Recovering From Vein Treatment

Written by Dallas Vein Specialists on November 15, 2014

One of the first questions that many patients ask us at Dallas Vein Specialists is what the recovery period following vein treatment will be like. The short answer is that it depends on the type of treatment that the patient is undergoing. Allow me to explain.

What Is CLaCS?

CLaCS (Cryo Laser Cryo Sclerotherapy) is the new and much improved way of eliminating spider veins (thread veins) and other cosmetically unattractive veins of the leg that I discovered in Brazil at the International Aesthetic Phlebology Meeting earlier this year. This revolutionary treatment was developed by a talented vascular surgeon in Sao Paulo. I had the opportunity to spend time with him in his famous clinic in Sao Paulo. I was most impressed with his results and have acquired the highly sophisticated equipment that is necessary for CLaCS. For some months, this treatment has been available at Dallas Vein Specialists. The results are so good that CLaCS has replaced sclerotherapy as the treatment used to eliminate spider veins, the network of superficial blood vessels that are visible on the surface of the skin.

With CLaCS, the feeder veins supplying the spider vein clusters are attacked first, with a transdermal laser. The energy of the laser is only absorbed by the blood vessels, leaving the skin undamaged. These feeder veins are then immediately injected with a chemical sclerosant (sclerotherapy). Next, the spider veins themselves are treated with the laser and then injected. The process is made possible by the use of the “Vein Viewer,” an augmented reality that allows the surgeon to see the veins below the surface (feeder veins) that supply the spider veins. During this entire time, ice-cold air is directed at the site of laser application and injections, at high-flow rates, providing skin anesthesia.

With CLaCS, I damage the veins with both the laser energy and the injected chemical solution. This causes the blood vessel to clot. The body’s inflammatory response serves to absorb the damaged blood vessel. Over time, as the body reabsorbs the treated vessels, they disappear.

Recovering From CLaCS

The recovery period following CLaCS is simple and straightforward. There is no downtime, so CLaCS patients may return to work or their normal schedule immediately following treatment. Patients may return to regular exercise and workouts the next day. Patients do not need to wear compression stockings after treatment.

Recovering From Surgical Vein Treatment

Patients with actual varicose veins — the large and tortuous dilated veins that often appear on the legs and feet — usually require laser surgery to treat the causative vein, which is often the great saphenous vein that courses deep under the skin and near the muscles of the leg. In conjunction with the laser treatment, the varicosities are removed by microphlebectomy, the removal of the veins via tiny cosmetic incisions.

An individual who has undergone a surgical procedure to treat varicose veins should take the day of surgery off work. He or she should spend most of the day with his or her treated leg elevated to hip level and avoid standing or putting pressure on the treated leg. On the day following the vein procedure, walking is encouraged. Patients can return to work the following day and can resume most of their everyday activities, including walking, working, driving and light household duties.

For the first week following the procedure, patients should avoid strenuous activity, including exercise and heavy lifting. In particular, patients should avoid aerobic activity. During this time, they should limit their physical activity to walking and perhaps using light weights, if desired.

Postoperative pain is usually minimal and can be managed with ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), both of which are available without a prescription.

Learn More

Recovering from vein treatment is relatively quick and easy. The recovery period is a minor consideration when compared to the benefits of having unsightly (and often painful) veins removed. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Whiddon to learn more about your treatment options to remove spider or varicose veins, please contact Dallas Vein Specialists by calling (214) 221-9222 today.