirely on the treatment of your varicose veins.
• It is better not to shave your legs on the day of treatment, as the skin disinfectant used prior to the injections may sting.
• Do not apply any moisturizer on the area to be treated.
• You do not need to have an empty stomach for your treatment.