Recovering From Your Vein Treatment

Minimally invasive and noninvasive techniques mean there's nothing to worry about in recovering from your vein treatment. If you apply compression, prioritize rest and follow your aftercare instructions, you should be back to your regular routine within days (or even sooner!).

As you and your Metro Vein Centers clinic team are preparing your personalized vein treatment plan, curiosity or concern about "what happens next" is natural. But there is truly nothing to worry about! Metro Vein Centers' minimally invasive treatments have very low recovery requirements (and in some cases, no anticipated downtime at all!). Let's put your mind at ease.

The specific advice for recovering from your vein treatment will depend on your type of treatment, the type of vein treated, and your personal medical history. But we can start with some general guidelines:

• Compression stockings are your friends: Compression helps with the healing process after treatments, alleviates swelling and reduces the risk of any post-procedural complications. (Bonus guidance: Regularly wearing compression stockings is known to improve circulation by supporting healthy blood flow, thereby minimizing the symptomatic effects of vein disease.)
• Prioritize rest and elevation: Elevating your legs can minimize swelling and discomfort. Ample rest allows your body to divert energy towards the healing process. Both of these practices are healthful anytime, but are especially helpful in recovery periods.
• Stay hydrated and nourished: Adequate hydration and a balanced diet rich in nutrients will support speedy healing after any medical treatment.
• Follow medication guidelines: Your vein doctor may prescribe medications such as an anti-inflammatory to manage post-treatment symptoms like minor discomfort and inflammation for the smoothest recovery. (Of course we suggest you always heed any advice and aftercare instructions from your vein doctor - and all the members of your medical team!)

Now some notes that apply more specifically to the treatments you may receive at Metro Vein Centers clinics:

Sclerotherapy and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy injections can treat spider veins and varicose veins; your care plan may recommend one treatment or a series of sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Recovery following each sclerotherapy treatment is similar:

• Immediately post-treatment, you'll be encouraged to walk around for about 15-20 minutes. This helps prevent blood clots and promotes healthy circulation.
• Compression stockings should be worn continuously for the next 24-48 hours, then during the day for the next 1-3 weeks, as advised by your vein doctor.
• You can also expect some mild discomfort, bruising, or itching at the injection sites during recovery. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help if needed.
• Keep the treated areas moisturized to prevent dry, itchy skin.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight (to prevent hyperpigmentation).

Most patients can return to their basic normal activities immediately after sclerotherapy. Regular walking and light exercise are encouraged to promote circulation and healing. However, your doctor may advise you to avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths, saunas, or activities that involve heavy lifting for the first few days post-treatment.

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Ambulatory phlebectomy and microphlebectomy

Following phlebectomy, patients usually are able to go home on the same day. Phlebectomy side effects post-treatment are generally quite mild:

• Expect some mild postoperative pain and some swelling and/or bruising around the incision site(s).
• Compression stockings will help speed up recovery and promote healthy circulation. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours, with results improving over time with continued recovery care.

Microphlebectomy treatments take less than 30 minutes and end with light bandages put over the small incision sites. No stitches are needed and redness at the treatment site will resolve with time. Mild discomfort, bruising, and swelling may occur during recovery but subside within a few days.

• Compression stockings are often recommended for 1-2 weeks.
• Your vein doctor may suggest you avoid heavy exercise for a few days in order to recover faster.
• Patients can usually return to normal activities within 24-48 hours.
• Full recovery and optimal results are generally seen within 2-4 weeks.

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Laser vein treatments

Laser vein treatment is a precise, surface-level treatment which requires no injections (that's right: no needles!). That means patients experience minimal discomfort and very short recovery times. You can expect to return to your regular activities shortly after your appointment. Aftercare is simple:

• Avoid UV exposure for 2-3 weeks following a laser treatment -- protect your skin from direct sun exposure with sunscreen plus longer pants, skirts, or compression stockings.
• Compression also will help minimize any temporary swelling as a result of the laser. Your vein specialist may recommend you wear compression stockings for a few days or up to 2 weeks.

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Radiofrequency ablation

Following radiofrequency ablation treatment, patients can return to their normal activities right away, without limitations. This treatment requires no general anesthesia, no stitches, and no prescription pain medication so recovery is not an issue. Most patients simply walk out with a small bandage and continue their day with little to no downtime.

• Your vein doctor may recommend three days of compression post-treatment.
• Patients may experience some temporary bruising following treatment, and there may be temporary numbness, itching, sensitivity, burning, or swelling (but this is rare).
• You may opt to take an over-the-counter pain medication or apply a medicated cream such as Arnicare® to hasten healing.

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Varithena

Varithena is minimally invasive and nonsurgical, as foam medication is injected into a vein using ultrasound guidance to pinpoint the precise area of need. This foam infusion causes the varicose vein to safely and gently close.

• Temporary tenderness and/or mild bruising at the injection site(s) is totally normal post treatment, but should improve over time. OTC pain medicine may help with mild local pain.
• Routine activities can be resumed the next day or sooner, depending on your physician's guidance. Avoid heavy exercise for a week, but light walking for at least 10 minutes per day will help circulation.
• Wear your compression stockings for up to 2 weeks, or as your vein doctor recommends.

Learn more about this treatment

Venaseal

Venaseal is a specially formulated medical adhesive that is injected into a diseased vein via a tiny catheter using ultrasound guidance to pinpoint the precise area of need. It's minimally invasive and nonsurgical. This powerful single-injection treatment has an especially short recovery time: Most patients can resume their normal routine the same day, and will experience immediate improvement in symptoms.

• Side effects may include temporary tenderness or mild bruising at the injection site, which can be addressed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• You will not receive compression stockings following this vein treatment, because it applies pressure from within the vein - so no need for external compression!

Learn more about this treatment

Take your first step now

As you can see, today's innovative vein treatment procedures create very little long-term disruption even as they offer powerful symptom relief. There is really no reason to wait!

Metro Vein Centers offers a variety of minimally invasive vein treatments in our New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Arizona vein clinics. We offer free vein evaluations with eligible insurance coverage (and we accept over 200+ insurance plans!).

Give us a call at 866-353-5124 and step closer to having happy, healthy legs today - especially now that you know your recovery journey will be a quick one!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does it take to recover from vein treatments?
Metro Vein Centers' minimally invasive vein treatment procedures require very little downtime - you can get back to your regular routine within hours or days. The timing for complete recovery and optimal results can vary from person to person, but most can expect it in a few weeks.

Can you speed up vein treatment recovery time?
The best way to the fastest recovery is by following your vein doctor's post-treatment instructions. These will likely include wearing compression stockings, avoiding UV light exposure, prioritizing rest, hydration and nutrition, and light exercise.

What can I expect after vein treatments?
Your exact recovery plan will depend on your treatment. But you should not expect any significant disruptions to your routines or daily activities post-treatment. You may have some mild discomfort or other side effects which should fade within a few days. Results can be noticed within 2 weeks, though can vary from person to person.

Are there side effects of vein treatments?
Side effects depend on the vein treatment procedure. Post-treatment, you may experience mild postoperative discomfort,swelling, itching or bruising.

Is vein treatment worth it?
Minimally invasive vein treatments are quick, easy, and have short (or nonexistent!) recovery times - and treatments are very likely covered by insurance. We encourage you to call for an evaluation today. But don't take our word for it: Our patients are our best spokespeople! Read and watch what real Metro Vein Centers patients say about their experiences.