Our treatments for spider vein and varicose vein removal are minimally invasive outpatient procedures. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities that same day with only slight discomfort.
To achieve optimal results, it is important to follow all pre and post-operative instructions provided by our staff. The most important part of your treatment is the post-operative compression.
For most procedures, you will need to wear a compression (support) hose for 48 hours. We recommend that patients start walking immediately following their treatment but avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks.
Generally speaking, treated veins will look worse before they look better. Veins will lighten gradually over several months. Depending on your condition and treatment, multiple varicose vein treatments may be needed.
Most patients notice an immediate improvement in the way their legs feel, but it may take multiple treatments to recognize an improvement in the cosmetic appearance.
Sclerotherapy: what to expect
While sclerotherapy is the gold standard for varicose vein removal, no treatment for spider and varicose veins is successful 100% of the time.
To achieve optimal results, multiple treatments may be required. Dr. Sinnathmaby may recommend additional or alternative treatments as part of a personalized treatment plan.
Risks & Side Effects of Sclerotherapy
To achieve optimum results, the following points will maximize your healing process:
- Wear loose clothing, slacks, or shorts to your appointment
- Do not shave or apply lotion to your legs before your appointment
- Bring two pairs of support hose, you will wear 2 pairs for the first 48 hours
- Continue with one pair of support hose for three weeks
- Walk 30 minutes each day
- Avoid hot baths, showers, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs for the first 2 – 3 weeks
- Avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory medications (Aleve, Motrin, Naprosyn, Advil) for one week. Tylenol is recommended for pain relief
Ambulatory Phlebectomy: what to expect
Ambulatory hook phlebectomy is a varicose vein removal procedure for patients who have large bulging veins that cause discomfort and/or cosmetic concerns. Veins are removed through a small puncture wound. Ambulatory hook phlebectomy is usually combined with EVLT for optimal results.
Post-Op Instructions
- Apply ice to affected areas 15-20min/hour prior to bedtime.
- Keep bandages and support hose in place for 48 hours. After 48 hours you may shower and replace your hose.
- Continue to wear support hose for 3 weeks.
- Some slight oozing may occur and should be reported if bleeding through the hose occurs.
- Do not sit or soak in a tub, pool, or lake until all wounds are completely healed (about 1 week).
- Walk a minimum of 30 minutes a day for the next 3 weeks. Avoid hard aerobics, heavy weightlifting, horse or bike riding, or softball for at least 2 weeks.
- Anti-Inflammatory medications can be taken but should be reported if needed for discomfort longer than 5-7 days.
Endovenous Laser: what to expect
Endo-venous Laser Treatment – or EVLT – is a fast, safe, and effective method of treatment for varicose vein removal. The procedure is virtually painless and can be completed in-office in less than 1 hour. There is minimal recovery time with little or no pain or scarring – leaving patients with immediate relief of both internal and external vein reflux disease symptoms.
Post-Op Instructions
- You will need someone to drive you home after the procedures.
- Apply ice to affected areas 15-20min/hour prior to bedtime.
- You will wear support hose for 3 weeks after each procedure/session.
- Do not sit or soak in a tub, pool, or lake until all wounds are completely healed (about 1 week).
- Walk a minimum of 30 minutes a day for the next 3 weeks. Avoid hard aerobics, heavy weightlifting, horse or bike riding, or softball for at least 2 weeks.
- We will prescribe pain relievers and advise on additional medication that can be taken for discomfort, restlessness, or sleep at night.