If you’ve suffered from varicose veins—you’re not alone! Over 40 million Americans suffer from varicose veins. This is caused by damaged valves in the veins that allow blood to flow the wrong way, causing blood to pool and turn the veins into non-functioning reservoirs. Varicose veins are commonly found in the legs, though they can be found in other parts of the body as well.
The good news? Varicose veins are treatable, and in most cases, with little downtime. In fact, an estimated 2 million people seek out varicose vein treatment annually. A range of vein treatments may be recommended depending on your symptoms and condition. Many of these common treatments are minimally invasive, and may include sclerotherapy, laser therapy, or microphlebectomy (a type of minimally invasive surgery). And sometimes, a combination of treatments are recommended.
If you’re someone who has had treatment for their varicose veins—congrats on taking an important step for your health and embracing a lifestyle that’s more comfortable! You might be wondering, is there a chance for my varicose veins to come back? In this article, we answer some of the common questions about the recurrence of varicose veins and what you can do to reduce your risk.
Can My Varicose Veins or Spider Veins Return After Surgery?
The short answer is, yes. But there’s more to it. The chance of a treated vein reoccurring is quite rare, with a recurrence rate of only 2 to 5 percent. However, it’s important to know that while the treated vein may not return, it’s still possible for new varicose veins to develop in other areas of the leg. Recurrence after surgery is often due to new veins becoming varicose. And should you experience varicose veins in the future, there may be one or more reasons why.
What Factors Play Into Recurring Varicose Veins?
There are several key factors that play into the potential for recurrence. Because recurrence often means new veins that have become varicose after treatment, many factors with “recurrence” are the same root causes as varicose veins in the first place. These factors include family history, underlying medical conditions, or lifestyle conditions. Another factor that can cause recurrence is the quality of the surgical technique. Just one reason why it’s important to research and choose an accredited clinic you trust like United Vein & Vascular Centers.
What Can I Do To Prevent Recurrent Varicose Veins After Surgery?
Here’s the thing: There are things you can do to prevent post-treatment varicose veins and there are factors you have little control over like genetic predisposition or underlying medical conditions. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent varicose veins returning after treatment.
Follow Through With Your Follow-Up Care
Once the treatment’s done, the care continues. Make sure to follow your doctor’s aftercare plan to ensure the best results after treatment. Don’t forget to follow through with follow-up check-ups as recommended by your physician to ensure proper vein health.
Move Around, Shake Things Up, Stay Elevated
Walking, cycling, hiking, gardening, pickleball anyone? Try to make it fun. Keeping active has so many health benefits—find the activity that interests you and get out there. In addition, elevating your legs above your heart regularly can make a difference as well (bicycle kicks, anyone?). In other words, stay active in whatever ways work best for your lifestyle.
Get Your Steps In
It’s easy to get stuck at your desk at work. But even a 5 minute walk can help your blood flow and give your brain a reset. Set a timer and walk away. Take your dog for a long walk. Your legs (and pup) will thank you.
But Avoid Prolonged Standing
Take a load off, when you can. While it can be hard to avoid standing for long periods of time, particularly if you have a job that requires it, taking sitting breaks when you’ve been on your feet for a long period of time can help reduce your risk.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Along with regular activity, eating a healthy diet is another way to maintain a healthier weight and fight off recurrent varicose veins. By maintaining an ideal weight for your body type, you can ensure that you get proper blood flow and you’re easing the pressure on the veins in your legs and feet.
Compression Stockings Can Help
Compression stockings, or compression socks, can help improve blood flow and reduce swelling in your legs. And wearing them every day can make a big difference. Typically, compression stockings can be found online or at your local pharmacy or medical supply store. Talk to your doctor or medical professional if this is a good option for you. They can recommend the right size and help you find the ideal fit.
Ultimately, recurrence is possible, but you can minimize your risk with proper care after treatment and forming a few helpful lifestyle habits.
Keep in mind, recurrent veins doesn’t always mean the same veins as before, but new ones that have become varicose. So taking many of the steps to prevent varicose veins from recurring is pretty much the same as preventing varicose veins in the first place.
The other good news? You don’t have to do it alone. The experts at United Vein & Vascular Center are ready to help answer your questions and be your partner in managing your vein health. You can expect personalized care every step of the way—from scheduling an appointment to walking through your care options.
Our team of specialists can assess your individual situation, including your past vein treatments and any new changes, and determine the best course of action. If you have questions or concerns, take the next step for your vein health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery typically takes 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the procedure. Most patients resume light activities within a few days but should avoid strenuous exercise for a couple of weeks.
Yes, walking is encouraged right after surgery to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. However, avoid prolonged standing or intense physical activity for a few days.
Maintain a healthy weight, stay active, elevate your legs, wear compression stockings, and eat a diet rich in fiber and antioxidants to support vein health. Regular movement and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing can also help.
