English
Spanish
Varicose veins can be physically painful and emotionally frustrating. In many cases, they show up as dark and gnarled veins beneath the skin, leaving legs looking older than they are and less aesthetically appealing.
When they are left untreated, varicose veins can continue to worsen and even threaten limb health. Circulation issues, when not taken care of properly, can cause patients to develop inflammation, internal tissue damage, or even leg ulcers.
Luckily, doctors can get rid of a patient’s varicose veins through a relatively simple process. However, any procedure – no matter how big or small – requires a little bit of preparation.
While you might receive specific instructions that are tailored to you and your health, there are a few steps you can take before your procedure that apply to anyone who receives a vein closure treatment.
Here are our top tips for getting ready for your vein closure appointment.
1. Understand the Procedure
Medical procedures can be intimidating, but understanding what is going on in your body can help ease some of that pre-appointment stress. During your procedure, your doctor will use radiofrequency technology to destroy the problematic varicose veins. While this is being done, you might feel a bit of pressure and heat. However, a local anesthetic is used to minimize any pain.
After the vein closure, the blood is redirected through different veins. Over the next several months to a year, the varicose veins gradually fade until they are invisible.
2. Buy Compression Socks
They might not be uber-fashionable, but you’ll need to wear compression socks after your procedure. Your doctor will set more specific time parameters, but you can expect to need them for at least two weeks.
3. Find Your Walking Shoes
Low-intensity daily walks are incredibly helpful to the healing process. Find some comfortable tennis shoes that you can use every day to get some light exercise.
4. Make Sure You Have Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
The procedure to get rid of varicose veins is not incredibly invasive and should not leave you in extreme pain. It’s unlikely you’ll need to be prescribed any strong painkillers. Instead, some over-the-counter pain relief should do the trick and alleviate any discomfort.
5. Relay Your Medical History
Before the procedure, you’ll be asked to list the following:
- Medications (including herbal supplements)
- Allergies (food or medication)
- Previous surgeries and procedures (and any reactions)
This information is important for creating an individualized care plan. Your specialist might also ask you to start taking aspirin or other blood thinners a few days before your procedure.
6. Pick a Comfortable Outfit
On the day of your procedure, wear loose, comfortable clothing. Depending on the location of your varicose veins, you may also be asked to change into a gown. Do not wear any jewelry to your appointment.
Vein Closure with NY Metropolitan Vein and Aesthetic Center
A big part of preparing for a procedure is finding a practitioner you trust. The highly trained vein specialists at New York Metropolitan Vein and Aesthetic Center have the experience and knowledge necessary to provide the utmost level of care on your journey to a healthier life. Contact us to learn more about treatment for varicose veins.
