How long do I need to be off work after a venous ablation?

Does the procedure have down time?

Answers from doctors (8)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Dec 15, 2017

Many of my patients return to work the next day. There can be some discomfort, mainly in the thigh, if the long saphenous vein is ablated and some bruising. I usually recommend taking 2 days especially if working and standing for long periods of time. Many patients like Friday procedures for this reason.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Many of my patients return to work the next day. There can be some discomfort, mainly in the thigh, if the long saphenous vein is ablated and some bruising. I usually recommend taking 2 days especially if working and standing for long periods of time. Many patients like Friday procedures for this reason.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Metro Vein Centers

Published on Dec 15, 2017

There is minimal down time after venous ablation. It does depend on the type of work you do.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8515_1507848653.jpg
Answered by Metro Vein Centers

There is minimal down time after venous ablation. It does depend on the type of work you do.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Center for Vein Care and Surgery

Published on Apr 13, 2013

In my experience, patients have very little down time with venous ablation. It is advisable to walk after the procedure, but not to go back to work that day. Someone should drive you home after the procedure. The patient may return to work, drive and perform their usual job functions the next day.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1467_1408044096.jpg
Answered by Center for Vein Care and Surgery

In my experience, patients have very little down time with venous ablation. It is advisable to walk after the procedure, but not to go back to work that day. Someone should drive you home after the procedure. The patient may return to work, drive and perform their usual job functions the next day.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 24, 2010

Following laser ablation I recommend that patients return to work as soon as they feel OK. Everyone heals differently but the average return time to work would be 2 to 3 days for treatment of the great saphenous vein and the same day or next day for treatment of the small saphenous vein.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Following laser ablation I recommend that patients return to work as soon as they feel OK. Everyone heals differently but the average return time to work would be 2 to 3 days for treatment of the great saphenous vein and the same day or next day for treatment of the small saphenous vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Feb 23, 2010

Usually you can return to work the next day. An exception would be an occupation that requires heavy lifting and bending.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/873_1500663762.jpg
Answered by Miller Vein

Usually you can return to work the next day. An exception would be an occupation that requires heavy lifting and bending.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Feb 18, 2010

If you are having just the closure procedure, a couple of days would be sufficient. If you are having phlebectomies as well, you may want to give yourself up to five days.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/861_1409954875.jpg
Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

If you are having just the closure procedure, a couple of days would be sufficient. If you are having phlebectomies as well, you may want to give yourself up to five days.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Feb 17, 2010

Most people can return to work the following day, but this varies from patient to patient. Talk with your physician about your specific job requirements.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/755_1499906765.jpg
Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Most people can return to work the following day, but this varies from patient to patient. Talk with your physician about your specific job requirements.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Feb 17, 2010

It depends on the patient's pain tolerance. Some folks may return the same day while others may take a week or so. I generally recommend one-two days off work which gives patients time to recover without the pressure of having to return to work immediately.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/740_1408044075.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialists

It depends on the patient's pain tolerance. Some folks may return the same day while others may take a week or so. I generally recommend one-two days off work which gives patients time to recover without the pressure of having to return to work immediately.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for VNUS

VNUS -7 answers
I am 34 years old and want to proceed with VNUS and phlebectomy as a treatment for saphenous vein reflux. I have unsightly red, blue, and brown spots and enlarged veins on my feet. Are there any long-term effects of saphenous vein removal to consider?
See More
VNUS -8 answers
I am 34 years old and have severe spider veins. My legs ache sometimes, but there is no sign of swelling. My left GS has .66 sec reflux. The right was WNL. I am a runner and of normal weight. A vascular surgeon has suggested the VNUS closure procedure. I am nervous. What are the risks vs benefits?
See More
VNUS -12 answers
I am a skinny 25 year old who has never been pregnant. I live an active lifestyle and maintain a healthy diet. I work out for an hour a day, plus I take my dog on 3-4 walks a day. I don't keep my legs crossed and I wear compression socks. Why do I have varicose veins?
See More
VNUS -10 answers
I had VNUS radio-frequency ablation (from knee to my groin) 2 weeks ago with a review scheduled in 4 weeks. The unsightly vein in my calf is now reduced, but is still about 30 percent the size it was previously. Will it reduce completely and finally disappear? How long would this take?
See More
VNUS -9 answers
I had the VNUS closure 9 days ago, and until now the part around and below the area where I had the incision is still numb. Every once in a while I experience some sharp, tolerable pain near my ankle. Are these side effects normal?
See More
VNUS -8 answers
I had vnus closure on both legs in July/August 2011. I recently increased my exercise to get my legs in shape. I now have dark blue veins appearing, getting worse by the minute down my entire outer thighs, back of legs, and back of knees and calves. Why is this?
See More
VNUS -7 answers
I've heard that squatting puts added pressure on your leg veins, which is not good for people prone to varicose veins. I've also heard that squatting is a good exercise for people with vein issues. Which is true? Is it safe to squat 7 weeks after the VNUS closure procedure?
See More
VNUS -9 answers
I need to have the VNUS procedure done, and the doctor I was referred to said they have a nurse practitioner who does this VNUS procedure. Is that safe? Is that legal? I thought only physicians (MDs) were authorized to perform the VNUS procedure.
See More
VNUS -8 answers
I had the VNUS closure procedure done almost five weeks ago and still have swollen, tender and cord-like veins on the inside of my leg. When will they disappear? Also, can sleeping on my side with the veins pressing against the mattress delay the healing?
See More
VNUS -8 answers
It has been suggested by a vascular surgeon that I have CVI or venous reflux. She performed sclerotherapy yesterday on my ankle after a spider vein burst. She suggested that I may be a candidate for VNUS, but my weight is a concern (I am 375 at 5'8").
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
VNUS -5 answers
How is it different from EVLT and ELVeS?
See More
VNUS -2 answers
Ijust had VNUS closure surgery 4 days ago and the pain is minimal. But, I did notice today it feels like there is a throbbing or heartbeat, almost like a twitching or pumping in my upper leg. It doesn't hurt. Is this normal? What's causing the pulsing/throbbing? Also, am I able to tan (tanning bed or stand up) if I wear my support hose so my leg is not directly exposed to the light, and if I don't use tanning lotion on the leg?? When will the fat, worm-like veins go down or look better?
See More
VNUS -5 answers
I just had the VNUS closure procedure this AM. Is it normal to feel nauseated and just a little light headed since the procedure?
See More
VNUS -4 answers
I had the procedure done a little over three weeks ago and am still having pain/heaviness. It was started at the ankle and up to my groin. Does that mean the vein has not fully closed?
See More
VNUS -5 answers
I had VNUS surgery 3 years ago on my left leg. I have a dull ache in my leg that I never had before surgery. I especially notice it at night in bed. It often bothers me enough to wake me up. I never had the ache before surgery. What causes this?
See More
VNUS -3 answers
I had VNUS done a year ago. It doesn't seem like there is any difference in the appearance of my veins. They still bulge when I stand. My doctor says this is caused by new veins which developed after the surgery. Do I need to have it done again?
See More
VNUS -4 answers
I had the closure procedure done October 2010. I am suffering with the left leg. I have tingling/numbness by the inner ankle, and sharp pains when I run. My Surgeon said this was normal. Can I expect this pain to go away? I am only 24.
See More
VNUS -4 answers
I have swam & used hot saunas almost every day for 30 years, so much so that my body has gotten used to it. I also exercise. How long before I can safely return to my routine? Also, how long after the procedure is it safe to travel by airplane? I am a 59 yo F who is 5'5.
See More
VNUS -5 answers
If I drink alcohol on a nightly basis post-procedure, will it affect the outcome and success of the VNUS closure procedure?
See More
VNUS -4 answers
I waited three weeks before exercising, although I did walk following the VNUS procedure. The day after I exercised, I started experiencing mild pain, numbness and tingling in my lower leg and foot. It is worse after sitting and feels better after walking. Is this normal? What should I do?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR