Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that most often appear in the legs, resulting from faulty valves that cause blood to pool rather than flow efficiently back to the heart. Modern treatment for these veins is minimally invasive, and the time commitment for the entire process varies based on the specific technique chosen. Understanding the duration of each phase—from initial consultation to full recovery—is important for anyone considering treatment.
Pre-Procedure Time Commitment
The first step in addressing varicose veins is the initial consultation, which typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. During this appointment, a specialist will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a physical examination of your legs.
Following the consultation, a diagnostic venous duplex ultrasound is usually required to map the veins and assess blood flow, often taking 20 to 45 minutes. This detailed imaging is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and plan the procedure. On the day of the procedure, patients should expect to spend an additional one to two hours checking in, completing paperwork, and undergoing preparation, such as the insertion of an intravenous (IV) line or final marking of the veins.
Procedure Duration Based on Technique
The actual time spent treating the veins depends heavily on the technique used and the complexity of the patient’s case. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) are common thermal techniques that use heat to seal the diseased vein from the inside. The active treatment time for EVLA or RFA typically ranges from 45 to 60 minutes per leg.
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the vein to make it collapse, and is typically used for smaller varicose veins and spider veins. A single session usually lasts just 15 to 30 minutes. Achieving the desired results often requires multiple sessions, which are typically spaced several weeks apart to allow for healing.
Microphlebectomy, or ambulatory phlebectomy, removes surface varicose veins through tiny nicks in the skin. This technique is often used in conjunction with EVLA or RFA. This procedure generally adds 30 to 60 minutes to the total time, depending on the number of veins removed.
Immediate Post-Procedure and Recovery Timeline
Immediately following the procedure, most patients spend 30 minutes to an hour in a recovery area for monitoring. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after the procedure to promote circulation and minimize the risk of blood clots.
The return to routine, non-strenuous activities is fast, with many patients able to resume light work or desk jobs within one to two days. During this initial period, the use of compression stockings is mandatory to reduce swelling and support the treated veins. The duration for wearing these garments is typically between one to three weeks, depending on the specific technique used.
Patients must postpone more strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting, high-impact exercise, and intense gym workouts. The general timeline for resuming these heavier activities is between one to two weeks after the procedure. Full healing and the final aesthetic result can take several months to manifest.