I get cuts/reactions to the tape, so I'd rather remove them when I get home a few hours after the sclerotherapy treatment, instead of after the recommended 24 hours. If I'm still wearing compression hose, will the early removal of the cotton balls affect my results?
If you are that sensitive to tape, the tape and cotton balls can be eliminated. However, keeping them on usually renders a better result and decreased bruising.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I am aware that some clinics use the cotton ball technique, but we typically don't. In most cases, we use compression hose alone after sclerotherapy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would ask your doctor about what he/she prefers. We have not found the use of cotton balls and tape to be more effective than compression stockings following a sclerotherapy treatment, and have always recommended just stockings to our patients.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Go ahead and remove the tape and cotton balls, but continue the compression hose. I Never use the cotton balls or tape and still have excellent results.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Post-sclerotherapy protocol differs from practitioner to practitioner. While one doctor may use cotton balls for hyper-compression another may use gauze and a layer of dressing retainer, so there is no uniform answer as to what should or should not be done post-sclero. The best plan would be to follow your provider's instructions and be compliant. You will then, most likely, end up with the best results.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I don't generally use cotton balls after sclerotherapy and I get good results.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You could do exactly as you described, and it should not affect your results much.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
This is best answered by the physician treating you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There should be no types of bandage required after sclerotherapy. They are simply injections and they will not need covering other than the compression stockings.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I stopped using tape on sclerotherapy patients years ago for just this reason. I just use stockings.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Actually, when I do sclerotherapy I oniy use graduated compression stockings and do not use the cotton balls and tape at all.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
We discontinued cotton balls and tape many years ago specifically for the problems you mention. While I may apply cottonballs for pressure during the treatment of larger feeder veins, these are removed prior to applying the hose during the treatment. The reason for applying this pressurs is to reduce bruising and keep the solution in the veins for longer by occlusion of the vein. Removing at the end of the treatment allows enough time for good results.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Removal of the cotton balls will probably not affect your results significantly.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, compression hose after Sclerotherapy will be fine and you will get same results. In fact, that's all we recommend.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
That is the way I treat spider veins. There is no definitive study showing the added compression makes a difference or is important. If you get results you're happy with then I guess it's OK to do it your way.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Should be fine removing them earlier.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I stopped using cotton balls over twelve years ago. I would recommend wearing compression stockings alone following sclerotherapy for 48 hours.
Published on Jul 11, 2012