Varicose Vein Treatment Before and After: What To Expect

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisted veins. They develop when the valves become faulty and direct blood in the wrong direction. All veins in…

legs with varicose veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisted veins. They develop when the valves become faulty and direct blood in the wrong direction. All veins in the body can turn into varicose veins, although leg veins are more prone due to body pressure

Varicose veins affect nearly 23% of adults in the United States. The affected veins rarely require treatment unless they ache, rupture, or affect your natural appearance. 

How To Treat Varicose Veins

The available treatment options for varicose veins include:

  • Cyanoacrylate. The treatment option involves using a particular type of superglue known as cyanoacrylate glue to seal off the incompetent valves that cause varicose veins.
  • Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT). This procedure uses heat from a laser to minimize the varicose veins.
  • Endovenous Mechanochemical Ablation (MOCA). This procedure aims to close the varicose vein. The method involves a tube with a rotating wire which damages the varicose veins lining.
  • Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). This procedure uses minimally invasive radiofrequency energy to seal the varicose veins.
  • Phlebectomy. The procedure involves a series of small incisions into the skin to physically remove the affected veins. After the removal of the varicose veins, the body naturally redirects blood into the healthy veins.
  • Sclerotherapy. This microfoam injection procedure involves a chemical solution injected into the vein to create a permanent lesion of the varicose vein.

The ideal treatment method depends on the severity of your varicose veins and your preferences. 

Before the treatment, your doctor should examine the varicose veins and recommend the ideal treatment method. The length of the treatment and the aftercare depend on the treatment method.

What To Expect Before Varicose Vein Treatment

Book an appointment with your doctor if the presence of varicose veins bothers you. The doctor will carefully examine your legs to see the severity of the condition. The doctor may also recommend the best varicose vein treatment according to the severity, age, and underlying health issues.

Your doctor may need to know a few things about you. They may ask some questions, such as:

  • When did you notice the varicose veins symptoms?
  • Do you experience any pain?
  • What products do you use to ease the pain?

You should be open with the doctor for the best results. Also, the doctor may carry out a few tests before the procedure to know your current health status. You may need to discontinue taking blood thinners and other medications before the procedure.

Here are other requirements which the doctor may set before the treatment day:

  • Drink enough water to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid alcohol and hard drugs.
  • Get enough rest.
  • Wear loose clothing and bring your gradient compression stockings.

Note: These instructions may vary depending on the exact method. For example, sclerotherapy before and after concerns will be different from laser ablation concerns. Confirm with your doctor about the requirements to avoid mistakes and ensure you are fit for the procedure.

What To Expect During Varicose Vein Treatment

Every varicose vein treatment method is unique, which means that the experiences are unique. 

The treatments start with the doctor sterilizing the exact point where varicose veins affect your legs. Sterilization kills any germs onsite, which might affect the process. Then, the doctor injects local anesthesia to keep the area numb throughout the process.

For the laser ablation method, the doctor gently inserts a catheter into the varicose vein. The catheter delivers the radiofrequency energy, which collapses the walls of the vein. If the doctor recommends sclerotherapy, the doctor will gently inject the affected vein with a chemical solution which may later scar the varicose vein.

There is usually no pain during the process because of the anesthesia. In many cases, the doctor uses an ultrasound to get a clear picture of the varicose vein to reduce mistakes during the process.

Most sclerotherapy treatments last for 15 to 30 minutes.

What To Expect After Varicose Vein Treatment

Your doctor should carefully clean and sterilize the area that affects the procedure. Also, the doctor may give you a few instructions and cautionary steps that you should take after the process. Most patients use gradient compression stockings for three to five days continuously after the treatment. 

Note: You should not leave the specialist’s office with any doubts or questions. Your doctor should provide aftercare instructions and let you know how long after sclerotherapy you can begin to see results.

What Varicose Vein Removal Aftercare Is Like

How long does it take to heal from sclerotherapy? How long does it take after sclerotherapy to see results? The outcome largely depends on how well you adhere to aftercare instructions.

The recovery can take 10 to 14 days. However, many patients can go home the same day and resume work on the following day. 

Here are a few aftercare tips to help you recover within the shortest period:

  • Get enough rest. Rest will help you avoid excessive bleeding, bruising, and excess pain. Enough rest also aids the recovery process.
  • Eat healthily. There are no restrictions to what you can eat after varicose pain treatment. However, you should increase your water intake and avoid fatty foods to maintain a healthy weight during the recovery period.
  • Talk to your doctor about blood thinners. Inform your doctor before you take blood thinners. Drugs such as Aspirin and Plavix may cause issues. 
  • Be patient. The recovery period for varicose vein treatment varies from one person to the other. Be patient with your body.

Talk To a Vein Specialist Today

Don’t allow the varicose veins to affect your confidence. Schedule a consultation today with an experienced vein specialist to get the best advice.

Do you have more concerns or questions about varicose vein treatment before and after? Use My Vein Treatment’s vein specialist locator tool to find the best vein specialist for your needs.