Preparation and Advice for Radio-frequency Ablation

General

General after care advise for all procedures is on the aftercare page

Preparation and advice for before and after your varicose veins procedure

Most varicose vein surgery is performed under local anaesthetic. The procedures is carried out in a treatment room, with a set time slot on the list. You can expect to walk in and walk out of clinic in about an hour and a half.

Before the procedure you can eat and drink as normal. It is better to be well hydrated, but make sure you have also had a comfort break before arriving. You can bring a water bottle with you if you like. Some patients also bring some head phones or a book.

Clothing should preferable be loose fitting and loose trainers or open shoes if possible. Tracksuit bottoms or shorts are ideal. This is because after the procedure your leg will have a bandage wrapped around, which is usually from the foot upwards.

The procedure is minimally invasive and you'll be up and mobile very quickly after the procedure, however, I recommend that you arrange for another adult to accompany you and drive you to and from the clinic.

Care after a Radio-frequency ablation

After the procedure you will have a bandage wrapped around your leg which usually crosses the knee joint. You will be able to walk yourself out of clinic. The local anaesthetic will tend to wear off after three to four hours and you may find that your leg feels bruised or aches. Some paracetamol or ibuprofen should be enough to help with any discomfort. Many patients do not need any pain relief afterwards. Always check that you aren't allergic before taking any medication.

The bandage on your leg should be removed after 24 hours and disposed off. You can choose to wear compression stockings afterwards. Some patients find this more comfortable. You should wear them for a week at most if you choose to do so.
Once the bandage has been removed you can shower. You can shower with the steristrips on and they tend to remain. Dab your leg dry with a towel and then allow your leg to air dry before putting on the compression stocking. I recommend that you do not soak in a bath for 2 weeks after the procedure.

Mobility after the procedure is encouraged. It is okay to rest and when you do try to keep your leg elevated. E.g. placed up on the sofa. This will reduce any swelling after the procedure. As soon as you feel able you should try and get back to normal mobile activities. If you are not normally mobile (e.g a sitting office job) try and take a short walk every hour.

With regards to exercise, you'd advised to build back up again as if you'd had a sports injury. Most people will be able to get back to full exercise withing a week or two.

If you have had avulsions / phebectomies then there will be little white steristrip plasters over the wounds. These steristrips will often come of in the shower, but if they have not done so at between 5-7 days then they can be gently removed.

Problems after the procedure

If you have any problems or issues after the procedure you can contact us directly on the freephone number or by email. Note that this is not monitored at all times. It can be helpful to attach a photo to the email, this often helps.

For any urgent matter please call the clinic where you had your procedure.
In an emergency you will need to contact 999 or attend your local A&E

Spire Clare Park, Farnham: 01252 850216 ext 718 1215
Frimley Park, Parkside Suite: 0300 6136876 or 0300 6136877