Recovery from Vein Procedures: What to Expect

Recovery from Vein Procedures: What to Expect

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Texas Vein & Wellness Institute

If you are planning to undergo a vein procedure to take care of spider veins or varicose veins, then you may be wondering what to expect with recovery. Here, we break down the differences in treatment options and recovery expectations.

Sclerotherapy and Endovenous Therapy

Since these are office-based procedures that can treat spider veins and varicose veins, you will go home after the procedure. You can expect bruising and swelling, but wearing a compression stocking over the next 1-2 weeks will help alleviate some of those symptoms and aid in healing. Your medical team will want you to start walking as soon as possible after treatment to get the blood flowing through healthy veins as your body absorbs the diseased veins that have collapsed. You will want to return to regular activities slowly. No running for the first couple of weeks.

Vein Stripping

If you undergo vein stripping, this is a surgical procedure that removes the largest vein in the leg that’s responsible for varicose veins. This surgery is performed in the hospital, and you can expect a full recovery in 2-4 weeks. As with sclerotherapy recovery, you’ll wear compression stockings for the first two weeks to aid in your healing and reduce bruising and swelling. You’ll start walking right away and avoid strenuous exercise for the first couple of weeks. You can return to work in 1-2 weeks after surgery.