I had my first sclerotherapy session 2 weeks ago. Everything is normal after the procedure; however, I just spent 2 days at the beach. Can tanning damage the treated veins or affect the results of the procedure?
Sun should not cause any problems with the treated veins. Of course, I do recommend using sunscreen.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No worries, sun exposure will not affect the result after sclerotherapy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The veins which were treated were most likely not affected by your being in the sun. If the sclerotherapy was successful in eradicating the veins which were injected, that portion of the treatment will remain unaffected. However, depending on the type of sclerosing agent, there can be a very real risk of hyperpigmentation or staining of the skin due to sun exposure too early after sclerotherapy. I would strongly suggest you check with your provider, find out what type of sclerosing agent was used and if indeed there is any hyperpigmentation risk with sun exposure. This oftentimes can be irreversible.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, you may tan as much as you want.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is heat that causes venodilation and UV that causes hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure will not cause injury, but be sure not to "bake."
Published on Jul 11, 2012
While there are no definitive studies on sun exposure after sclerotherapy, we advise our patients to avoid this. Anytime you disrupt the skin, the melanin can be more active and the possibility of hyperpigmentation can be increased. Naturally, we advise all our patients to avoid tanning of any type and to use a good quality sun protection (30+ with a high zinc content are best). The increased risks of skin cancer and premature aging/damage to the skin can be reduced.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There may be an increase risk of hyperpigmentation, or brown spots, in the treated areas. However, you may be OK. Next time use sunblock or stay out the sun just to play it safe.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Tanning is not likely to damage your treated veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Tanning or sun burn can affect the results of sclerotherapy. We recommend no sun burning after sclerotherapy so as not to burn areas that have recently been treated by a sclerosing solution. Sun could burn these areas and could also lead to staining and irritation of the treated vein. There is controversy as to how long to avoid sun following sclerotherapy. Some people recommend 2 days and some 6 weeks. I feel that sun should be avoided until any bruising or irritation subsides (which is usually within 5-7 days).
Published on Jul 11, 2012