What to Expect From Your Vein Assessment, Treatment & Recovery
Understanding what happens before, during, and after your vein treatment helps you feel confident and prepared. At Pulse Vein Care, every patient receives a thorough ultrasound assessment, a personalised treatment plan, and clear recovery guidance.
Assessment and Scan
Your initial consultation will be with one of our medical specialists, or with one of our specialist nurses. Where possible, we aim to perform an ultrasound scan of your varicose veins to see from where they are being fed, and what the future treatment is likely to be.
The initial consultation will assess your current varicose vein symptoms and record any other medical problems, medications and any inherited family medical conditions. For the examination you will need to expose your legs, so wear loose clothing. Hospital gown and chaperones are also available.
After your ultrasound scan, we will explain the results and the proposed treatment plan to you. We will also give you a clear indication of the treatment costs.
Ultrasound Scan
The ultrasound provides a map of your leg veins which demonstrates the cause of your varicose veins, assesses your deep veins, and allows us to formulate a plan for your future vein treatment.
One of our ultrasound technicians (sonographers) will perform the scan with you in a standing or semi-standing position. The scan usually takes about 30–40 minutes.
The sonographer will place warm, water-soluble gel on your legs to perform the scan. It is not painful.
Recovery Guidelines
Recovery after varicose vein treatment is usually quick. Patients can return to reduced activity immediately, and then a gradual increase to full activity after 7–10 days once their compression stockings are off. Typically by about 6 weeks, the treated veins are well on the way to settling.
Immediately after the procedure, patients will have their stocking on. Our specialist nurses will go through how to manage the stockings, what level of activity to aim for, how the legs are expected to feel, the options for pain relief, and what symptoms to be concerned about.
Mild tenderness, bruising, and lumpiness in the treatment veins is normal.
After the procedure
- Compression stockings: Wear for 24 hours a day for 7–10 days as advised. Do not take them off. Phone our nurses if there are any concerns.
- Pain relief: Paracetamol (Panadol), Ibuprofen (Nurofen) as required. Follow the instructions on the packet.
- Walking: Keep moving during the day and evening. Light walking outside while the stockings are on. Regular small walks around home and work.
- Avoid: Swimming and spas while the stockings are on. Avoid heavy lifting and high impact sports.
- Car: Stop and have a stretch and a small walk every 30 minutes.
- Flying: NZ – no restriction. Australia – 2 weeks. Asia/USA – 4 weeks. Europe – 6wks.
- Concerns: Our nurses will reinforce what to look out for after the procedure. You will be given a discharge information sheet. Phone our nurses if there are any concerns.
- Follow up: You will be given your follow up appointment after the procedure. For most patients follow-up is at 6 weeks after the procedure.
- Warning signs: Increasing whole leg swelling, not just over the treated veins. Fever. Shortness of breath or chest pain. In an emergency Dial 111 and ask for an ambulance.
Follow-up
After your varicose vein treatment, our specialist will talk to you about your aftercare and give you take-home information about your recovery.
For most patients, early follow-up will be by telephone after 1–2 days. The next follow-up is around the 6-week mark, and you will be given this appointment at the time of your treatment. Please do not hesitate to contact our specialist nurses before this if you have any concerns. If it is an emergency dial 111 and ask for an ambulance.
The purpose of the 6-week follow-up is to assess your recovery progress and to confirm that your varicose veins have been effectively treated. Some patients will require some extra UGS treatment if some of the varicose veins remain. This usually applies to patients who have large numbers of veins. Also at follow-up, other issues such as discolouration and lumpiness will be addressed.
Longer term follow-up is typically yearly.
Ready to get started?
Share your goals with the Pulse Health team and receive a treatment plan tailored to your circulation and lifestyle. Referrals are welcome but not always required.
Phone: 0800 45 45 99
Email: info@pulsehealth.nz
Office Address: 1/39 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro 6011, Wellington