You’ve had your consultation so you will know what procedure we recommend for you. We often use a medical adhesive or a heat treatment like RFA (radiofrequency ablation) to close off your varicose vein and very rarely a minor operation in combination with adhesive or heat treatment. These days varicose veins are no longer a painful stripping procedure.
Will it hurt? Is it painful?
So, you’re most probably thinking about whether it will hurt. See our blog on what to expect on the day.
We acknowledge everyone’s experience may be different. At best there are times when there may be a little discomfort but this is short lived and we know our patients tolerate the procedures easily. You can opt for a sedative or extra pain relief at any stage.
Mostly, there is a little discomfort when the specialist numbs the insertion area with local anaesthetic. If you’ve never had a ‘local’ it’s a small injection that makes way for the catheter insertion (a tube). After waiting until you’re ready, the specialist moves to the next stage.
A catheter is inserted into the vein. You will feel this but it is not painful because the local anaesthetic has numbed the area. For medical adhesive, tiny amounts are dotted about every 3cm along the length of the vein, guided by an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe glides over the skin, putting mild pressure on the vein but it is not painful. Cool gel helps the probe move.
When the specialist is confident the vein is closed, they will gently remove the catheter.
For heat treatments, a mild local anaesthetic needs to be introduced around the vein before the treatment can begin. This means more injections than the adhesive treatment but again is well tolerated.
Injections for smaller veins
The specialist treats smaller varicose veins next. Over a series of small injections. The injections feel scratchy and sharp. But the specialist is quick. These can be stingy and a bit achy. Again, a sedative or pain relief is available if you want it, especially if you have a lot of these smaller varicose veins. Most people tolerate the injections easily.
Treated veins are mildly tender afterwards
After your large and small vein treatment, you can walk out. You might prefer to have someone drive you home.
Your treated veins will be mildly tender when you’re home and we recommend taking some regular Panadol or an anti-inflammatory like Neurofen (Ibuprofen) as needed. Please contact us if you experience considerable pain, bleeding or you feel unwell.
We do recommend taking it easy over the next few days.
