Endovenous laser varicose vein surgery involves using heat from a laser for reducing varicose veins. Thanks to laser surgery, the varicose veins shrink and close causing scar tissue inside the vessel. This results in the vein getting sealed off.
The blood starts flowing through other veins. Read on to learn more about endovenous laser surgery for varicose veins and how you can prepare for it. Varicose veins are bulging and swollen veins that usually occur on the calves and thighs.
A laser can be used for sending a thin radiation beam and reducing these veins. Your doctor might recommend laser surgery if you have red, sore, inflamed, and swollen varicose veins.
It might also be recommended if your skin starts getting irritated. Please note that even though varicose veins are not a serious condition, they can be quite painful. Also, you might not like looking at them on your legs and want to get rid of them.
How to prepare for the endovenous laser varicose vein surgery?
Before your surgery, it is important that you prepare yourself for the procedure. And, the first step is learning everything about the procedure from your doctor. Ask them a question that you might have regarding the surgery or your recovery.
Some hospitals might ask you to fill and sign a form giving permission to perform the surgery. Make sure that you read it carefully. Your doctor will be asking you questions regarding your medical history. They might also perform a physical exam to ensure that you are in proper health.
You might have to undergo certain diagnostic and blood tests. In case you have or had a bleeding disorder, you have to tell your doctor about it. Also, tell them about blood-thinning medications that you might be taking along with ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other medicine that might affect your blood clotting.
It is important that you stop taking such medications before the surgery. You also have to tell your doctor about your allergies and sensitivity to any medications, tape, latex, anesthesia medicines (general or local), and contrast dye. Tell them about every medication you are taking including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements.
For at least 8 hours before the surgery, you should not drink or eat anything. In fact, it is recommended that you don’t eat or drink anything after midnight. Lastly, make sure that you have someone to take you back home after the surgery as you might be under the effects of anesthesia.
What happens after the surgery?
After the procedure, you will have to walk for 40 to 60 minutes. There might be slight bruising on your leg which will go away after 2 weeks. Once you reach home, you must follow all the instructions given by your doctor. Here are a few postoperative recovery tips:
- Place an ice pack on the treated area for about 15 minutes to decrease swelling.
- Check the site of the incision daily. If you see pink fluid on your bandage, don’t worry as it is totally normal.
- Make sure that there is no water at the incision site for 47 hours. Until your bandages are removed, you will have to continue taking a sponge bath.
- For a couple of days, you might have to wear compression stockings. These stockings squeeze the legs gently and help prevent swelling. They also stop the blood from pooling or clotting.
- Don’t lie down, stand, or sit for long durations. While sitting, make sure that your legs are raised.
- Every day, walk for about 10 to 20 minutes three times. Continue doing this for the next few weeks.
- Remain active. However, you should not jump, lift heavy things, or run for about 1 to 2 weeks.
- Don’t take a hot bath for a few weeks.
Endovenous laser surgery for varicose veins is an effective treatment for the condition. All you need to do is follow the instructions given by your doctor and you will be able to get rid of them successfully.
