How long does it take one to recover after vein surgery?
Microphlebectomy does not use cautery to treat veins. The recovery time following microphlectomy is about 2 weeks but by the next day after the procedure you should be able to return to most routine activities except for swimming or strenuous exercise.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is essentially no recovery time for ambulatory phlebectomy. All the patients walk out by themselves from the office. Most of them can go back to usual activities the next day. They must wear compression stockings for two weeks.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
After microphlebectomy, we ask our patients to elevate their legs for the first 2 to 3 hours and then to walk later in the day. Most daily physicial activity is well tolerated the day after surgery. We ask our patients to avoid vigorous physical activity for one week post-op.
Showering is allowed beginning 48 hours after surgery, but we ask patients to avoid tub baths, whirlpools, swimming pools, or activity which may soil their legs for two weeks post-op. A few patients need mild narcotic medication intially, but most patients take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or Aleve for a few days after surgery.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Recovery after sealing of the leaking veins with laser or radiofrequency is variable depending on the patient's pain perceptions and tolerance. In general however my patients can usually return to work within 3-4 days and a significant percentage of them have returned the same afternoon or the following morning. After microphlebectomy, which is removal of bulging tortuous varicose veins, it might take a little longer to make it back to work, but only by a day or two.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
We do not "cauterize" veins with micro phlebectomy, but simply remove the collapsed superficial veins after ablating/closing the incompetent feeder vein (with Laser or Radiofrequency). Patients are walking immediately after a period of relaxation with the legs elevated at home for a couple of hours. Light duty can be resumed the next day, with vigorous exercise at a week.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The recovery time is almost non-existent. Patients walk out of the office and all patients are given a prescription for Motrin. It is rare that a patient needs anything stronger. I do not advocate bedrest after this procedure. Most people are back to their normal routine within
24-48 hours.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Most patients can resume normal activity (with the exception of vigorous exercise) within a few days after having phlebectomies. We do want patients to rest and elevate for the first two days after the procedure, but walking a few times throughout the day is encouraged beyond that point.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The question is a little unclear.
"Cauterizing" refers to applying radiofrequency energy to a bleeding vessel or other tissue for hemostasis to stop the blood. This is most routinely done during open surgical procedures.
A microphlebectomy involves making 1-2 mm incisions or needle sticks in the area of a dilated abnormal vein, and then inserting a surgical hook (like a crochet hook) to tease out the vein. There is no cauterization involved in this procedure. The bleeding that occurs is minimal and easily controlled with direct pressure for a few minutes.
That said, we advise 2 weeks of recovery without strenuous activity due to the multiple tiny cuts in the skin required to complete the procedure. Patients can resume normal activities, including returning to work, in one or two days, depending on how they feel.
Published on Jul 11, 2012