Do not apply moisturizer to your legs on the day of the treatment. Avoid using fake tan for at least two weeks prior to treatment and if possible, do not expose your legs to the sun for at least one week before treatment. You may prefer to wear trousers to your appointment, as they will help to conceal the compression stocking. Wear comfortable shoes so you can go for a walk after the procedure. Stop iron and vitamin supplements 2 weeks prior to treatment. Please ensure you are familiar with the information presented in this document and don’t hesitate to ask Dr Loizou questions.

Post-treatment instructions
In order to ensure the success of your treatment it is essential you observe the following instructions.

• You are required to walk at a gentle pace immediately after the treatment and for at least 30 minutes each day for the next 2 weeks. Walking uses the calf muscles, reduces the pressure in the treated veins, and can ease aching. Avoid power walking for 2 weeks after treatment. The combination of compression and walking minimizes the risk of deep vein thrombosis(45). Do not confine yourself to bed.
• Any cottonballs or dressings applied under the stocking can be removed 24 hours after treatment.
• Avoid prolonged standing and elevate your legs when sitting if practical.
• Avoid rigorous activities (e.g. running, squash, high impact aerobics or heavy lifting) for the first 2 weeks after treatment. Mild to moderate exercise such as golf or an easy stationary bike ride is permitted. You can carry on with your normal work or home duties provided they are not strenuous.
• You may experience some pain and heaviness in the legs in the first few days after injection treatment and this may be more noticeable at night. If this troubles you take 2x Nurofen or 2x Voltaren Rapid 25mg tablets and go for a short walk. If EVLT™ was used then you may experience some discomfort in the inner thigh around day 3 after treatment, which is due to the healing process. If so take 2x Voltaren Rapid 25mg as per instructions on the packet for the next 5 days. Should you develop indigestion whilst taking the tablets then stop them and take Panadol instead.
• Remove the stocking if it causes any discomfort in your foot or leg when sleeping. The stocking should be put on again after rising from bed - it may be difficult to reapply once taken off. Do not cut the stocking and contact the clinic if problems persist.
• Precise written instructions for wearing the stocking will be given to you following the treatment.
• Review appointments will be organized as necessary. In general sclerotherapy patients are reviewed at two weeks and EVLT™ patients are reviewed at one week. All appointments are usually made following the initial consultation.
• Please advise Dr Loizou if you have any travel arrangements that have not already been discussed so that appropriate instructions can be given.
• Always bring your compression stockings to each appointment.
• Contact Dr Loizou if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment. Should you develop any of the serious symptoms such as soreness or swelling of the calf unrelieved by walking, shortness of breath, chest pain or other chest problems this may be due to deep vein thrombosis. You should contact Dr Loizou immediately. If Dr Loizou cannot be contacted go to hospital for immediate assessment.