How to care for yourself after varicose vein surgery

Generally, postoperative care for varicose veins should focus on activity management, pressure control, wound care, dietary regulation, and lifestyle adjustments to promote recovery and prevent recurrence. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Activity Management: Avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged standing early after surgery to prevent wound dehiscence or increased burden on the lower limbs. Light walking can begin on the second day after surgery, for 10-15 minutes per session, gradually increasing the level of activity to promote blood circulation in the lower limbs. Avoid prolonged sitting, get up and move limbs every 30 minutes, and perform ankle pump exercises, 10 repetitions per set, to assist venous return.

2. Pressure Control: Wear medical compression stockings as directed by your physician to promote venous return through graduated pressure and reduce lower limb swelling. Wear them during daytime activities and remove them while resting at night. The duration of wearing should be adjusted according to the recovery status as advised by your doctor, usually lasting 3-6 months. Choose compression stockings of the correct size to ensure they fit snugly against the skin without being too tight, avoiding interference with blood circulation.

3. Wound Care: Keep the surgical wound clean and dry; avoid getting the wound wet before suture removal to prevent infection. If there is minor exudate from the wound, gently wipe it with a sterile swab before changing the dressing. After suture removal, moisturizing lotion can be applied to relieve dry skin, and scratching around the wound should be avoided to prevent skin damage and subsequent infection.

4. Dietary Regulation: Adopt a light diet and consume more protein-rich foods such as eggs, lean meat, and fish to promote wound healing. Increase intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, such as celery, apples, and bananas, to supplement vitamins and dietary fiber, maintain smooth bowel movements, and avoid increased intra-abdominal pressure from constipation that may affect venous return in the lower limbs.

5. Lifestyle Habits: Control body weight to avoid obesity-induced increased burden on the lower limbs. Avoid wearing tight clothing, shoes, and socks that may compress the blood vessels of the lower limbs. Develop regular sleep patterns, avoid staying up late, and maintain a positive mindset to aid physical recovery.

Regular follow-up visits are necessary after surgery to monitor the recovery of the lower limb veins. If significant swelling, pain, or skin color changes occur in the lower limbs, timely communication with the doctor is needed to implement appropriate measures. Scientific postoperative care can effectively reduce the risk of recurrence and maintain normal function of the lower limbs.