A varicose vein is a swollen vein close to the surface of the skin due to an overspill of blood through defective valves in the deep veins in the legs. Although there may be no real symptoms with varicose veins, there could be some aching and itching in the legs which may eventually result in bruising and swelling.

It is best to get varicose veins treated as soon as possible to prevent any further twisting and even possibly leg ulcers. The surgeon remedies this by first removing the main feeder vein after which varicose vein removal can take place.

Procedure information
Varicose vein removal is achieved in several ways after the main feeder vein to the varicose veins is tied off and then removed. Another feeder vein behind the knee may also be tied off before the varicose veins are removed through small cuts dotted down the leg.

A general anesthetic is administered along with a local anesthetic into the groin to numb the pain from the small cuts made on the leg for when you wake up. Varicose vein removal can be completed in one day, with no overnight stay in the hospital required.

Recovery time
There will be some discomfort in the area for a few days after varicose vein removal although painkillers or painkilling injections can be had to alleviate this. The pain should disappear within a week although the elastic sleeve provided after surgery will need to be worn for about 10 days. You can wash the area after the stitches have been removed.

You may drive about ten days after surgery and will be able to have sexual intercourse after about two weeks. Speak to your doctor about going back to work. Generally, those working in an office will need about two weeks off and those working in jobs which require physical labor may have to stay off work for up to four weeks. The hospital or your general practitioner will arrange for you to have a check-up about one month after the varicose vein removal surgery.