FAQ

• What are the recommendations before the treatment?

  You must have an escort (driver) who will take you home after the procedure. An Ativan tablet will be administered to you, which may cause drowsiness. Therefore, it is not recommended to drive on the day of the laser treatment.

  – Bring the box with your 30/40 compression stockings.

  – We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to complete your file with the secretary before the procedure.

  – It is important to have breakfast or lunch before your treatment.

  – Take your personal medications on the morning of the procedure.

  – No coffee on the day of the laser treatment.

  – No alcohol the day before and the day of the laser treatment.

  – No shaving of the treated leg 48 hours before the procedure (the disinfecting solution may cause a burning and itching sensation).

  – Wear underwear (briefs) that completely cover the buttocks. For men: wear tight-fitting underwear, not boxers, as the groin area must remain exposed.

  – Wear a short-sleeved shirt (T-shirt), as the room is heated, so it can be warm.

  – Wear loose-fitting pants. No tight jeans, shorts, or dresses.

  – Your feet should stay warm, so it is preferable to wear socks with your shoes.

  – If you have an overactive bladder, wear protective underwear like Depends, as it is impossible to get up once the procedure has started, and it is not possible to set up a urinal or basin with sterile drapes in place.

• What are the recommendations after the treatment?

  – You must wear your compression stockings day and night for the 48 hours following the laser treatment. This means you should wash by hand (no showers).

  – Two days after the laser (48 hours), remove the compression stockings, all bandages (gauze rolls, compresses, dressings, and Steri Strips).

  – Take your shower at the desired temperature, use your soap, and apply a moisturizing cream if desired.

  – After that, wear your compression stockings during the day only, from waking up to bedtime, every day until your next appointment in 3 weeks. Resume a normal diet.

  – For inflammation and pain, take an analgesic such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), if they are not contraindicated for you. You can also apply Voltaren gel.

  – If necessary, apply ice over the stocking on the more sensitive areas.

  – Stay active and walk at least 30 minutes several times a day to promote circulation in your legs. Stiffness, tightness, or aching may occur in the weeks following the laser treatment. Significant bruising on the leg is normal and will disappear in a few weeks. In the weeks following the procedure, you may feel a hard cord and small lumps along the treated vein.

  – During the first 7 days after the procedure, avoid using your abdominal muscles during intense physical exercise or lifting more than 10 pounds.

  Until your next appointment in 3 weeks:

  – Avoid baths, spas, saunas, sun exposure, tanning beds, hot yoga, waxing, or laser hair removal. Heat on the leg will counteract the effects of the surgery.

  – Avoid long car or plane trips; wait for your doctor’s approval.

  – Also avoid massages or other treatments and care on the treated leg; wait for your doctor’s approval.