Varicose vein surgery remains one of the best ways to get rid of varicose veins and relieve symptoms. If your vein specialist recommends varicose vein surgery, it’s normal to feel nervous about undergoing a procedure, even if it’s minimally invasive. One thing that can help ease fears is preparing for a successful recovery. Here are some of our best tips for recovering from varicose vein surgery and how you can prepare in advance.
Plan Pain Management
It’s important to note that vein surgery does not typically require prescriptions to manage pain. However, you may experience some achiness in your legs and it’s good to have some ways to manage pain on hand. Over the counter medications such as ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil, or Tylenol can help. Make sure you have plenty of pillows so you can prop your legs up and consider purchasing some cool packs if you don’t have them already. These can help ease any temporary achiness – just make sure to only apply them for a few minutes at a time.
Walk and Pump
As with any surgery, it’s important to lightly move around while recovering. Make sure to pump your ankles and walk around the house regularly – even beginning as soon as you get home. This helps keep blood flowing in the legs and prevents complications. Just make sure to keep your activity level low and return to your normal exercise regimen only when cleared.
Keep Your Bandages Dry
After your procedure, your treatment area will likely be bandaged. It’s important to keep this on for 24 hours and avoid getting it wet. This means you’ll need to avoid taking a bath or shower for the first day. You’ll also need to avoid hot and humid environments like saunas or hot tubs. After your surgery, it’s best to plan on simply resting and relaxing at home to prevent complications.
Wear Your Compression Stockings
After your bandages come off, it’s essential to wear your compression stockings for the next 7 days during the day (wear them day and overnight the first 48 hours). This process aids blood flow in the legs, helping the healing process and preventing varicose veins from reoccurring. Once you’re healed, it can be helpful to wear compression stockings regularly if you stand or sit for long periods of time. Make sure to pair this with regular exercise to help strengthen your legs and improve blood flow.
Schedule an Appointment
Varicose vein surgery is a minimally-invasive procedure that requires very little downtime. To meet with our vein specialist, Dr. Deborah Manjoney, and learn more about your options, contact our Milwaukee-area location by calling or filling out our online form.
Dr. Deborah Manjoney is a board-certified surgeon and physician with extensive training, including cardiothoracic surgery. She founded the Wisconsin Vein Center & MediSpa in 2002, where she specializes in vein treatments and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures. Dr. Manjoney is nationally recognized, having spoken at conferences, received awards, and contributed to medical publications.