Varicose vein surgery

Alternative Names

Vein stripping; Sclerotherapy of veins; Endovenous ablation therapy

Expectations after surgery

Most patients who undergo varicose vein surgery have good results. Some patients, however, have inflammation and skin discoloration that last for several months following surgery.

Talk to your physician about these risks and your chances for good results.

Convalescence

After endovenous ablation therapy and sclerotherapy the patient can almost immediately resume most of their normal activities. Surgical stripping usually requires at least 3 – 7 days rest, but you could need up to several weeks.

After treatment your legs are wrapped tightly in bandages. Walking is possible the day of surgery. In fact, walking is encouraged to minimize swelling and avoid the risk of deep venous thrombosis, especially with catheter or endovenous treatment.

It is important that feet are kept raised above the heart whenever possible.