Recovery from Varicose Veins Surgery | Varicose Veins Laser Treatment Recovery Time

Varicose veins are lumpy and bulging veins that can be seen on the surface of the skin. They are most common in the legs but can also appear around the ankle and foot.

Varicose vein surgery is often associated with pain and long periods of downtime. At The Private Clinic we are able to offer patients minimally invasive varicose vein treatments. Our treatments have minimal pain, and downtime and effective with long-lasting results.

• Over 7,000 vein procedures performed.
• Gold Standard treatments for Varicose Veins is EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) or RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation).
• Findings show that the success rate after five years for EVLA is 95.4% which makes it our preferred treatment.
• We also offer VenaSeal, Foam Sclerotherapy and Phlebectomy
• All procedures are performed under local anaesthetic with minimal downtime.

What is Varicose vein laser surgery recovery time?

The downtime after varicose vein laser surgery (EVLA) is minimal. Many patients return to work and their everyday activities in the days following their procedure. Full recovery from varicose vein removal is 6-8 weeks. You will then be required to attend an appointment with your vascular surgeon. Your surgeon will assess the results of the treatment. In the meantime, you will be required to wear compression stockings. You will also need to avoid certain activities such as exercise, flying and long periods sat travelling in a car.

When after varicose vein treatment can I exercise?

It is advised that all strenuous exercise is avoided for at least 5 days after treatment. We recommend keeping active by taking regular walks during this time. We advise avoiding exercise initially for 5 days. Exercise causes a rush of blood flow throughout the body which could cause the veins to reopen again before they have had a chance to be absorbed by the body. Exercise should also then be returned to at a gradual pace. This is to avoid any unnecessary injury and strain to the area treated. Contact sports and swimming should be avoided for two weeks.

What are the varicose vein treatment complications?

It is important to remember that unwanted complications can occur with any type of medical treatment. At The Private Clinic, we work hard to minimise all risks.

A serious complication following varicose vein treatment is very rare. In some cases, EVLA treatment may not be able to be carried out by the surgeon due to problems getting access to the veins or being able to move the instruments through the vein. In these instances, the procedure will be stopped and rearranged for another date after 1-2 weeks.
Other complications include:

• DVT/pulmonary embolism
• Skin burns
• Nerve damage
• Leg swelling

These are all very rare but will all be discussed in more detail during your consultation. We ensure that you are well-informed before deciding to go ahead with your varicose vein removal procedure.

How to sleep after varicose vein removal?

Our Varicose vein treatments are all minimally invasive. Patients should not be in pain following surgery that would affect them from sleeping. In most cases, patients are required to wear compression stockings and in the initial days following surgery will have bandaging which may make the leg feel uncomfortable. Patients may feel more comfortable having the leg elevated whilst sleeping but this is not necessary. If patients are having issues with sleeping, then we would recommend contacting us. We can offer advice on how to help you feel comfortable during your recovery process.

What are the varicose vein treatment side effects?

As with every medical treatment or procedure, there are always certain risks or side effects. All patients are made to be aware of these before undergoing varicose vein treatment. Our experienced vascular surgeon will go through all the risks with you in detail at your consultation.

Common side effects from EVLA and Foam Sclerotherapy include swelling and bruising. This usually reduces over 2-3 weeks.

Common side effects from VenaSeal treatment can include mild pain in the treatment area, inflammation and skin numbness. This should only last up to 2 weeks.

If patients are feeling concerned about any side effects that may be experiencing following varicose vein surgery, we have an expert team on hand to offer advice and a 24-hour helpline should they feel worried at any time.

Will I have leg pain after varicose vein treatment?

All varicose vein surgery procedures in our clinics are carried out under local anaesthetic. No pain should be felt during the procedure. Following varicose vein surgery, patients may experience some discomfort and mild pain. This is where the anaesthetic wears off, and again after 4-5 days as inflammation in the treated veins occurs. Pain should be easily managed with painkillers and should only last for a few days.

How long will I be off work after varicose vein removal?

In most cases, our patients are able to return to work very quickly after their varicose vein procedure. For patients who have had a phlebectomy, then we do recommend waiting at least 2-3 days before returning to work.
It will also depend on the job role. If patients are in a strenuous job then it may be best to take some time off, or request changes to their role. This will allow them to return to work without putting themselves at risk.

Varicose vein removal at The Private Clinic

At The Private Clinic, we have been offering the most advanced, minimally invasive vein treatments for over 40 years, and work with highly experienced vascular surgeons. 

• Our Consultant vascular surgeons are pioneers in EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) and have treated thousands of patients. 
• We have carried out over 7,000 procedures in treating Veins. 
• No lengthy downtime or recovery required. 
• We offer the least invasive method for varicose veins and thread veins removal treatment for your legs, body, and face. 
• We focus on the underlying cause of your veins, and you will only see a Consultant Vascular surgeon for varicose veins. 
• The NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) Gold Standard for treatment of Varicose Veins findings show that the success rate after five years for EVLA is 95.4%. 
• A consultation with one of our Consultant Vascular Surgeons costs £200, including a free ultrasound scan of your legs (usually priced between £350 and £450 at most clinics and private hospitals). 
• We have treated thousands of patients who have regained their confidence whilst avoiding health issues. 
• We focus on the underlying cause of your veins, and you will only see a Consultant Vascular surgeon for varicose veins. 
• Treatment is performed in under an hour; you can go home shortly after being treated. 
• We have been featured on Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies, TLC’s My Naked Secret and featured in Harper’s Bazaar’s Cosmetic Tweakment Trends for 2019. 
• View our varicose vein before and after results photo gallery. 
• Read our extensive varicose vein FAQs 
• Hear from previous patients in our varicose vein patient stories 
• Find out more information in our varicose vein blogs 

Varicose vein removal consultations are available in our clinics in Harley Street London, Birmingham, Bucks, Leeds, Northampton and Manchester.

Expert Vascular Surgeons

Our surgeons have performed amongst the highest number of EVLA treatments in the UK and have helped develop the procedure into the safe and highly recommended method it is today.

• Mr Constantinos Kyriakides, MD, FRCS(Gen). GMC 3275436
• Mr Dynesh Rittoo, MBChB, FRCS(Eng), FRCS(Gen Surg). GMC 3556456
• Mr Duncan Parry, MBChB, MD, FRCS, GMC Number: 4037844
• Professor Rajiv Kumar Vohra, MBBS. GMC Number: 3158700
• Mr Tahir Hussain, MBBS,MS, FRCS. GMC Number: 3242669
• Mr Rajiv Pathak, MBBS, MS, FRCS, FRCS(Gen). GMC Number: 4585309
• Mr Ferdinand Serracino-Inglott, MD, FRCSI, FRCS(Gen), DIC MSc. GMC Number: 5206200

To find out more or book a consultation with our specialist vascular surgeons please call 0333 920 2471 or use our varicose vein online contact form.