Smoking marijuana after EVLT and sclerotherapy on arms and hands?

Question

I had evlt and sclerotherapy on the arms and hands for bulging veins. Prior to procedure, I had not smoked for four months. How long after my final sclerotherapy session can I smoke marijuana in moderation? I am not a cigarette smoker.

Andres Zavala, DO · Answer

There is lots of literature that shows that smoking tobacco is not only associated with poor would healing after surgery but also increased risk of blood clotting.  There is no such evidence for marijuana however, but I think it would be prudent to be cautious and wait a couple of weeks.

Ivan Brooks, MD · Answer

There is no evidence that smoking marijuana affects the outcome and results of sclerotherapy.  That being said smoking in general can affect circulation but this involves tobacco and the affects of nicotine on the circulation.

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

I never recommend smoking after any procedures.  Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of blood clots. That being said, I do not think that smoking marijuana makes much of a difference following the procedures.  I would say that if you have waited four months that you have not smoked and now had a procedure, I would consider waiting for 2 weeks after your heal some.  Waiting four months shows that you can go for long periods without smoking.  Why the rush now?

John W. Chang, MD · Answer

I do not think you are putting yourself at any great risk.  The sclerotherapy is so localized to the vein injected that there should not be any systemic reaction to your mariuana smoking.  Same goes for the EVLT healing risks.  In general, tobacco smoking is not good for healing after any type of surgical procedure.  There is not enough data about mariuana smoking and postop healing.  Hope this helps and take care.Dr Chang

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

For most procedures we ask patients to stay off of OTC medications for two weeks before and two weeks after a procedure.  The same may apply to your situation.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Unrelated - a lot of people smoke (cigarettes or other) and there is no relationship between sclerotherapy outcome and success with or without smoking. It should be noted however, that smoking is associated with thrombophlebitis and/or phlebitis in general.

John Landi, MD · Answer

I do not know of any study that can give you an exact answer but it would seem that 2 weeks would be adequate time post treatment to resume your activities.

Smoking marijuana after EVLT and sclerotherapy on arms and hands?

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