Dr. Ken Hollis, vein doctor has been a practicing, board-certified surgeon for more than 30 years. He studied at the following schools:
- The Washburn University of Topeka.
- K.U. School of Medicine in Wichita, Kansas.
- Baltimore Shock-Trauma Institute, Baltimore, Maryland.
He had vein surgery and understands the great relief a patient feels after undergoing surgery. Dr. Hollis practices vein surgery at Metro Vein Centers in Texas.
What happens after my vein surgery?
Some vein surgeries allow you to go home the same day as the procedure. Other more severe vein surgeries require a brief stay in the hospital. Please ask your vein doctor about recovering from your specific vein procedure.
Right after your vein surgery, you’ll have some pain from the doctor’s incisions. Your leg might feel sore or stiff for up to two weeks. Your doctor provides you with pain medication for the first few days. Take medicine when you need it, but don’t use it any longer than you need to for pain.
Your leg appears bruised immediately after your vein procedure. This bruising might last for up to three weeks. Wearing compression hose or dressings helps to reduce bruising and swelling, and keeps pain levels lower.
Your stitches either dissolve on their own or might need to be removed by your doctor. If you need stitches removal, they should come out in a week to 14 days after surgery.
Depending on the number of veins removed, you need to rest at home for somewhere between three and seven days after your surgery. Your previous vein issues should go away, and you won’t have circulation problems. The remaining veins in your legs will take over dispersing blood through your legs.
What Can You Do After Vein Surgery?
Several steps help you heal faster from vein surgery. Some of these steps include:
- Following your doctor’s advice about the amount of activity you should do. You might need to rest in bed or do limited exercise for a few days after your surgery.
- Rest when you feel tired. Extra sleep helps you heal.
- When your doctor permits you, start exercising. Start with a little exercise, then gradually increase the time you spend exercising. Walking is one of the best exercises for those who recently had vein surgery.
- Wait for at least two weeks before you start more strenuous activities such as riding a bicycle, aerobic exercise, lifting weights, and jogging.
- Ask your doctor about when you might be able to drive again.
- You’ll need to take three to seven days off work to heal well.
- You canshower as soon as the doctor permits you to take off your compression bandages. Please wait for up to two weeks before you take a bath.
- Be sure to take medications as prescribed, and finish your entire course of antibiotics and blood thinners.
How to Take Care of Your Incision
Taking care of the incision site remains crucial to healing correctly. Some tips for incision care include:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions about wearing your compression dressing.
- Leave the incision tape on your leg until they fall off, or for a week.
When the doctor says you can take off the compression dressings, gently wash the area with warm water and pat the area dry. Cover the incision with a bandage if it is still draining or rubs against your clothing. Change this bandage daily, and keep the area clean and dry.
If you at any point have questions or concerns about your vein surgery, contact Dr. Hollis, vein doctor, and Metro Vein Centers right away for more information.