PATIENT INFORMATION

Procedure Instructions

The Advanced Vein Center strives to ensure that you receive the highest level of venous care. To provide optimal results, please follow the simple instructions listed under each procedure.

 

SCLEROTHERAPY PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

Prior to sclerotherapy

  • Fill your precription for your compressions stockings early. Stocking can take up to three weeks for delivery. Visit our Stocking page for local and web vendors, stocking fitting instructions, and care tips. You may also download and print our Stocking Information Sheet (PDF).
  • Avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Aleve (ibuprofen) or aspirin
    7 – 10 days before the scheduled procedure.
  • Do not shave your legs the night before or the day of your procedure.
  • Do not apply lotion to your legs the day of your procedure.
  • Be sure to bring or wear loose-fitting pants or sweatpants. You may also wear shorts.
  • Bring the compression stockings that were prescribed for you as you will be wearing them home.

What to expect the day of the procedure:

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled procedure time.
  • Consent forms and photographs of veins will be added to your office record.
  • Comfortable shorts will be provided for you to wear during the procedure.
  • Although the procedure may cause some discomfort, it is usually well tolerated.
  • Cotton balls and tape will be applied to each injection site, providing local compression. Proper compression is very important because it minimizes the blood reentering the injected vein, decreases the incidence of post-sclerotherapy hyperpigmentation and telangiectatic matting, and improves venous blood flow. Your compression stockings or ace wraps will be applied at the end of the procedure to wear home.

Post-procedure instructions for sclerotherapy:

  • Wear compression stockings continuously for the first 48 hours following your injection appointment. After that you may remove the tape and cotton balls. Wear the stockings daily for at least 2 weeks, though 4 – 6 weeks is best for optimal results. Proper compression is very important because it minimizes the blood reentering the injected area, decreases the incidence of post-sclerotherapy hyperpigmentation and telangiectatic matting, and improves venous blood flow.
  • You may shower after 48 hours. Hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas should be avoided for two weeks after sclerotherapy to avoid venous dilation.
  • Take Tylenol for any discomfort. Avoid Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatory medicines for at least 10 days. The inflammatory response is part of the treatment process.
  • You may elevate your legs to improve your comfort level.
  • Avoid sun exposure, including tanning booths, for 4 – 6 weeks or until bruising or discoloration resolves. Apply sun block if sun exposure is anticipated with normal daily activities.
  • Watch for any signs of infection. Some redness is expected. If you develop progressively enlarging areas of redness or any drainage of pus, contact our office immediately at (541) 930-8900.
  • Do not “pop” blisters. If you develop a blister and it opens, simply allow it to dry. Wash the area gently with mild soap and water during your regular hygiene.
  • Avoid high-impact activities such as aerobics, jogging, running, and leg weight lifting for one to two weeks after each injection treatment.
  • Please be patient as you await the final result. You may think your legs look worse initially because of possible bruising, blistering, or local swelling. Results can take several weeks to be appreciated.
  • Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our phone number is (541) 930-8900.

Download Sclerotherapy Patient Instructions (PDF).

ENDOVENOUS ABLATION PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

The following information will help you better prepare for your Endovenous Ablation procedure.

Should you have any questions after reading this material, please call our office. It is important that you feel informed and sufficiently prepared.

Prior to your appointment:

  • If you are taking any prescription blood-thinning agents such as Coumadin, you will need to stop taking the medication a few days before your procedure. Speak with your primary care provider regarding when to temporarily discontinue your medication.
  • Please fill the prescription for compression stockings and/or anti-anxiety medications (if you elect to take them) prior to your procedure appointment. NOTE: stockings must usually be ordered. Please inquire early to allow time for them to arrive.
  • IMPORTANT: Visit our Stocking web page for local and web vendors, stocking fitting instructions, and care tips.
  • If you elect to take anti-anxiety medication, please arrange for a ride home after the procedure.

What to expect the day of the procedure:

  • You may eat, drink, and have a “normal” day prior to your procedure because only local anesthesia
    is used.
  • If you elect to take prescribed medications for your procedure, you’ll be instructed to arrive 45 minutes prior to the appointment start time. Refer to the appointment card for your check-in time at which time you will take the
    medication. Please arrange for a ride home after the procedure.
  • Please bring your prescription compression stockings to the office. (You don’t need to wear them to
    the office before your appointment.)
  • Be prepared to walk immediately following your procedure.

Post-procedure instructions for endovenous ablation:

  • It is important that you walk for 20 minutes immediately following the procedure. Then walk every hour for 10-15 minutes over the next several days during your waking hours. You may sleep through the night. If, however, you do wake during the night, take a brief walk.
  • Elevate your leg when sitting down in between your walks and daily activities.
  • No air travel for five to seven days after the procedure. If traveling by car for more than two hours, stop and walk for 10-15 minutes halfway through the trip; stop and walk every hour on longer trips.
  • Wear compression stockings or ace bandages continuously for 48-72 hours (72 hours is preferred).
  • After the first 48 – 72 hours, wear compression stockings or ace bandages during the day for 2 weeks minimum, and up to 6 weeks for best results.
  • No hot tubs or hot baths for one week after the procedure.
  • Resume your daily activity; movement is recommended. You may walk as much as you like. You should refrain; however, from vigorous workouts for the first week after the procedure.
  • If your daily activity requires heavy lifting, climbing, air travel, or prolonged periods of sitting or standing, please make arrangements to reduce your responsibilities or take a few days off after your procedure.
  • Unless an anti-inflammatory prescription was prescribed by your doctor, take 400-600 mg of ibuprofen, 3 times a day for the equivalent of 5 days following you procedure.
  • When prescription pain or anti-inflammatory medication is no longer required, Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen may be taken as needed for discomfort. Take as directed.
  • Call our office at (541) 930-8900 if pain is more than you can tolerate with ibuprofen or Tylenol.
  • You may return to work when you feel able. If you have complications or feel you may need a day or two off from work, ask your physician for a work release.

Download Endovenous Ablation Patient Instructions (PDF).

PHLEBECTOMY PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

Prior to your appointment:

  • If you are taking any prescription blood-thinning agents such as Coumadin, Plavix, etc, be sure to discuss the medication you are taking with your surgeon so he can advise you on when to stop taking it prior to the procedure date.
  • Please fill the prescriptions for medications and compression stockings prior to your procedure.
    Although you will not wear your compression stockings during the first 72 hours, you will need to
    have them on hand for the remainder of time prescribed for compression.
  • IMPORTANT: Visit our Stocking page for local and web vendors, stocking fitting instructions, and care tips. You may also download and print our Stocking Information Sheet (PDF).
  • Please note you must arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after the
    procedure.

What to expect the day of the procedure:

  • Your appointment time has been scheduled for 45 minutes before your actual procedure time. This allows us to complete paperwork, answer questions you may have and to prepare you for the procedure. Please remember to bring medications you have been prescribed.
  • The procedure time varies per patient but usually lasts no longer than 90 min. This will include wrapping your legs in ace bandages to help with swelling.
  • Be prepared to walk immediately following your procedure.

Post-procedure instructions:
THE FIRST 72 HOURS:

  • Wear ace bandages continuously.
  • It is important to keep your legs elevated whenever sitting or lying for the first two weeks, and especially the first 72 hours. This will help minimize swelling which can cause your legs to throb.
  • Walk for at least 10-15 minutes every 1-2 hours while awake to prevent blood clots.
  • An anti-inflammatory such as Indomethacin may be prescribed by your doctor. If so, take as directed for pain. Otherwise, ibuprofen may be taken as needed for pain. Follow instructions on the label.
  • Keep your diet light. There are no food restrictions, but be sure to get enough fluid without caffeine.
  • Arrange for a family member or a friend to help you run errands or do household chores.
  • Constipation may occur if you are taking pain medication. You may take a stool softener, such as Colace or drink prune juice to help. If you have severe constipation, you may need a dose of Milk of Magnesium. Take as directed on the bottle.
  • Nausea may occur. Be sure to take your pain and/or anti-inflammatory medication on a full stomach. Stick to a soft, bland diet for the first day or so after the procedure.

AFTER THE FIRST 72 HOURS:

  • You may shower 72 hours after the procedure. Remove the ace bandages and gauze.
  • Leave the sterile-strips on your incisions until they fall off on their own (in approximately 7-10
    days) after the procedure.
  • Wear the compression stockings throughout the day until bruising resolves, according to your
    doctor’s instructions. This is usually for 2-3 weeks post procedure.
  • Continue to elevate your legs whenever sitting or lying for the first two weeks.
  • It is important to walk for 10-15 minutes every 1-2 hours the first 2 weeks during your waking
    hours to prevent blood clots.
  • When prescription pain or anti-inflammatory medication is no longer required, Tylenol and/or
    Ibuprofen may be taken as needed for discomfort. Take as directed on the bottle.
  • You may return to work when you feel able. This is usually 1-3 weeks after the procedure, and
    depends on the amount of swelling you have, as well as the type of work you do.

THINGS TO AVOID:

  • NO hot tubs or soaking in a hot bath for at least 1 full week after the procedure.
  • NO vigorous activity for the first 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
  • Traveling long distances by car or air-plane should be avoided the first 5-7 days after the
    procedure. If traveling for more than 2 hours, stop and walk for 15-20 minutes every hour.

Download Phlebectomy Patient Instructions (PDF)

VEIN STRIPPING PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

Prior to vein stripping:

  • If you are taking any prescription blood-thinning agents such as Coumadin, you will need to stop taking the medication a few days before your procedure. Speak with your primary care provider regarding when to temporarily discontinue your medication.
  • Please fill the prescription for compression stockings and/or pain medications prior to your surgery. Stockings can take up to three weeks for delivery so please inquire early to ensure your stockings will arrive in time for your appointment.
  • Visit our Stocking page for local and web vendors, stocking fitting instructions, and care tips. You may also download and print our Stocking Information Sheet (PDF).

What to expect the day of the procedure:

  • You will arrive to the hospital about 2 hours before surgery.
  • Be sure not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.
  • The doctor will see you before you go into the operating room and map out the veins that will be stripped with a marking pen.
  • You will be under general anesthesia during the surgery.
  • During surgery, varicose veins will be tied off (ligation) and/or removed (stripped). Blood will flow through the healthy veins that remain.
  • Your legs will be wrapped in compression bandages to control any bleeding or swelling.
  • After surgery you will wake up in the recovery room where you will be closely watched and monitored by a nurse until you are ready to go home.
  • Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after surgery.

Post-procedure instructions for vein stripping:

The first 48 hours after the procedure:

  • Wear ace bandages continually for 48 hours.
  • It is important to keep your legs elevated whenever sitting or lying for the first two weeks, and especially the first 48 hours. This will help minimize swelling which can cause your legs to throb.
  • Walk for at least 15 minutes every 1-2 hours while awake to prevent blood clots.
  • An anti-inflammatory such as Indomethacin may be prescribed by your doctor. If so, take as directed for pain.
  • Keep your diet light. There are no food restrictions, but be sure to get enough fluid without caffeine to prevent dehydration.
  • Arrange for a family member or a friend to help you run errands or do household chores.
  • Fever: Fever is common after surgery. If your temperature rises above 101.5 degrees then call your doctor.
  • Constipation: Constipation is common after surgery. You may take a stool softener, such as Colace, Milk of Magnesium or prune juice to help. Take as directed on the bottle.
  • Nausea: Nausea may occur after surgery. Be sure to take your pain medication on a full stomach. Stick to a soft bland diet for the first few days after surgery.

After the first 48 hours:

  • You may shower 48 hours after surgery. Remove the ace bandages and gauze. There will be sterile-strips (small pieces of tape) on your incisions. Leave the tape on while showering.
  • Leave the sterile-strips on your incisions until they fall off on their own in approximately 7-10 days after surgery.
  • Wear the ace wraps or compression stockings throughout the day until bruising resolves.
  • Continue to elevate your legs whenever sitting or lying for the first two weeks.
  • Continue to walk for 15 minutes every 1-2 hours to prevent blood clots (for the first two weeks).
  • When prescription pain or anti-inflammatory medication is no longer required, Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen may be taken as needed for discomfort. Take as directed.
  • You may return to work when you feel able. This is usually 1-3 weeks after the procedure, and depends on the amount of swelling you have, as well as the type of work you do.

Things to avoid:

  • NO hot tubs or soaking in a hot both for at least 1 week after the procedure.
  • NO vigorous activity for the first 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
  • Traveling long distances by car or air-plane should be avoided the first 3-7 days after the procedure. If traveling for more than 2 hours, stop and walk for 15-20 minutes every hour.

Download Vein Stripping Patient Instructions (PDF).

VEIN FACT

Approximately 25 million Americans are affected by varicose veins.