Op. Dr. Orhan Coşkun
There are various types of varicose vein treatments, including surgical methods or non-surgical treatments such as foam treatment (sclerotherapy), radiofrequency, laser applications using heat, or adhesive and resin-based treatment methods.
The choice of treatment is specific to each patient, tailored to their individual condition. Therefore, what to consider after treatment varies depending on the patient and the applied method.
Post-treatment considerations aim to enhance the effectiveness of the applied treatment and to protect against potential side effects or minimize damage. Therefore, paying attention to the treatment and following the doctor’s recommendations is crucial for patient satisfaction.
What To Consider After Foam Treatment (Sclerotherapy)?
Foam treatment, or scientifically known as sclerotherapy, is a method of injecting medication into the diseased vein to dry it out. The goal here is for the medication to contact the inner wall of the vein, create damage, and close the varicose vein in this way. One of the most crucial aspects during this treatment is applying compression to the injected vein for two weeks after the procedure. For this purpose, we use bandages and varicose stockings. Usually, a bandage is applied immediately after the procedure, and the duration of its stay on the leg varies between 1-4 days depending on the diameter of the vein. After removing the bandage, compression continues with varicose stockings.
The two-week duration for using varicose stockings is based on scientific studies. This is necessary to achieve the desired results in the diseased vein and obtain a quality recovery. This means that if a patient is undergoing a single-session treatment, they need to use varicose stockings for two weeks after the treatment. If used at night as well, the quality of recovery will further improve. This duration is extended to six weeks for main vein (saphenous vein) treatments.
Usage And Precautions Of Varicose Stockings
The use of varicose stockings differs from the general purpose of alleviating symptoms or preventive measures; therefore, it is not optional but must be strictly adhered to. Except for special cases (such as spider veins), patients who cannot use varicose stockings are not treated.
Having varicose vein treatment during the summer is not a problem. The effectiveness of the treatment does not vary with the season. One month after completing foam treatment, direct sunlight can be exposed to the treatment area. However, it is still advisable to use a sunscreen with a factor of 50 in the first year and avoid exposing the treatment areas to the sun for extended periods. There are no restrictions on swimming or going to the beach.
On the day of foam treatment, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids, and 15-20 minutes of walking should be done to activate the leg muscles immediately after the treatment.
Heavy exercises such as weightlifting should be postponed for 48 hours, and excessive heat from the sauna or solarium should be avoided during the treatment. There is no need to delay bathing or showering.
There is no need to postpone activities like Pilates, walking, or cardio exercises, but excessive stress on the legs should be avoided.
Unless absolutely necessary, it is not preferred to travel by plane or bus on the same day. During the journey, varicose stockings should be worn, walking should be done every hour if possible, plenty of fluids should be consumed, calf muscles should be exercised, and alcohol and coffee consumption should be reduced.
Laser hair removal has no known harm to varicose veins and can be performed during treatment.
After foam treatment, there will be bruising and stiffness at the application sites. Regular use of the gels recommended by your doctor will accelerate the healing process.
What To Consider After Laser And Radiofrequency Varicose Vein Treatment?
In varicose vein treatments using laser or radiofrequency, heat is used to dry the diseased veins. In main vein treatments, a catheter, a thin tube, is inserted into the vein, and laser or radiofrequency energy is used to create heat, damaging the inner lining of the vein and performing the closure process (ablation). Both systems are also applied through the skin for the treatment of superficial and spider veins. Regardless of whether main vein applications are performed with laser (EVLA) or radiofrequency (EVRF), the post-treatment procedures are the same. The use of varicose stockings for one week (including at night) is sufficient. They can be removed for bathing. However, individuals who stand for long periods may extend this period by one or two weeks.
After superficial laser and radiofrequency applications on the skin, redness and scabbing may occur at the application site, and healing may take between fifteen days and one month. Scabs should not be scratched or removed during this period.
It is advisable to avoid sunlight during this period. Bathing is allowed after the first day as long as it is not excessively hot, but traumatic scrubbing of the application areas is not recommended.
What To Consider After Glue (Adhesive) Varicose Vein Treatment?
In this treatment method, the insufficient main vein is closed and sealed by adhesive without chemical or thermal burning. This application has the least use of varicose stockings after the procedure, which is one of its advantages. However, if there are no contraindications, we still recommend using varicose stockings optionally for one week.
What To Consider After Microphlebectomy?
Microphlebectomy is the process of removing large varicose veins that are visible on the skin’s surface through needle-hole incisions using delicate instruments without the need for stitches. It is applied with local anesthesia, and after the procedure, varicose stockings may need to be used for 3-4 days to prevent swelling and bruising. It is a method used only for large varicose packages located in a specific area on the skin’s surface and provides immediate results.
