Varicose vein treatments can make a real difference, helping to ease discomfort, boost your confidence, and improve your day-to-day life. At Premier Veins, we know it’s natural to feel a little unsure about what to expect after the procedure, and we’re here to make the whole process as straightforward and stress-free as possible. You’re not alone in having questions or concerns, and we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
- “How long is the recovery period?”
- “Who can I contact if I have questions?”
- “Will my treatment limit me in any way?”
These are all common worries, but the reality is that for the vast majority of patients, post-treatment care is straightforward and hassle-free. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect after varicose vein treatment and how Premier Veins ensures your recovery is as smooth as possible.
How Many Patients Experience Side Effects?
More than 95% of patients experience no real side effects following varicose vein treatment. With advances in minimally invasive techniques, such as endovenous laser therapy and radiofrequency ablation, recovery is typically fast and free from complications.
To find out more about how varicose vein treatment has changed, take a look at our blog which dives into this in more detail.
Is There Anything I Should be Looking Out for Post-Treatment?
It is very uncommon for patients to experience any side effects following treatments. That being said, knowing what to keep an eye out for can help you feel prepared and confident during your recovery. While being very uncommon, occasional side effects can occur after varicose vein treatment.
- Mild bruising or swelling around the treated area is normal and usually goes down within a week or two.
- Some patients may feel slight discomfort or tightness in the treated area, but this is generally short-lived.
- Occasionally, small patches of skin around the treated vein may appear darker or discoloured. This typically fades with time.
Many of these are easily treated with Paracetamol, but if you are at all concerned about your symptoms, you’ll always have direct access to your consultant for reassurance and support.
What to Expect After Your Treatment with Premier Veins
At Premier Veins, we pride ourselves on providing personalised aftercare to ensure your recovery is hassle-free. Here’s what you can expect from us…
Follow-Up Consultations
Your aftercare schedule depends on whether you’ve had one or both legs treated:
- One leg treated: We’ll arrange a follow-up consultation three months after your procedure to ensure everything is progressing as expected.
- Both legs treated: We’ll have a follow-up consultation one month after the treatment on your first leg to check on your recovery and address any questions. All being well, we’ll then arrange your second treatment.
These consultations are a chance to assess your progress, fine-tune any ongoing care, and discuss your results.
Accessible Support
Recovery can feel daunting without the right support, but we will hold your hand every step of the way. After your treatment, your consultant will provide contact details so you can reach them directly with any concerns or queries. Whether it’s a quick question about aftercare or something more pressing, we’re here to help.
Everything You Need for Recovery
To make your recovery as simple as possible, we’ll provide you with everything you need, including:
- Compression stockings to aid healing and reduce swelling.
- Check-ins with the same consultant who carried out your surgery to check progress.
- Personalised follow-up care, tailored to your needs.
All our varicose vein treatment plans come with a 12-month guarantee. This means we will re-treat your varicose veins for FREE if they reappear or if any new veins appear on the treated leg within 12 months of receiving treatment from us. Most clinics don’t offer this so do check with your surgeon before choosing a treatment provider.
How Quickly Can I Get Back To Normal Life After Varicose Vein Treatment?
Varicose vein treatments are designed to have minimal disruption to your daily routine, but there are a few simple steps to support a smooth recovery:
- Compression socks – Wearing your compression stockings as recommended and staying active with light exercise can enhance your recovery and keep you feeling comfortable.
- Working – You can return to work right away, as long as your role isn’t overly physically demanding.
- Driving – While you’ll need to avoid driving on the day of your procedure, you can drive again once you’re confident you can make an emergency stop. It’s best to wait until the bandages are off (after 2–3 days) for optimal safety.
- Walking and running – Gentle walking for 5 to 10 minutes every hour while awake is strongly encouraged. This supports healthy blood flow in your legs, helping to prevent clots and aid healing. Save more intense exercise, like jogging or gym workouts, for at least 3-4 weeks after treatment.
- Swimming and cycling – Low-impact activities like swimming and cycling are excellent for vein health. You can swim once your bandages are removed, as long as you continue to wear your compression stockings. Similarly, light cycling is fine, but hold off on more intense rides for at least 3-4 weeks after treatment.
- Hydration – Staying well-hydrated with water and clear fluids is key to your recovery.
- Flying – For your safety, it’s advised to avoid flying for 4-6 weeks after your procedure, especially for long-haul flights over 8 hours.
These steps are simple yet effective in promoting a quick and comfortable recovery, giving you peace of mind as you heal.
Your Journey to Recovery
At Premier Veins, care and compassion aren’t just for Christmas – they’re at the heart of everything we do, every day of the year. From your initial consultation to your final follow-up, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward healthier, happier legs, contact us today to book your consultation. With Premier Veins, you’re in safe hands.