Varicose veins plague the legs of millions of Americans. While these diseased veins may be nothing more than a cosmetic concern, they can lead to serious medical conditions. At VENUS Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE, we offer ambulatory phlebectomy, a minimally invasive procedure that requires little post-operative recovery. Here’s what you need to know.
How Long Is Recovery After a Phlebectomy?
The recovery period following ambulatory phlebectomy is one to three weeks.
What Can I Expect During My Recovery Period?
Day 1
It is strongly advisable to get up and walk around as soon as your procedure is complete. Walking causes the leg muscles to contract, encouraging the purging of fluid in the legs. This mitigates the risk of blood clots and facilitates rapid recovery.
You may mostly resume your usual routine on the same day as your procedure. That said, you must refrain from strenuous workouts during the first 24 hours post-op. You may resume moderately intense workouts two to three days following your phlebectomy procedure, depending on how you feel. Strenuous workouts may be resumed five to seven days post-op depending on how you feel. Furthermore, you should avoid excessive heat, such as hot baths and hot tubs.
Days 2-7
During the first week following your procedure, it is very important to elevate your legs above your heart when you sleep. Like walking, this facilitates rapid recovery. You should also elevate your legs three to four times daily for a few moments during the first week post-op.
Days 8-21
As noted above, the ambulatory phlebectomy recovery period can take anywhere from one to three weeks depending on the scope of the procedure. As your legs are healing, you should wear compression stockings. These may be removed when you shower.
Remember, the recovery period may take anywhere from one to three weeks depending on the scope of the procedure. Pay close attention to how you feel during your recovery process and feel free to drop us a line at any time if you have any questions.
How Can I Shorten My Recovery Process?
You can shorten your recovery process by listening to your body and giving it what it needs. Here are a few actionable tips.
Rest
If you feel tired, take a nap. It is completely normal to feel tired after your procedure because a lot of energy is diverted to your skin so it can heal. That said, you won’t feel groggy or exhausted because the incisions we make are so small only local anesthesia is required to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Notably, you should make an effort to sleep at least nine hours nightly. Naps are a great way to restore energy, but sleep cycles take 90 to 120 minutes to complete. If you get nine hours of sleep every night, you will complete approximately six full cycles of sleep. The REM stage of sleep lasts the longest and is the most important sleep stage for healing.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated will also significantly shorten your recovery period. Adequate hydration is essential for keeping your blood pressure within a normal range and facilitating a strong circulatory system. It is important to have a strong circulatory system during your recovery period because it transports essential micronutrients to the treatment area.
Walk
It’s worth circling back to the brief note that walking facilitates rapid recovery. Although it’s highly advisable to walk around as soon as your procedure is over, it is also highly advisable to walk for at least 30 minutes daily at a moderate pace during the first seven days post-op. If you don’t have 30 minutes to walk, it is okay to take five- to 10-minute walks several times daily.
Eat Lean Protein
Eating lean protein is another great way to heal as quickly as possible after your procedure. Many people think they only need to eat 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. That said, we strongly recommend consuming a gram of protein per pound of body weight during your recovery period. Lean cuts of poultry contain high levels of collagen, a fibrous protein that helps your skin heal.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Procedure?
You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you are suffering from the symptoms of varicose veins. Note, you may qualify for this minimally invasive procedure if the only symptom you are experiencing is visible varicose veins. You don’t need to suffer from itching, burning, swelling, heaviness, local exhaustion or other frustrating symptoms. Even if you can only see your diseased veins, they can develop into serious medical conditions.
That said, this procedure is not ideal for everyone. For example, you may not qualify for this procedure if you have cellulitis. Furthermore, this minimally invasive procedure is not ideal for people with severe edema in the area. Additionally, you should hold off on this procedure if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Book an Appointment Today
You don’t have to live with the symptoms of varicose veins. An ambulatory phlebectomy can help. To learn more about what to expect during the post-op recovery timeline, please contact us today at VENUS Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE to book an appointment. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve the flawlessly smooth legs of your dreams.