Post-Operative Instructions

1. For the first two (2) days, 48 hours after vein surgery, keep the leg wrapped. Do not sit or stand for excess periods at a time.
   Elevate your legs when sitting.
2. It is important to stay active beginning the day of your varicose vein procedure. Walking at least 15 minutes out of every hour is essential. Do not lie in bed all day.
3. Unwrap your leg on the 2nd post-op day and remove stitches, if present. You may shower and then wear your support stocking 24 hours a day. Remove the compression stockings only to bathe. (It is recommended to wear the stockings throughout the night until the post op visit.)
4. You may lightly exercise with compression stockings on. Walking is the best. No heavy lifting or strenuous activity.
5. You may feel some tenderness along with a pulling or tugging sensation in the inner thigh for at least the first 5-7 days as the treated vein continues to shrink and seal closed. It is normal to feel hard knots in the areas that have been treated.
6. Redness and heat may develop in the skin over the treated vein. This is to be expected. Some inflammation is common. Bruising is not an abnormal occurrence and we expect this to happen.
   
7. Sloughing of dry skin on your legs is a normal part of the healing process. This means that new skin is regenerating.
8. When your vein is treated, fluid is placed around it. Some of this clear to pink fluid may drip out from the inner thigh, for the first day or so.
9. Cool gel packs to the inner thigh and Motrin/Ibuprofen/Extra Strength Tylenol for the mild pain is helpful the first few days.
10. If stitches are present, you may remove the stitch 48 hours after the procedure. To do this: Pull up on the long thread ends. Cut one (1) side of the thread under the knot and pull free.
11. Following certain procedures, you will be scheduled for an ultrasound. This is to ensure vein closure and to modify your vein treatment plan if necessary. We will schedule this appointment for you when needed.
12. As with any invasive procedures, problems can develop. If you develop chills, an acute fever (more than 100 degrees F), intense pain, or a dramatic increase in swelling, please call our office.

Other vein services and products:

• Vein Exams and Ultrasound
• Varicose Vein Surgery
• Spider Vein Sclerotherapy
• Compression Stockings
• Post-Operative Care
• Insurance and Billing Services

Also see our list of Varicose Vein FAQs for more information.