TAKING
CARE OF YOURSELF AFTER YOUR VEIN PROCEDURE
Today’s
minimally invasive surgical techniques effectively alleviate pain from varicose
veins, but if you’ve
recently undergone a procedure, you probably have a number of questions about
your recovery: How long will it take? What activities are safe?
Of course,
it’s always best to consult a vein
specialist NYC, as advice
can vary on a case-by-case basis; however, we’ve compiled a brief guide that
provides answers to some of the most common questions we hear from patients
immediately following their procedures.
How Long Will It Take to Recover?
Recovery
time depends on the operation. Two of the most popular surgeries for varicose
veins — endogenous laser treatment and ambulatory phlebotomy — are relatively
brief outpatient procedures, each lasting between 45 and 60 minutes. In those
cases, patients are sent home the same day. More serious procedures may require
a hospital stay, in which case you should ask a family member or friend to
drive you home and remain with you for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
For most
patients, a full recovery takes about one to two weeks. That said, if you
received treatment for both of your legs, you can expect a longer recuperation
period.
Once
you’ve returned home after an outpatient procedure, your doctor will likely
recommend that you rest for the remainder of the day as the anesthetic wears
off. Your leg may experience a mild stinging or burning sensation, but the pain
shouldn’t be severe. If it becomes bothersome, try taking a mild painkiller
like ibuprofen or
If the
pain becomes bothersome for you, try taking a mild painkiller like ibuprofen.
How Do I Care for the Treated Area?
After
surgery by Vein
specialist NYC, the
dressings must remain on for 24 to 48 hours, and you should expect minimal bleeding.
You can shower (as long as the water is not too hot), but do not take baths or
swim in public pools until the surgical wound has completely healed.
After
the procedure, wear your compression stockings for at least three days,
taking them off only for showering and sleeping. Compression
stockings promote proper blood flow, and the more you wear them, the
better you will feel.
While
recuperating, you should take care to avoid sitting or standing for long
periods of time. If you notice that you’re bleeding through the bandages,
elevate your leg and and apply pressure to the wound. If those treatments fail
to stop the bleeding, or if the bleeding continues for two days, consult your
physician immediately.
Can I Exercise?
Strenuous
exercise and any heavy lifting are not recommended for at least two weeks
following your procedure, but that doesn’t mean you should be inactive. A
regular walking routine improves your overall circulation and helps to prevent
clots. You needn’t go far — a few hundred yards three times a day should do the
trick. As the stiffness gradually decreases, you can ramp up your strolls.
You may
also want to know when you can drive your car. Since your reaction times may be
slowed due to the anesthesia and any lingering discomfort in your leg, wait at
least 48 hours before getting behind the wheel.
What about Follow-Up Care?
If you’ve
undergone a laser or radiofrequency treatment, schedule a follow-up ultrasound
with your vein
specialist NYC within 24 to
72 hours after the procedure to determine if the vein has successfully closed.
Phlebitis,
a condition characterized by lumps and inflammation in the leg, sometimes
occurs after surgery. It usually clears up within a month.
About one
in 15 patients see a recurrence of varicose veins within 10 years following a
surgery. To avoid the reappearance of varicose veins, you should be sure to
maintain a healthy weight, exercise, and wear light support socks.
Though
rare, Deep Vein Thrombosis may occur after treatment, and this
dangerous condition can lead to life-threatening blood clots. If you experience
excessive swelling or pain in the leg, again, contact your physician
immediately. He or she will recommend further treatment if necessary.
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