Postoperative period after laser varicose vein surgery

As you may already know, varicose veins refer to the dilation, swelling and zigzagging of the veins that can be seen just under the skin. Normally this anomaly occurs in the legs, although there are also cases of varicose veins in other parts of the body.

The appearance of varicose veins is very common in the general population, although it is true that women are more likely to suffer from them than men. Other factors that tend to influence the appearance of this condition are overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy and genetic predisposition.

It is important to know that over time the problem can worsen, increasing the size of the affected veins, causing greater pain and limitations in your daily life, and the only option to remedy it is surgical treatment. With regard to which, the most advisable is laser surgery for varicose veins as it is the most innovative and least invasive.

So that you can understand more clearly what endovenous laser treatment consists of to eliminate varicose veins, here we explain step by step how the operation works.

Laser surgery for varicose veins: step by step

On the day of the surgery, when you go to the hospital, you will have to hand in the necessary documentation at the admissions desk. You will then be told the steps to follow, such as, for example, getting dressed in your surgical clothes and being told to go to the operating theatre.

Once you are in the operating theatre, the specialist will tell you how to position yourself on the stretcher and will apply the local anaesthetic, which will start the operation:

• After the anaesthetic has taken effect, the specialist will make a small incision in the upper leg, near the groyne, to gain access to the affected vein.
• A thin laser fibre will then be inserted to solve the problem.
• Once in the area to be treated, the doctor will activate the laser so that the heat given off by the laser will cause the vein to fold and contract, closing it completely and gradually disappearing over time.
• Once the vein is closed, the fibre is removed through the upper incision made and, if necessary, a stitch is placed in the incision, although this is not usual.

If surgery on both legs is necessary, the above procedure will be repeated on the second leg.

After the procedure, you will be asked to walk for at least half an hour to reactivate the blood circulation in your legs and to check that everything has gone well.

After endovenous laser varicose vein surgery, which lasts around 60-90 minutes, you can go home the same day as the operation, although it is advisable to rest for the first 24 hours.

As for the recovery stage, as a general rule, after laser varicose vein surgery it is sufficient to wait between 7-10 days until you can resume your daily activities, work or physical exercise. However, the removal of the compression stockings and the completion of the healing process takes place one month after the intervention.

Although there are no strict postoperative restrictions, it is advisable to follow the general indications mentioned below.

As we have already mentioned, after the surgery you will not be hospitalised, you will be able to leave the centre on your own feet. Moreover, as it is a simple procedure with little chance of complications, you will have a very bearable and comfortable post-operative period.

One of the advantages of the endovenous laser surgery is that, as it only targets the walls of the varicose veins, there is no damage to the surrounding tissues, which reduces postoperative swelling and other complications such as bruising.

What are the postoperative symptoms?

After varicose vein surgery with an endovenous laser it is very possible that some of the following symptoms may appear, but do not worry, they are very common and usually disappear with the necessary days and care. 

Among the possible symptoms are the following:

• Increase in temperature in the treated area.
• Appearance of bruising and hardening in the treated area.
• Swelling of the feet.
• Slight discomfort in the treated leg.
• Alteration of the colour of the skin in the operated area.
• Sensation of tightness in the treated leg.

Remember that these symptoms disappear in a few days. Even so, it is recommended that you monitor their evolution and consult your doctor about any changes in your legs that worry you or that you have not been warned about before.

Care after endovenous laser varicose vein surgery

Below we highlight the general guidelines that are recommended to follow after endovenous laser varicose vein surgery. These will help you to recover much faster and will speed up the healing process considerably. Among the most important are the following:

• Keep the wound clean: If it has been necessary to stitch the incision, after surgery it is important to keep the wound properly clean and covered, thus promoting healing. As with the cleaning of any wound, you should wash the area with a disinfectant soap, which your specialist will prescribe, dry carefully and apply the compressive bandage or compressive stockings. 
• Use of compression stockings: Once the surgery is over and the compression bandage has been removed, normally after the first 24 hours, you will have to wear the elastic stockings that will compress your legs for the first month or until your specialist prescribes it.
• Medication: Generally, your doctor will prescribe painkillers to reduce any postoperative discomfort and an ointment to apply to the operated area.
• Leg position: During the recovery period, it is advisable to keep your legs elevated while you are resting, which helps blood circulation and reduces swelling.
• Walking: To regulate the blood flow in your legs, it is best to walk for at least half an hour to an hour several times a day, increasing the duration as the days go by. If you experience any discomfort while walking, stop and rest, and if it persists, do not hesitate to see your specialist. 
• Balanced diet: The right diet also helps you to recover faster and accelerate the healing process. Follow a balanced diet, rich in protein and fibre, as well as fluids, avoiding constipation.

This care is beneficial both for a correct recovery after surgery and to prevent varicose veins from recurring. It is important to avoid activities and efforts that favour the dilation of the veins and their subsequent inflation or blood stagnation.

We hope we have helped you learn more about varicose veins and the endovenous laser operation that will eliminate them forever, improving your health and quality of life. 

If you are interested in undergoing varicose vein surgery with one of our specialists in general surgery, you can request a free surgical assessment consultation by clicking below:

If you have any questions or need more information about how we work at Operarme and you would like to meet any of our specialists, you can consult them through our website. 

Our patient service team is also at your disposal via this contact form, or by calling at +34 91 141 33 56.