Some people believe that the recovery time after varicose vein treatment is long and that one often has to take several days off. But this is not correct. Today, very mild treatment methods are used, so the recovery time in most cases is very short, and you can usually return to your normal daily routine the day after varicose vein surgery.
When Varicose Veins Develop
Varicose veins are caused by worn-out venous valves, whose job is to ensure that blood flows in only one direction. When the venous valves are worn out, they can no longer seal properly, causing blood to flow backwards and pool. This creates high pressure in the veins, leading to the development of varicose veins.
Heredity is the primary factor for the development of varicose veins and worn-out venous valves. This means that if one of your parents has had varicose veins, there is a high likelihood that you will also develop varicose veins at some point in your life.
If you are genetically predisposed to varicose veins and have already developed them, varicose vein treatment will be required to get rid of them. Today, varicose veins are treated with very effective and gentle methods that provide lasting results.
How Varicose Veins Are Treated
In the past, varicose veins were removed through a major procedure known as stripping, which resulted in a long recovery period after varicose vein surgery. Furthermore, one often had to stay in bed for several days after the surgery and was frequently on sick leave. Fortunately, this has changed.
Today, varicose veins are removed with modern methods, using only local anaesthesia. Varicose veins are removed through heat, foam, and phlebectomy, and the treatment itself takes about an hour. If varicose veins are removed with either heat or foam treatment, the vein is closed, causing the blood to flow through other pathways, thereby removing the varicose veins. The visible varicose veins on the legs can then be removed using phlebectomy, where a micro-incision is made, and a small part of the vein is extracted.
After Varicose Vein Surgery
After varicose vein surgery, the leg is sometimes wrapped in a thick bandage. This is to minimise any bleeding and reduce swelling. After 24 hours, this can be removed, and some choose to wear a compression stocking afterwards, as it can provide relief. However, a compression stocking is not considered part of the actual varicose vein treatment.
In the days following varicose vein surgery, you will experience tenderness in the treated area. It is a good idea to try to stay active in the days after the surgery, and there are no physical limitations, so you can move as much as you feel comfortable with.
In the days following varicose vein surgery, most people will experience larger or smaller bruises on the legs where the varicose veins have been removed. These usually disappear after a few weeks. In a few cases, it can take up to 4-6 months before they are completely gone.
