In response to the most frequently asked question when patients call us, we break down the time varicose vein treatment takes. We say on the day of your treatment allow an hour an a half, as that will be enough time for the consent process, treatment and recovery.

You need an ultrasound scan before treatment

Before varicose vein treatment, we ask patients to have an ultrasound scan. We will arrange an ultrasound scan for you. This means when you see the vascular specialist they are armed with a map of your veins and can advise on treatment immediately. An ultrasound scan usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on whether you need one or two legs treated, how severe your varicose veins are or if your varicose veins are in another part of the body, for example, the pelvis.

How much time does the ultrasound scan take? It takes: 30-60 minutes.

Next is your consultation with the vascular specialist or vascular specialist nurse

This appointment will typically be for about 10-15 minutes. Many patients prefer to talk with the vascular specialist or vascular nurse specialist over the phone. You will need to provide them with photos of your varicose veins for this. The phone consultation takes the same amount of time as an in-person consultation.

You can complete our online form, too. The vascular specialist or vascular specialist nurse will evaluate the condition of your varicose veins and discuss treatment options, if necessary.

How much time does the consultation take?  It takes: 10-15 minutes.

Treatment day: your consent and pre-procedure information

Our nurse will call you a couple of days before treatment. On the day, the nurse will prepare you for your treatment, check your personal details and give you a gown to put on. Next, the vascular specialist will explain the procedure again, answer any questions, talk about the risks and benefits of treatment and get your signed consent to go ahead.

How much time does the consent take? It takes: 15 minutes.

How much time varicose vein treatment takes

How much time varicose vein treatment takes depends on the type of treatment:

VenaSeal medical adhesive

This procedure involves sending droplets of medical glue down a catheter inserted into the vein to seal off the vein so it will eventually fade. We predominantly use VenaSeal for our varicose vein treatments.

How much time does time does the VenaSeal procedure take? It takes = 15 minutes per leg (other areas of the body take longer).

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

EVLT/RFA typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes. This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a laser fibre into the vein to seal it shut.

How much time does time does EVLT/RFA treatment take? It takes: 45-60 minutes.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution (sclerosant) into the smaller varicose veins to make them to close. This precise treatment is most often performed immediately after VenaSeal treatment. It usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

How much time does sclerotherapy treatment take? It takes: 20-30 minutes, depending on how many smaller varicose veins need treating.

When can you leave to go home after varicose vein treatment?

After the procedure, you will be fitted with thigh-high compression stockings, then patients are monitored for about 20 minutes but can walk out of the treatment room. It is okay to go home after 20 minutes. We recommend someone drive you home.

How much time does observation take? It takes: 20 minutes.

How long is the at-home recovery time for varicose vein treatment?

Because the treatment is minimally invasive patients can resume normal activities within a couple of days. Our nurse will call you a day or so after treatment to check on you. Patients may experience some bruising, swelling and discomfort, which typically improves within a few days to a week.

How much time does at-home recovery take? It takes: 2-3 days.

How long is the follow-up appointment for varicose vein treatment?

Most often our nurse will check in on you again at the six-week mark. An appointment to call you will be made before you leave the clinic. If you have any concerns before this, please call our nurses. You can also ask for the vascular specialist to contact you for a follow-up appointment. These appointments are very quick so we recommend a phone call follow up.

How much time does the follow-up appointment take? It takes: 5-10 minutes.

Recovery, including the resolution of swelling and bruising, can take several weeks to months.

Note: these are based the times it usually takes. This may vary between patients.