What to Expect After a Varicose Vein Procedure
Varicose vein treatments have become a pretty common occurrence. Millions of people in the United States every year undergo one of the numerous varicose vein treatments available to patients who suffer from the effects of these swollen veins that can cause pain and circulation problems. Of course, just because varicose vein treatments are common, doesn't mean recovering from them is common, especially if you're the one having the procedure done. If you're a sufferer of any of the effects of varicose veins and you're considering varicose vein treatment, you're likely not taking this procedure lightly. Following is information concerning the recovery period following a varicose vein procedure, as well as information on what to expect while you're healing.
Symptoms you may experience during your recovery
Pain
Just as with most medical procedures, you may experience mild to moderate pain following your varicose vein treatment. Your legs, ankles, or anywhere else you had your varicose vein treatment performed may be tender to the touch following treatment. It's important to know that this is a normal occurrence. Talk to your doctor about appropriate pain medications for your situation. Additionally, let your doctor know if the pain persists or increases. Tylenol and ibuprofen are typical medications given for pain following varicose vein treatments.
Swelling
Following your procedure, you likely will experience mild to moderate swelling in the areas that received treatment. The swelling typically goes away in a matter of a few days, but it may last longer, depending on how many veins were treated. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions regarding wearing compression stockings and elevating your legs in order to reduce swelling and promote proper blood circulation.
Bruising
Following your varicose vein procedure, you may notice mild bruising in the areas that were treated. This bruising typically resolves within a matter of weeks, but can last as long as several months to a year. Again, talk to your doctor about bruising and follow instructions properly.
Blood clots in superficial veins
During the recovery period, you may feel a small lump under the skin of treated areas that can be painful. Bring these and other symptoms to your doctor's attention.
Skin discoloration
When recovering from your varicose vein procedure, you may experience discoloration of the skin that can last for several months around the areas that were treated.
Tight sensation
Following your procedure and during recovery, you may experience a sensation of tightness around the areas that were treated, which is an effect of treated veins healing. This typically lasts for the first few days or weeks of recovery.
What you can do during your recovery period
Although every healthcare professional is different, and every patient's experience is different, following are some typical instructions doctors give to their patients who are in the recovery period of a varicose vein treatment:
1) Wear compression stockings, often continuously for up to several weeks following your procedure.
2) Elevate your legs periodically throughout the day, especially when you're already in a seated position. Additionally, lying down generally is considered more favorable to sitting during your recovery period.
3) Bathe only by means of a sponge bath, typically for the first few days of recovery. Compression stockings can be removed following the first few days after your procedure.
4) Resume regular activities of daily living only when your doctor authorizes. This includes driving, walking, running, sexual activity, and going back to work, to name just a few.
Everyone who faces any type of medical procedure has questions and concerns. If you're someone who's suffering from any of the effects of varicose veins and you're considering one of the varicose vein treatments available in Summit and throughout the U.S., you likely have questions about what to expect, especially about the recovery period. The most important thing you can do is to educate yourself on the various procedure options and the steps you can take following your procedure that will help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. If you have more questions about varicose vein treatment contact a vein treatment center in your area to have all of your questions answered.
Symptoms you may experience during your recovery
Pain
Just as with most medical procedures, you may experience mild to moderate pain following your varicose vein treatment. Your legs, ankles, or anywhere else you had your varicose vein treatment performed may be tender to the touch following treatment. It's important to know that this is a normal occurrence. Talk to your doctor about appropriate pain medications for your situation. Additionally, let your doctor know if the pain persists or increases. Tylenol and ibuprofen are typical medications given for pain following varicose vein treatments.
Swelling
Following your procedure, you likely will experience mild to moderate swelling in the areas that received treatment. The swelling typically goes away in a matter of a few days, but it may last longer, depending on how many veins were treated. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions regarding wearing compression stockings and elevating your legs in order to reduce swelling and promote proper blood circulation.
Bruising
Following your varicose vein procedure, you may notice mild bruising in the areas that were treated. This bruising typically resolves within a matter of weeks, but can last as long as several months to a year. Again, talk to your doctor about bruising and follow instructions properly.
Blood clots in superficial veins
During the recovery period, you may feel a small lump under the skin of treated areas that can be painful. Bring these and other symptoms to your doctor's attention.
Skin discoloration
When recovering from your varicose vein procedure, you may experience discoloration of the skin that can last for several months around the areas that were treated.
Tight sensation
Following your procedure and during recovery, you may experience a sensation of tightness around the areas that were treated, which is an effect of treated veins healing. This typically lasts for the first few days or weeks of recovery.
What you can do during your recovery period
Although every healthcare professional is different, and every patient's experience is different, following are some typical instructions doctors give to their patients who are in the recovery period of a varicose vein treatment:
1) Wear compression stockings, often continuously for up to several weeks following your procedure.
2) Elevate your legs periodically throughout the day, especially when you're already in a seated position. Additionally, lying down generally is considered more favorable to sitting during your recovery period.
3) Bathe only by means of a sponge bath, typically for the first few days of recovery. Compression stockings can be removed following the first few days after your procedure.
4) Resume regular activities of daily living only when your doctor authorizes. This includes driving, walking, running, sexual activity, and going back to work, to name just a few.
Everyone who faces any type of medical procedure has questions and concerns. If you're someone who's suffering from any of the effects of varicose veins and you're considering one of the varicose vein treatments available in Summit and throughout the U.S., you likely have questions about what to expect, especially about the recovery period. The most important thing you can do is to educate yourself on the various procedure options and the steps you can take following your procedure that will help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. If you have more questions about varicose vein treatment contact a vein treatment center in your area to have all of your questions answered.