What is Treatment Like? When planning to have varicose vein surgery, it’s important to understand that the word ‘surgery’ sounds more invasive than it typically is. Since vein stripping methods began being replaced, vein surgery has, for the most part, been replaced by minimally invasive venous ablation procedures, which are performed in the office setting.
Our experience with the ClosureFast™ catheter in our clinic has shown less pain, fewer complications, better quality of life and nearly 95% reflux free rate at 5 years follow-up. The catheter is inserted into the vein through a tiny incision above or below the knee, and guided by ultrasound. Our physician then treats a segment of vein at a time with a 20-second burst of radiofrequency energy, causing the vessel to shrink around the catheter.
Unlike painful vein stripping, the catheter delivers uniform, consistent heat to each segment resulting in vein closure. The ClosureFast™ procedure causes less bruising and allows for rapid patient relief and recovery. Our procedures in our clinic are outpatient, minimally invasive forms of treatment, and most patients report no scarring, bruising, or swelling following the procedure.
What Should be Done After Vein Treatment?
Some movement and compression socks are typically encouraged following treatment. Here are a few tips for ensuring the best possible recovery after a varicose vein procedure:
Move around for at least 10 minutes per hour, each day, until bedtime: walking is possibly the simplest exercise and helps prevent blood clots. Avoid heavy lifting for 2 weeks following surgery. This will help you avoid bruising, excessive bleeding and pain.
Avoid soaking in a tub or swimming for at least a week after surgery. It’s important to allow the surgical sites to heal thoroughly.
Elevate legs while sleeping. This will keep blood flowing to the heart and promote good circulation.
Wear the compression stockings for at least 3-4 weeks after surgery. These may not be the top fashion choice, but they can help speed up recovery following vein surgery.
What Does Healing Look Like in Response to Treatment?
On the day of the procedure patients may experience some pain and bruising in the direct area that veins were treated, however the pain is usually minimal, if at all present. Patients often return to normal activities the same day. However, we recommend our patients don’t overdo it with activity for the 48 hours following a procedure.
One week after vein treatment patients typically resume their normal exercise routine which may include things such as cycling or walking. However, it’s a good idea to stay away from lifting anything heavy for a bit longer, as that can put undue strain on your treated veins. It is important to remember that compression socks will help with issues such as inflammation or discomfort after treatment.
One month after vein treatment there will be a follow-up appointment with our surgeon to make sure the patients’ recovery is on track and everything is going as planned. Treating veins correctly and effectively is a process and not always a one -time event. Three months after vein treatment, patients should not show any post-treatment signs or symptoms.
If you have any questions regarding recovery, call Taylor Vein Solutions at (734) 287-1950.
