How soon after Sclerotherapy can I use a self-tanner?

I've read conflicting answers about how long I should wait before applying fake tanning lotions (self-tanners).

Answers from doctors (13)


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Aug 11, 2012

Apply self-tanning lotions once your doctor tells you it is okay, usually after the follow-up exam.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Apply self-tanning lotions once your doctor tells you it is okay, usually after the follow-up exam.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Aug 07, 2012

Sometimes the sclerotherapy will leave a brown stain for a few months where the veins were treated and sometimes applying tanning lotions can make the stain more visible. However, if there is no staining, then applying the lotion would be fine after a few weeks.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Sometimes the sclerotherapy will leave a brown stain for a few months where the veins were treated and sometimes applying tanning lotions can make the stain more visible. However, if there is no staining, then applying the lotion would be fine after a few weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 31, 2012

I think it is safe to use self tanner immediately after sclerotherapy. However, most doctors want you to avoid sunlight tanning for several weeks after a treatment.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I think it is safe to use self tanner immediately after sclerotherapy. However, most doctors want you to avoid sunlight tanning for several weeks after a treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jul 30, 2012

In our office, as long as you don't need or want to have any more sclerotherapy, self-tanner is okay at any time after treatment.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

In our office, as long as you don't need or want to have any more sclerotherapy, self-tanner is okay at any time after treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Smith Vein Institute, LLC

Published on Jul 25, 2012

I don't think it really matters. I would go ahead and use it as soon as all the needle incisions are healed.

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Answered by Smith Vein Institute, LLC

I don't think it really matters. I would go ahead and use it as soon as all the needle incisions are healed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Jul 25, 2012

The tanner should be tested First on a remote region to make sure that there is absolutely no irritation. IF there is no irritation, wait a minimum of 72 hours.

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Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

The tanner should be tested First on a remote region to make sure that there is absolutely no irritation. IF there is no irritation, wait a minimum of 72 hours.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 25, 2012

I would advise waiting until after you stop wearing compression hosiery.
Usually 1 to 2 weeks. Self tanners contain suspected carcinogenic ingredients and should not be
applied under stockings or at all. Sunscreen, on the other hand, is acceptable.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

I would advise waiting until after you stop wearing compression hosiery.
Usually 1 to 2 weeks. Self tanners contain suspected carcinogenic ingredients and should not be
applied under stockings or at all. Sunscreen, on the other hand, is acceptable.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 25, 2012

Tanning is only a problem with laser spider vein treatment.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Tanning is only a problem with laser spider vein treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jul 25, 2012

Not any studies on this. Would say 2-4 weeks should be reasonable.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Not any studies on this. Would say 2-4 weeks should be reasonable.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 25, 2012

48 hours should be sufficient.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

48 hours should be sufficient.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 25, 2012

There is no danger of applying self tanner within 24 hours of injection
sclerotherapy. Avoid direct exposure (unprotected) to the sun for 2 weeks.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

There is no danger of applying self tanner within 24 hours of injection
sclerotherapy. Avoid direct exposure (unprotected) to the sun for 2 weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Jul 25, 2012

Covering the veins with self-tanner may not be in your best interest if you need additional treatments. I'd suggest discussing your treatment plan with the physician who treated you.

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Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Covering the veins with self-tanner may not be in your best interest if you need additional treatments. I'd suggest discussing your treatment plan with the physician who treated you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jul 25, 2012

You can use it the same day of the sclerotherapy procedure.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

You can use it the same day of the sclerotherapy procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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