Many of our patients avoid vein treatment in the Summer. Why? Post-procedure instructions often include avoiding sun exposure and wearing compression stockings—two things that don’t pair well with summer outfits. But with a little planning, summer can still be a great time to treat your veins. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Do Patients Avoid Vein Treatment in Summer?
The hesitation often comes down to two things:
- Compression Stockings: After treatments like sclerotherapy, we typically instruct patients to wear compression stockings up to three weeks. They are important for best results, but they can feel warm and unsightly with summer outfits like shorts or dresses.
- Sun Exposure: Treated skin is more sensitive to UV rays. Direct sun exposure right after sclerotherapy treatment can increase the risk of dark staining called hyperpigmentation.
While these concerns are valid, they don’t mean you have to wait until winter to get treated. With a few adjustments, summer treatment is completely manageable.
Myths About Summer Vein Treatment
Myth: “You can’t be in the sun at all.”
False: You can still expose your legs to the sun. Just be smart and cover the areas treated with a good SPF 50+ sunscreen. You could also wear breezy, UV-protective clothing. It’s the UV rays that can cause staining.
Myth: “All vein treatments require protecting your legs from the sun.”
False: There is general acceptance that sun exposure should be avoided after sclerotherapy or laser treatment of small superficial spider veins. But treatment of varicose veins treats veins below the skin surface which means risk of pigmentation from sun is minimal to none.
Myth: “You’ll be stuck inside all summer.”
False: Vein treatments don’t require any downtime. Both sclerotherapy and vein ablation allow you to walk out of the office and continue your normal daily activities other than strenuous exercise.
Why Summer Might Actually Be a Great Time
- More Flexible Schedules: School breaks, lighter work calendars, and travel windows can make it easier to plan appointments.
- Be Ready for Fall: Treat now and enjoy results by the time weddings, reunions, or vacations roll around in late summer or early fall.
How to Manage Sun Exposure and Compression Stockings
Sun Tips:
- Avoid direct sunlight on treated areas for 2 weeks after spider vein treatment
- Use high-SPF sunscreen daily on your legs
- Use flowy pants, long skirts, or UV-blocking leggings for outdoor events
Compression Tips:
- Ask about skin tone stockings. They may not match your skin tone very well but they are an option.
- Schedule treatments before indoor weeks (like during a workweek or before a trip)
Which Treatments Are Impacted by Sun and Summer Conditions:
- Sclerotherapy: Quick and effective for spider veins. However, it does require stockings and sun avoidance.
- Laser Treatment: Another effective treatment for very small spider veins but also requires avoidance of sun.
- EVLT or RFA: Minimally invasive options for varicose veins (not spider veins). The area treated in this procedure is further below the skin and not affected by surface-level sun exposure.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to put off addressing any ugly veins on your legs just because it’s warm out. With a little planning around sun and compression stockings, summer can be a great time to finally take care of your veins.