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Recovery Time for Vein Surgery

Vein surgery can refer to either varicose vein removal, often called vein stripping and ligation, or spider vein sclerotherapy. Varicose vein removal and sclerotherapy for spider veins are different procedures, but recovery time and outcomes are similar.

  1. Outpatient Recovery

    • Whether your vein surgery treats varicose or spider veins, your procedure will generally be an outpatient procedure--meaning you won't stay in the hospital overnight. Once your anesthesia wears off and your physician has properly bandaged the injection or incision site, you will be cleared to return home for recovery. Even though vein surgery is in most instances a minor procedure, it is very important that you arrange to have someone else drive or transport you home.

    Getting on Your Feet

    • Getting on your feet is an important part of the healing process, because walking facilitates blood flow through the veins in your legs. Your physician will give you guidelines for walking based on your specific procedure, but generally patients are encouraged to begin walking within hours after treatment. Extensive exercise, strenuous lifting and squatting are not encouraged the first week after your procedure.

    Wearing Support Garments

    • Vein surgery recovery is as much about how you look as how you feel. In order to reduce bruising, wear all doctor-recommended garments like support hose or support bandages for the entire recovery period. Support garments are generally prescribed for three to six weeks after treatment.

    Sitting and Standing

    • Because blood flow is so important after vein surgery, do not sit or stand for more than two hours for the first four weeks after treatment. If your job requires you to sit or stand for long periods of time, take breaks once every two hours to walk around and get your legs moving.

    How Will You Look?

    • Bruising and discoloration can last for up to eight weeks, and sometimes longer depending on your treatment. Spider vein sclerotherapy often requires two or more treatments before noticeable results are achieved. Vein stripping and ligation only requires one treatment per vein but can take longer to show visible results.

    Preventing New Varicose Veins

    • Even though vein surgery can be a highly successful procedure, the treatment of current varicose and spider veins does not prevent new occurrences of vein formations. Talk to your physician about eating and exercise habits that may help you keep smooth, unblemished legs.

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