Pre & Post-Procedure Instructions
Pre-Procedure
No special preparation is needed. Eat and drink normally. Avoid a large meal just before your procedure. Take your medications normally. Wear loose-fitting clothes on your legs (slacks, shorts, skirt, dress) and relaxed footwear (your leg/ankle may be wrapped after the procedure). You will change into shorts before the procedure. You can bring your own or we can provide you with some gym shorts. You do not need to bring anyone with you, unless you wish to.
For ambulatory phlebectomy only: blood thinners (anticoagulants) must be stopped several days prior to your procedure (Xarelto, Eliquis, Pradaxa, Plavix (clopidogrel), Brilinta (ticagrelor), aspirin, fish oil, flax seed oil, garlic extract. Discuss timing of stopping and restarting blood thinner medication with Dr. Prevosti. For all other procedures, you do not need to stop taking blood thinners.
Day Of Procedure
After the procedure, you may walk and drive as needed to carry out light daily activities, such as work from home (preferable), office work, childcare, cooking or short trip to store. Walk 10 minutes three times (normal activity counts towards this goal). Avoid excessive or unnecessary activity. Don’t overdo it! Elevate leg if possible when you are sitting. If your leg is wrapped, try to maintain the wrap until the morning. If the wrap becomes uncomfortable or keeps sliding down to the point of not being functional, you may remove the wrap. Apply a compression stocking if possible. If you can’t get a compression stocking on due to tenderness or swelling, simply elevate the leg and take it easy. You can continue to walk as needed. Do not lift anything over 30 lbs. for 2 days.
Some discomfort is normal, do not be alarmed. Most patients do not need to take any pain medication, but if you do, the following are recommended:
- Advil (ibuprofen) 200 mg tablets, 2-4 tablets every 6 hours as needed. Consider taking with food. Do not take if it irritates your stomach or esophagus.
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) 325 mg tablets, 1-2 tablets every 4 hours or one 500 mg tablet every 4 hours as needed. Maximum dose 3000mg per 24 hours.
- Aleve (naproxen) 220 mg tablets, 1-2 every 12 hours as needed. Consider taking with food. Do not take if it irritates your stomach or esophagus.
Some clear drainage is normal, do not be alarmed. Some swelling is normal, do not be alarmed. Elevate leg when you are able. Some bruising is normal. Some tenderness is normal. Some redness is normal. If redness does not resolve over a few days, call the office. Small knots may occur and are normal. If they are tender or red, apply a warm compress or heating pad for 15 minutes three times a day. Also take ibuprofen or naproxen as directed above. Extreme pain is not normal. If the pain is due to the wrap, remove the wrap and apply a compression stocking if possible (see above). Take over the counter pain meds (see above). If severe pain persists, call the office or Dr. Prevosti if after hours. Extreme swelling is not normal. Elevate leg and call the office or Dr. Prevosti if after hours.
First day after procedure
Remove the wrap or compression stocking. You may shower if you wish. It is OK to get steri-strips and sutures wet. Re-apply the compression stocking and wear for three days. You may take the stocking off at night to sleep if you wish, or you may keep it on at night if it provides comfort or your leg is swollen. The compression stocking should never cause you pain. If it does, take it off. You may carry on light daily activity including walking and driving.
Second day after procedure
You may start light exercise such as yoga and long walks. Continue to wear compression stocking today and tomorrow. You may shower.
Third day after procedure
Last day of compression stockings. You may continue to wear compression stockings after day 3 if you prefer or if you have swelling. You may take a bath. Remove steri-strips 5 days after the procedure. You may swim.
One week after procedure:
You may resume full exercise, no restrictions. All steri-strips and sutures should be removed by now. You should have a follow-up visit within one week of your last procedure. You may travel (including flying) once you have had your initial follow-up visit. Discuss long trips (greater than 4 hours) with Dr. Prevosti. You may expose legs to sunlight, just put sunscreen on incisions for three months and avoid large amounts of sun (eg. walking in shorts is OK but not sunbathing). You should also have a 6-week follow-up visit scheduled, unless instructed otherwise.
Experience Expert Vein Care at Prevosti Vein Center
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His compassionate care and dedication to comprehensive treatment mean you'll understand your procedure options and feel confident in your decisions. If you're experiencing symptoms of venous insufficiency, contact Prevosti Vein Center today to schedule your consultation and discover whether VenaSeal is right for you.