Post Surgical Instructions

Recovery After Varicose Vein Surgery

Your varicose veins were surgically removed during the surgery. Here are some things you may take to speed up your recovery after surgery.

Home care

Recommendations for taking care of yourself at home include the following:

• For the first 2 weeks after surgery, avoid standing for long periods. Also, avoid heavy lifting.
• Keep your legs raised when you’re sitting or lying down.
• Starting the day after surgery, begin a regular walking regimen. Start with a few minutes of walking and gradually increase to 5 minutes at a time. Increase to 15 to 20 minutes at a time, 2 to 3 times per day, gradually.
• Wear bandages or elastic stockings as instructed by your doctor. Move your feet back and forth and in circles while sitting to keep your circulation flowing.
• Ask your doctor when you can resume driving and working.

When to call your doctor

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:

• Severe bleeding, redness, or drainage
• Development of an ulcer (sore)
• Legs or feet numbness or tingling
• Leg swelling or pain that is getting worse
• Fever, shaking, or chills
• Shortness of breath or chest pain