PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

• NPO (no food or water after midnight)
1. You may have a sip of water with your routine medication; however, if you are on a blood thinner (Plavix or Coumadin) stop taking it FOUR days before.
2. You may brush your teeth, do not swallow water.
3. You may swish you mouth with mouthwash or water, do not swallow.
• Clothes should be comfortable and loose fitting( short sleeved shirt that is button down or zippered; looses fitting pants-no jeans or tight fighting bottoms)
• Shoes should be slip on. You may wear socks; it might be cold in the Operating Room.
• Be sure to obtain prescription for compression stockings, as you will need them for your surgery. Bring your stockings with you; wear one on non-operative leg.
• Make us aware of ANY ALLERGIES you may have.
• Please leave valuables at home.  If you need your cell phone please put it on vibrate/silent.
Be sure to make you follow-up appointment.

POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

• Take any prescriptions as directed, as well as, Motrin (i.e.; Advil) as prescribed, with food. This will help with pain and swelling, even if you do not have pain, be sure to take the Motrin, this will treat the inflammation.
• You my notice some light pink drainage on your bandage. This is normal and is just excess local anesthetic.
• Should you have pain (you have been given a local anesthetic, which will be slowly absorbed over the next few hours) you may place ice over the affected areas or if area is too tender you may place ice at groin and back of knee. You may ice as often as needed for 15 minutes at a time.
• Start by eating a bland diet the first night, slowly throughout the day introduce your regular foods.
• Be sure to drinks lots of water.
• Leave dressing on for 48 hours.
• You are encouraged to walk immediately after the procedure and walk at least 3 times a day for a minimum of 10 to 20 minutes every two hours. Try not to sit or stand for long periods of time. When you do sit elevate your operative leg.
• You may place Band-Aids with antibiotic ointment on incision sites.
• You may sponge bathe only until the dressing is removed. After removing the dressing, you may resume bathing as usual.
• After removing the bandage, put on your compression stocking.
• You may notice some tenderness, tingling sensation, itching and tightness on and around treatment area. Also there may be discoloration in the skin; bruising, possible blisters.
• During the next two weeks resume normal activities; However during these 2 weeks it would be best to avoid vigorous workouts (high impact aerobics, jogging, or weight lifting), very hot baths and excessive sun exposure. Your activity should be whatever does not cause you pain. Remember this is different for everyone and will change over a period of time. This is will actually improve your venous pressure in your legs. If you feel discomfort SLOW DOWN. If you MUST be out in the sun use sunscreen (at least 30 SPF) on your legs for approximately 2-3 months. This is to avoid darkening of the skin where you have been treated.

Call Atlanta Vein Specialist if you experience any of the following:

• Prolonged tenderness, redness, or warmth along the treated area
• Moderate to severe pain preventing the return of normal activities
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Cramping in your leg
• Fever of 101 degrees or higher

Some Lifestyle adjustments that may help prevent future varicose veins:

• Avoid crossing legs at the knees when sitting
• Refrain from wearing high heels
• Avoid clothing that is tight around groin
• Elevate legs and/or walk frequently throughout the day