How long does it take to recover from varicose veins surgery?

Overview

Varicose veins, also known as varicosities are enlarged and twisted veins that appear on the surface of the skin.

They are purplish or blue in colour. Varicose veins mostly develop in the lower part of the body in the legs, feet, behind the knee, or ankle.

It occurs when the vein valves are damaged and the blood flows in the opposite direction.

Varicose veins are a common medical condition, especially in people over the age of 50.

If there is no significant pain or discomfort, there is no need to treat varicose veins. Simple home remedies, massage, or wearing compression stockings can bring relief. However, if there are symptoms of pain, swelling, discoluration of the skin, or skin ulcers, you may seek medication intervention.

Varicose veins may not be a serious medical problem but some people may seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.

How do I know if I have varicose veins?

Signs and symptoms of varicose veins are as follows:

• The veins appear as tree branches on the surface of the skin mostly in the lower part of the body
• The veins are bulging and twisted
• There is discolouration of the skin
• The veins can be bluish and purplish in colour
• The legs may feel heavy and tired, especially after some activity
• Throbbing leg pain
• Muscle cramps in the legs
• Itching of the veins
• Pain worsens after standing or sitting for a long time
• Burning sensation around the veins
• Skin rashes like venous eczema or stasis dermatitis
• Restless leg syndrome
• Spider veins (telangiectasia) near the varicose veins
• Scar formation that appears like white patches

Varicose veins are often confused with spider veins. Spider veins are smaller and thinner and often develop around the varicose veins. They are red or blue in colour and are closer to the skin’s surface.

While varicose veins mostly develop on the lower part of the body in the legs, spider veins can occur anywhere, even on the face.

When to seek emergency care?

Rare complications that need immediate medical care include:

• Persistent leg pain and swelling may indicate blood clots
• Painful ulcers. You can spot an ulcer by looking at discolouration of the skin
• Bleeding occurs when the veins burst

How are varicose veins treated?

Varicose vein treatment depends on various factors:

• The symptoms
• Your age and health condition
• Medical history
• Tolerance to treatment, medications, procedures, and surgery
• Treatment expectations as some people seek treatment only for cosmetic reasons
• Your treatment preference

If there is no discomfort or pain, there is no need for treatment. Varicose veins if left untreated can worsen with time.

Home remedies

• Elevate the legs at least 3 to 4 times a day for 15 minutes duration. This can alleviate pain and reduce swelling. If you are standing or sitting for a long time, bend your knees for some time to increase blood circulation
• Wear compression stockings. Wear them every day. They can be even worn after a varicose vein surgery. Consult a doctor on how and when to wear a compression stocking after surgery. The stockings squeeze the blood in the veins and prevent them from pooling in the veins
• Be physically active. Exercise regularly to increase blood flow in the veins. Do some light leg exercises or go for a walk. Avoid heavy-duty exercises or lifting heavy objects. This can be harmful to your varicose veins
• Lie down and keep the legs over a pillow to elevate them. This lowers the blood pressure in the legs and helps them flow back to the heart. If you are sitting or standing for a long time, try changing the position or moving around to improve blood flow
• Avoid wearing high heels or uncomfortable shoes that affect your ankle movements. Wear flat and soft footwear that provides relief to your feet and ankles
• Quit smoking as it can damage your veins
• Eat healthy food. Avoid fatty and salty foods. Include fiber-rich foods, vegetables, and fresh fruits in your daily diet

Procedures

Laser treatment for varicose veins

Simple laser treatment – The treatment uses laser energy to destroy the affected veins. In simple laser treatment, the laser is applied outside the surface of the skin. It is mostly used to treat smaller varicose veins.

Endovenous laser ablation therapy – Laser or radiofrequency energy is used to close the varicose vein. A laser fiber is inserted over the targeted vein and short bursts of energy are applied to heat the vein and seal it.

Sclerotherapy

In this procedure, the doctor injects a chemical into the damaged vein to scar the surrounding inner wall of the vein and close it. It is mostly used to treat smaller varicose veins.

Sclerotherapy can cause discolouration of the skin.

Traditional surgery

Depending on the location of the varicose veins, the surgeon makes small cuts or incisions to remove the varicose vein.

Ligation and stripping – The surgeon cuts the vein and ties it. This process is called ligation. After that, an instrument is inserted through a small incision and the vein is pulled out (stripping).

Phlebectomy – Several, tiny incisions are made to remove the vein.

What is the recovery time for varicose vein surgery?

Recovery time depends on the type of treatment.

Laser surgery

The downtime for minimally invasive procedures like laser treatment is minimal. You can resume your normal activities the same day after treatment.

Patients are advised to resume their daily activities right after the treatment. Doctors recommend walking to reduce blood clot formation and promote blood circulation.

Unlike traditional surgery, minimally invasive procedures involve fewer complications and are done in an outpatient facility. Patients can return to their normal lives. There can be some discomfort which is manageable through pain medications and compression stockings.

Recovery after traditional surgery

Traditional surgeries are generally done in the hospital. After surgery, you will be transferred to the recovery room for observation.

The doctor will encourage you to walk as soon as possible to help prevent blood clots and promote blood circulation.

You may go home the same day or may need an overnight stay depending on your condition.

There may be some bruising and pain due to the incisions. Bruising also depends on the number of veins removed.

For pain management, the doctor will provide medications.

Long-term recovery may take several weeks. The recovery time depends on factors like the type of surgery and your overall health.

For recovery, the doctor may advise you to wear compression stockings.

Recovery tips after surgery

Post-surgery tips for faster recovery:

• Have a post-surgery consultation with your doctor for proper guidance and self-care suggestions
• After your bandages are removed, you can take baths
• Wear loose-fitting clothes for comfort
• Avoid heavy lifting until your body heals properly
• Take brisk walks daily
• Wear compression stockings as advised by your doctor
• Avoid sitting in the same position or standing for too long
• Take some time off from work after surgery
• Lifestyle changes like quitting tobacco, eating healthy foods, avoiding alcohol, etc., help in wound healing
• Ask someone to stay with you until you are healed completely
• Take pain management medications as prescribed by your doctor
• Keep your legs elevated while sleeping to allow blood flow
• Be aware of possible post-surgery complications. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of concern like infections, blood clots, fever, intense pain, etc.
• Always keep your bandages dry

Final words

Recovery from varicose veins treatment depends on some factors such as your age, overall health, the number of veins removed, or the type of surgery.

A varicose vein surgery is extremely safe; however, some patients may develop some complications which can prolong the recovery.

Patients who are active or have a healthy lifestyle have a smooth and faster recovery.

References