When our patients seek treatment for vein-related swelling, varicose veins, or spider veins, aside from wanting to know how quickly those purplish-blue lines will disappear, patients ask “do vein treatments require downtime?” Recovery time varies patient to patient as well as the type of treatment you need, along with the possibility of requiring multiple treatments.

Spider veins are not generally a cause for concern that require medical intervention. If you are bothered by spider veins on your skin, you can try self-care remedies such as losing weight, wearing compression garments, or reducing your need for sitting or standing for long periods of time. If you are still feeling self-conscious, spider veins can be eliminated with minimally invasive treatment options that include sclerotherapy and laser therapy. Although varicose veins are generally benign, unlike spider veins, they can bulge causing bumps in the skin along with aches, pains, and discomfort. These damaged, enlarged, and twisted veins could signal an underlying circulatory problem. However, varicose veins are treated in the same way as spider veins, with sclerotherapy advised by doctors as the top treatment option. Radiofrequency ablation and ambulatory phlebectomy are also options. All these procedures are considered minimally invasive and require little to no downtime. Most patients can return to work the same day or next day.

Ablation treatments are considered more effective, less complicated, and have less pain associated with recovery than surgery. Although for some patients vein stripping surgery is recommended. Recovery from surgery can take two 2 to four 4 weeks. Your surgeon will advise you to stay off your feet for at least three 3 to four 4 days post-surgery and then you will be able to remove the bandages after that. By week 4, you should be cleared to resume normal activities.

If you are concerned about the look of veins on your legs, THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology offers safe, effective, and virtually pain free treatment methods. Call 602-867-7546 for your appointment or visit WEBSITE to schedule or request information about our services.