How Long Should Legs be kept out of the Sun After a Varicose Vein Procedure?

Thank you for your question. I would avoid sun exposure during laser treatment to avoid hyperpigmentation, burn etc. I would recommend using SPF 30 with zinc and reapplying every 2 hours when outdoor. I hope this helps.

I often recommend that patients stay out of the sun for two weeks following their sclerotherapy treatment. It's important to make sure any inflammation, bruising, and pigmentation problems have resolved before exposing yourself to the sun, as this may prolong the healing process and do additional damage. Once you are healed, I believe it's best to always wear SPF 30 when outside. Exposing your legs to the sun after treatment causes the treated veins to dilate/enlarge which will prevent their healing. Also, since sclerotherapy causes inflammation to the treated veins, sun-exposure may bring on pigmentation.

In our office, we suggest staying out of the sun for a minimum of two weeks. You want to make sure that any swelling or bruising has subsided and the skin is fully healed before exposing it to the sun.

If you are considering a varicose vein treatment, please visit the link below.
 

Thank you for your question. In our office, we have our patients stay out of the sun and cover the legs with compression dressing/garment for 2 weeks.
I hope this helps.

After Varicose vein procedures, we advise our patients to avoid wearing lotions the day of the procedure—and to avoid vigorous exercise; hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas; as well as exposure to sunlight for at least one to two days after treatment. Patients should avoid taking aspirin or other blood thinners such as Motrin, Aleve or Advil at least three days prior to scheduled leg vein treatments. Taking Tylenol is fine.

As long as there is ongoing healing of sclerosed veins with bruising, discoloration, redness, it is recommended that you avoid exposure to the sun. I recommend at least three months and others (in Florida and California) recommend 2-3 weeks. Follow the instructions that is recommended by your board certified vein specialist from the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.  

If you are having laser or radiofrequency closure  and/or microphlebectomies then you should not go into the sun until the bruising resolves which usually takes about 10 days to 2 weeks.  For sclerotherapy 48-72 hours is usually sufficient unless there is a lot of reaction to the treatment.  The bottom line is that you should avoid sun exposure until you are healed.  Also, sun,in general, is not good for veins and the sun damage can lead to further spider vein formation and to increased pigmentation.  You should always wear a sun block.

After surgery/injury the tissues are inflamed as part of the natural healing reaction. This can be a stimulus to the pigment cells in the area and the stimulus can be further increased with sun exposure. All this stimulus on the pigment cells may make the area more pigmented so we suggest using a sun block for as long as the area of healing is red. This may result ultimately in a better appearance of the healed area.

You want to make sure that the bruising, swelling and inflammation have dissipated before your expose those areas to the sun. 

It's fine to be in the sun, as long as you wear a good, quality sunscreen! (Which you should be doing everyday!!!)