Varicose Vein Treatment Aftercare

Varicose Vein Treatment Aftercare

Patients may be apprehensive about the treatment they receive, regardless of how invasive it may be. Unusual feelings and physical sensations are common, and we want you to feel entirely supported as you proceed through your UK Vein Clinic journey.

Vanessa Livingstone, a highly experienced specialised vascular nurse and the Director of Nursing Clinical Services at UK Vein Clinic, leads our aftercare team.

Vanessa is passionate about the positive impact our treatment has on our patients' quality of life, not just by alleviating symptoms like pain, itching, and throbbing, but also by achieving cosmetic outcomes that boost confidence and self-esteem.

Vanessa may be reached at aftercare@ukveinclinic.com if you have any questions about your treatment.

Vanessa is currently hosting a number of virtual clinics for when an email just isn't enough. Our clinics are held twice a week and can be scheduled with the aftercare team. While issues are uncommon, they do occur, and you should consult with our professional staff to verify that risks are minimised and that you are taking all required precautions.

Following treatment, the nurses will explain how to effectively care for your legs in order to maximise your chances of a quick recovery and positive clinical outcomes. We recommend reading our blog post on varicose vein treatment recovery for a refresher on this information. This article explains what to expect immediately after your procedure, how to care your dressings for the first 48 hours, and when compression stockings should be used in the two weeks after treatment.  

It's vital to keep in mind that symptomatic and aesthetic changes can take time to emerge. Your body will find new methods to return blood to your heart, bypassing the veins that have been treated. Any bruises or bandages from the procedure will take time to heal. Be kind to yourself, stay hydrated, eat well and take plenty of exercise. Long walks are a great way to get your blood flowing.

Varicose Vein Treatment Aftercare Instructions

Straight after treatment - at the clinic
‍After the completion of the varicose vein treatment, you will be guided to our waiting room for approximately 30 minutes before heading home so that we can monitor you during this time. 
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• Following the procedure, you may have a small incision located just above or below your knee, which we will carefully dress with a small adhesive plaster and bandage. 
• Occasionally, this incision may experience slight bleeding after the procedure, especially if you are currently taking blood thinners. Rest assured, our staff will periodically inspect the bandage to ensure your comfort and well-being.
  
• Before your departure, we will instruct you to wear a compression stocking over the bandaged area. These stockings are lengthy socks with graduated compression, meaning they are tighter around the ankle and gradually loosen towards the knee or thigh. This post-procedure requirement serves two purposes: first, it aids in maintaining closure of the treated veins by exerting firm pressure; second, it assists in redirecting blood from the superficial veins near the skin's surface into the deeper venous system.

The first 48 hours after treatment
It is common for patients to experience a sensation of tightness in their leg immediately after the procedure due to the presence of anaesthetic beneath the skin. Please be reassured that this feeling is entirely normal. As the anaesthetic gradually wears off, you may notice some bruising and tenderness along the treated vein. However, these symptoms will improve with time, and over-the-counter painkillers can provide relief.
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• During the initial 48 hours following the procedure, we recommend keeping the compression stockings on, with the bandage positioned underneath.
• Once this period has elapsed, you are free to remove everything, including the bandage, and take a shower. You may observe a small wound at the access site, resembling a scab, as well as some bruising around that area. It is perfectly fine for the wound to come into contact with water in the shower.
• Afterward, please gently pat it dry and reapply the compression stockings as instructed.

The next two weeks
For the next two weeks, we recommend you wear your compression stockings during the day for as long as you can tolerate them. Ensure that the stockings are pulled up to their full length to prevent them from causing discomfort or digging into your skin. However, you may remove the stockings while sitting with your legs elevated or when you are sleeping.

In order to prevent symptoms such as inflammation or deep vein thrombosis, you should ensure you are keeping active and get back to your normal activities such as walking.