Spider veins can not only create feelings of insecurity when wearing a dress or shorts, these damaged veins can become a hazard if left untreated. Spider veins occur when the valves in the veins become damaged and blood can no longer flow through them freely.

Treating spider veins early allows your doctor to use a minimally invasive procedure known as sclerotherapy to reduce the appearance of veins through the skin. Recovering from sclerotherapy is fairly simple, but there are some things you can do to help enhance the results of your procedure.

1. Wear compression socks.

Once your doctor has injected your veins with a special solution that damages the interior lining of the veins, you want to avoid having any blood run back into the veins until they scar over and close up.

Blood can become trapped in the treated veins, leading to a host of problems. Compression socks help to keep pressure on the veins that have been treated so that blood cannot enter them. Be sure that you discuss how long you should wear your compression socks with your doctor, then follow his or her advice to the letter as you recover from sclerotherapy.

2. Avoid strenuous exercise.

You will be able to return to your normal daily activities following your sclerotherapy treatment. The varicose vein injections are administered in your doctor's office, so there are no incisions or stitches that you need to watch out for.

If you want to maximize the results of your procedure, you should avoid engaging in strenuous exercise in the days following sclerotherapy. Vigorous activity could generate unnecessary pressure that will damage your veins and cause blood to leak out into your leg.

Your doctor will be able to advise you how long you should wait before returning to your normal exercise routine.

3. Don't take over-the-counter medications.

Many over-the-counter medications contain anticoagulants that can negatively affect the results of your sclerotherapy. You want your blood to be able to clot following the procedure so that it will not move through the treated veins easily.

Medications like ibuprofen or aspirin could thin your blood and compromise your results. If you experience discomfort after your sclerotherapy is complete, talk to your doctor about pain treatment options that will not have a negative effect on your spider vein treatment.

Proper aftercare can enhance the results of your sclerotherapy and leave you feeling more confident to show off your bare legs in the future.