Varicose vein surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. A tiny needle is placed in the back of your hand. The anaesthetic is injected through the needle and you will be asleep within a few seconds.
Local anesthesia, as opposed to general anesthesia, minimises post-operative aftercare, since it is restricted to a particular area of the body., i.e. no loss of consciousness. An anesthetic fluid is injected surrounding the area of varicose veins clusters or targeted saphenous veins.
The operation usually takes about 30-60 minutes per leg but you may be away from the ward longer because all patients spend a minimum of half an hour in the recovery room waking up from the anaesthetic. When you return to the ward you may feel drowsy, but you should not feel any pain or sickness.
You will probably be asleep during the surgery, but it also can be done while you are awake. If you are awake, you will get medicine to numb your leg and prevent pain. The doctor make small cuts in the area and then ties off (ligation) and removes the vein (stripping).
In most cases, veins are simply closed using a chemical or radiofrequency energy that gently heats vessels to close them. Each of these treatments is virtually painless. This is because veins have no nerve endings.
While vein surgery is a simple laser procedure that doesn't require hospitalization or general anesthesia, strenuous activity like high-impact aerobics, heavy weight training and Pilates should be avoided for at least the first week. Most people can resume walking right away and for at least 30 minutes a day.
Varicose vein surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you will be asleep during the procedure. You can usually go home the same day, but an overnight stay in hospital is sometimes necessary, particularly if you're having surgery on both legs.
Exercise after Varicose Vein Surgery
That's because walking during recovery from varicose vein surgery is critical for most patients. We ask our patients to walk after varicose vein treatment for 30 minutes and we advise walking every day for at least an hour a day for the weeks following treatment.
The operation usually takes 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of veins that need to be removed. Your surgeon will make several small cuts, called avulsions or phlebectomies, along the length of the varicose veins where the veins have been marked.
Endovenous Laser Ablation vs Vein Stripping Costs
According to our own research and CHOICE Magazine, the average out of pocket cost for Endovenous Laser Ablation in Australia is between $2,500 and $4,000 per treatment, whilst vein stripping is around $2,000 (plus hospital and anaesthetic costs).
Varicose veins can cause ulcers (open sores), bleeding and skin discoloration if left untreated. Severe varicose veins may be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency. This condition affects your veins' ability to pump blood to your heart. People who have varicose veins may be more likely to develop blood clots.
Driving After Vein Ablation
One of the most common questions is whether a patient can drive immediately after vein ablation.. It's advised that you have someone drive you home from your appointment. The next day, you should be able to resume driving as long as you're in the car for only short distances.
When the veins are removed, the body's natural healing process kicks in and causes them to regrow. This process is called post operative neovascularization. However, the new veins don't have valves, causing the varicose veins to come back with a vengeance.
Pre Vein Surgery Instructions
Refrain from using moisturizers / lotions on the day of treatment. Do not take Aspirin-like products (Motrin, Advil, Aleve) 10 days prior to surgery unless otherwise advised by our office. Tylenol may be used if necessary. Wear loose fitting clothing and flat shoes.
What is endovenous laser varicose vein surgery? Endovenous laser varicose vein surgery is a procedure that uses heat from a laser to reduce varicose veins. Varicose veins are swollen, bulging veins that often happen on the thighs or calves. A laser is a device that sends a thin beam of radiation in the form of light.
Since your veins are still recovering, you should avoid adding undo pressure by elevating the legs during sleep. Have your spouse or partner place a couple of pillows under your legs, just below the knee joint. If you wake during the night, focus on ensuring that your legs remain elevated.
Many Australians suffer from varicose veins, which are especially common in women as they age. The good news is that many varicose vein treatments are eligible for a Medicare rebate, which typically covers around 75-85% of the varicose vein removal costs.
Less than 5% of patients require a treatment touch up within 6 to 12 months following initial varicose vein treatment. Should such an additional treatment become necessary, no additional fees are charged. In general, 95%-100% of varicose vein conditions are eliminated following a single treatment.
“Most people do very well,” said Dr. Jundt. “Some people will have some soreness at the site, but the typical recovery is just a few days, and people are back up to doing activities that they did before. And oftentimes more activities now that their symptoms are better.”
After stitching the cuts, your surgeon will place compression stockings in your legs together with bandages. Healing can take anywhere from two weeks up to a month. You'll be advised to wear your stockings for about two to six weeks.
Prefer to wear loose clothing on the day of the treatment. You will need to wear compression stockings after the treatment and tight clothing over the compression stockings will be uncomfortable. Avoid wearing anything tight on your legs (aside from any compression stockings recommended by your doctor) on the way home.
Your doctor may give you pain medicine for this. You can expect your leg to be very bruised at first. This is a normal part of recovery and may last 2 to 3 weeks. You may wear compression bandages or stockings on your leg for at least the first few days after surgery.
Your Recovery
You may have a bandage and some bruising along the vein that was treated. You will need to wear compression stockings for 1 week or more. You can do your usual activities, but avoid vigorous exercise for about 1 week. Most people can get back to their normal routine right away.
The amount of sessions you'll need depends on the size of the vein and how well your veins respond to the treatment. Most patients require 2-4 sessions for the best results.
Varicose vein surgery is among the most commonly performed kinds of surgery. The main procedures to remove varicose veins are: Vein ligation and stripping: This involves making two incisions (cuts): One at the top of the leg just below the groin, and one behind the knee or at the ankle.