If you are suffering from varicose veins or know somebody who is, you may look into surgery as a treatment. Surgery does not fix the affected vein (as once they are varicose they cannot be cured) but it does remove them. This does not affect the blood flow in the leg as other veins will take over the job of the varicose vein.

Am I Eligible For Surgery?

You will be assessed to see if you are eligible for surgery and it will depend on two things. One being the kind of varicose veins you are suffering from, whether this is where the veins have caused breakthrough bleeding to the skin, ulceration, or phlebitis (inflammation of the veins and the underlying skin). The second thing that will be done are some pre-operative tests to ensure you are safe for surgery. If you have had a reaction to anesthetic or you have high blood pressure, you may not be able to have surgery at this time.

What Happens During Surgery?

Each surgery depends on the severity of the varicose veins and where they are on the body. The varicose veins that can be seen in the skin are removed from the leg using tiny incisions for minimal scarring. The vein which is causing varicose veins is called the long saphenous vein. This will be tied at the top to prevent blood flow then a thin wire will be placed through the vein. At the bottom of the vein, a cut will be made and using the wire, the vein will be stripped out. Removing the long saphenous vein means the cause of the varicose veins should be dealt and a recurrence is unlikely.

What Happens After Surgery?

If you are fit and well you will be able to go home a few hours after surgery, so long as a family member or friend can take you home. Bandages will be worn for a few days afterward. The leg may bleed slightly, as the stitches from the larger incisions heal. You can use painkillers for the pain and shouldn’t drive for 48 hours after surgery. It will be sore but the discomfort will get better over time and the surgery should mean that your varicose veins are completely removed.

If you want more information on varicose vein surgery, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best varicose vein doctor in NYC.