Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a problem that affects approximately 1 in 20 adults with around 150,000 diagnoses each year. Here at MINT, we offer a variety of minimally invasive treatments to relieve pain and help people feel more comfortable. While we often discuss minimally invasive treatments for veins in our posts and sing their praises, we thought we would discuss what patients can realistically expect after their vein treatment. So let’s get started.
The main benefits of vein treatment are being able to function without constant pain and feeling more confident in your appearance. However, you also need to understand what lies ahead in this phase of post-vein treatment.
We offer several minimally invasive treatments for spider veins and varicose veins and while aftercare varies depending on the type of treatment, there are basic rules to follow:
Rest and elevation are a priority - Ample rest enables your body to focus all its energy on the healing process, while elevating your legs as often as you can during the day, helps to reduce swelling and discomfort. Because veins have a hard enough job working against gravity to push the blood towards the heart, raising your legs gives them a helping hand!
Wear compression stockings - Compression aids in the healing process after treatment and lowers the risk of post-procedural complications. Additionally, compression can reduce post-treatment swelling, alleviating discomfort following your appointment. Generally, wearing compression stockings regularly is known to enhance circulation by promoting healthy blood flow, thereby reducing the symptomatic effects of vein disease.
Take your medication – Medications such as anti-inflammatories help manage any discomfort and inflammation you may have and are essential to a smooth recovery, so please ensure you take them as directed.
Ensure hydration and nourishment – Consuming plenty of water and eating a well-balanced nutritious diet will help speed up the recovery process.
Aftercare instructions for spider veins depend on the type of vein treatment you have undergone.
Sclerotherapy – This involves the injection of a medicinal solution into the veins which causes them to gently close and resorb back into the body. You may experience light bruising after the treatment and we recommend using arnica cream to help the bruising heal. In addition, we suggest wearing compression stockings (20-30 mmHg gradient) for at least three days to help with the healing.
Vein ablation – This minimally invasive treatment uses laser heat to destroy the veins walls which then harden into scar tissue that is eventually expelled from the body. This type of treatment makes the skin more vulnerable to sun damage so it's best to stay out of the sun for a couple of weeks and wear protective clothing or compression stockings.
Vein ablation and phlebectomy where the veins are removed through tiny incisions in the skin are two of our most popular varicose vein treatments. Again we recommend patients wear compression stockings to encourage healthy blood flow and promote healing. You can also help speed up healing by returning to your regular daily activities following varicose vein treatment. If you typically workout we recommend switching to walking or yoga for a few days and avoiding heavy lifting. Patients should also avoid air travel for at least two weeks since cabin pressure and sitting for long periods in a seat can negatively impact their circulation. If you’re planning to fly shortly, always clear it with your vein doctor before going ahead with the booking.
While every experience is different, many patients notice their pain or discomfort eases within a few days or weeks. Symptoms like aching or heaviness may disappear within a day or two; others like nighttime cramping may not be noticeable until you wake up one morning and realise you slept right through without tossing and turning. Factors such as the severity of your vein problem and your body’s healing abilities can affect how quickly you start to feel results from your vein treatment.
Be sure to follow the post-treatment instructions followed by your vascular provider and speak to them if you have any concerns. Patience is key as your body starts to adjust and the benefits of vein treatment begin to surface, making you feel more comfortable and better in yourself.
While relief from painful symptoms may be felt soon after vein treatment it can take some time for the cosmetic improvements to show. Here are a few things to bear in mind:
Give your body time to heal – Immediately following treatment, you may notice darkening of the skin and bruising. As your body starts to heal it absorbs the treated veins and redirects the blood to healthier nearby veins and this is followed by an improvement in the appearance of your skin. Try taking some before and after pictures so you can view your progress.
Be patient – Minimally invasive treatments often require multiple appointments before the transformation of your veins starts to show. Factors such as the quantity and type of veins being treated and your body’s healing abilities affect the number of appointments necessary and the time it takes to achieve optimal results. Darker veins for example longer to fade than lighter veins.
Celebrate milestones – While you need to be realistic about the time any cosmetic improvement will take, it doesn’t hurt to celebrate small achievements during your journey. A reduction in swollen ankles or less visible veins serves as a reminder of your perseverance and progress.
Potential side effects – The wonderful thing about minimally invasive techniques is they place less strain on the body and result in minimal side effects such as redness, bruising and slight tenderness at the treated site. This is why there are no hospital stays and patients can get back to normal right away.
Communicate with your vein doctor – Remember, we’re in this together to help you achieve the desired results. Be sure to follow up with regular appointments to check your progress, raise any concerns, and receive personalized advice to optimize your results. If anything is bothering you, call us. We’re happy to help.
Why not schedule a consultation with our Board Certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologists and the friendly teams at one of our four locations?
