Will I Have Leg Pain After Varicose Vein Surgery?

As with any traditional surgery or minimally invasive procedure, pain is possible. However, with advances in medical technology, leg discomfort after varicose vein surgery should be minimal and last only a short time. Patients of Carolina Vein Specialists typically report little to no discomfort at all after our simple laser vein removal procedure.

Your doctor will prescribe pain medication should you experience leg pain associated with your minimally invasive vein surgery. You may also experience bruising around the treatment area. Both are normal part of the recovery process and may last two to three weeks but shouldn’t interfere with returning to normal activity. 

Recovery tips for varicose surgery

If you’re planning to have varicose vein surgery, it’s important to understand the word ‘surgery’ in this case is a bit misleading. In most cases, varicose vein surgery is a laser vein removal procedure that does not require general anesthesia or a hospital stay. In fact, most procedures can be done in our outpatient office.

Your recovery and overall results are based on how well you adhere to your aftercare instructions. If you have any questions, the physicians at Carolina Vein Specialists can help. Here are a few tips for ensuring the best possible outcome after your varicose vein surgery:

  • Move your body
    Move your body for at least 30 minutes per day—we recommend walking or using a treadmill, bicycle or elliptical cycle. While it is important to introduce low impact activity to prevent blood clots, it’s also important avoid heavy lifting (anything over 30 pounds) for 2 weeks following surgery. This will help you avoid bruising, excessive bleeding and pain.
  • Skip your bath
    Avoid soaking in a tub or swimming for two weeks after surgery. Showers are okay, as long as the treated leg is kept dry. It’s important to avoid getting water in or near the entry point of the surgical site.
  • Elevate your legs while sleeping
    Keep blood flowing to your heart and promote good circulation. Elevating your legs at night also takes pressure off your veins and allows them to heal more quickly.
  • Wear the compression stockings
    We know they’re not your first choice for comfort or fashion, but they can help speed recovery following vein surgery.

For more information about what to expect following minimally invasive varicose vein surgery or to schedule a consultation, please call Carolina Vein Specialists at 336-218-8346.