What Can I Expect During My Vein Treatment Procedure?

Medically reviewed by Normand Miller, MD, FACS, RPVI, RVT, on March 25, 2025

Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern—they can cause leg pain, swelling, and itching, as well as symptoms of heaviness and throbbing. If left untreated, they can occasionally lead to more serious conditions such as phlebitis, skin changes at the ankle, and even ulcers of the ankle in severe cases.

Despite the advanced vein treatment options that currently exist, many people still hesitate to seek vein treatment because they fear vein procedures will be uncomfortable, require general anesthesia, or involve a long recovery period that keeps them from work or exercise.

Nothing could be further from the truth!

To help us understand what someone can expect from an outpatient vein procedure at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), we spoke to Normand Miller, MD, FACS, RPVI, RVT, a board-certified vascular surgeon. Dr. Miller leads CVR’s vein clinics in Salem, New Hampshire, and Nashua, New Hampshire.

With over 25 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease, Dr. Miller offers the latest minimally invasive techniques performed as an outpatient, allowing patients to return to their normal routines quickly and comfortably.

In this blog, he shares insights into the treatment process, recovery, and what patients can expect when seeking vein care at CVR vein clinics across America.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Miller in Salem, New Hampshire, CLICK HERE

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Miller in Nashua, New Hampshire, CLICK HERE

To schedule an appointment with any of Center for Vein Restoration's 110+ vein clinics nationwide, CLICK HERE

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins stop functioning properly. Normally, veins transport blood from the feet back to the heart, but when vein valves weaken, blood flows backward with gravity and pools in the leg veins. This increased pressure causes veins to stretch, bulge, and become visible under the skin.

"The problem isn’t just the veins you see. It’s the underlying issue of venous insufficiency, where blood isn't flowing as it should. Our job is to identify and treat the source of the problem." – Dr. Normand Miller

Minimally Invasive Vein Treatments at CVR

Dr. Miller specializes in vein ablation, one of the most common treatments for varicose veins. "Ablation works by sealing off the problematic vein, allowing healthy veins to take over and restore proper circulation," he says. This approach eliminates the need for older, more invasive techniques like vein stripping.

How Vein Ablation Works

1. Diagnosis with Ultrasound
• Before treatment, patients undergo a detailed ultrasound to map out their vein condition. This helps determine the best course of action.
2. The Ablation Procedure
• After injection of a small amount of numbing medicine (local anesthetic), a tiny incision (about 1/16^th inch) is made, and a catheter is inserted into the vein.
• Using laser or radiofrequency energy, the vein is sealed shut.
• The body naturally redirects blood to healthier veins; the treated vein is absorbed over time.
3. Quick Recovery
• The entire procedure generally takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
• Patients can walk immediately after treatment and typically return to normal activities within 48 hours.

Where Does the Blood Go After the Vein is Sealed?

Patients commonly ask me, "If the vein is closed, where does my blood go?" Dr. Miller clarifies, "The body has a network of healthy veins that handle the circulation. Those veins have been compensating for the problematic vein, which wasn’t functioning properly to begin with. So closing it actually improves overall blood flow."

What to Expect During and After Vein Treatment

Many patients are concerned about pain during vein procedures. Dr. Miller reassures, "There is slight discomfort when injecting the numbing medicine, but this is generally well tolerated. Once this process is complete, the rest of the procedure is painless. Most patients say it’s easier than for a dental procedure."

Recovery Timeline

• Day of Procedure: Take it easy and walk a few minutes every hour.
• Next Day: Light activities and errands are fine but avoid prolonged standing.
• 48 Hours Later: Most patients resume normal activities, though high-intensity workouts should wait a few more days.

Preparing for Your Vein Procedure

Patients do not need extensive preparation for vein treatment, but Dr. Miller offers a few key recommendations:

• Avoid blood thinners (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) before the procedure unless instructed otherwise.
• Eat a light meal beforehand to prevent dizziness.
• Bring prescribed compression stockings, as they are required after treatment.

Are Patients Awake During the Procedure?

"Yes, patients are awake throughout the entire procedure," says Dr. Miller. "Some people are nervous about this, but we make sure they’re comfortable. If needed, we can prescribe the patient a mild sedative like Xanax to help with relaxation."

When Will Patients See Results?

Results depend on the severity of the vein condition, but most patients notice improvement within a few days. "After 48 hours, the compression dressing is removed, and patients often see that their varicose veins have already started shrinking," Dr. Miller explains.

Symptom relief, such as reduced leg pain and swelling, is typically noticed within a few days and continues to improve for several weeks as the soft tissues of the leg get the full benefit from improved venous circulation.

Follow-Up and Long-Term Vein Care

After the procedure, patients return for two follow-up visits:

• First visit 3-7 days post-treatment): Ultrasound check-up to ensure that there is no clotting complication (a rare event- 1%).
• Second visit (4-6 weeks later): Clinical and ultrasound assessment to confirm successful treatment.

Dr. Miller also emphasizes the importance of additional follow-up visits and the long-term use of compression stockings for some conditions, such as phlebitis, venous ulcers, and skin changes:

"Those conditions are very often chronic, meaning that new problems can develop over time. That’s where regular checkups are beneficial."– Dr. Normand Miller

Why Choose CVR for Vein Treatment?

At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), vein treatment isn’t just a service—it’s a specialty. Dr. Miller highlights what sets CVR apart:

• Full-time vein care experts: Vein conditions are all they treat, making them highly specialized.
• Comprehensive treatment options: CVR offers a full range of minimally invasive treatments, from vein ablation for varicose veins to sclerotherapy for spider veins.
• Decades of experience and advanced training: Like many CVR vein physicians, Dr. Miller has decades of experience treating vein disorders. Many CVR vein physicians have completed the prestigious Venous and Lymphatic Medicine Fellowship offered by Center for Vein Restoration. Granted by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in 2017. The fellowship is a 12-month program designed to provide broad training in diagnosing and managing patients suffering from chronic venous disorders.

Take the Next Step in Your Vein Health Journey

Don’t let fear or misinformation keep you from seeking the relief from leg pain you deserve. Modern vein treatments are safe, effective, and require minimal downtime, allowing you to get back to your daily life quickly.

At Center for Vein Restoration, expert care is just an appointment away. Whether you're dealing with leg swelling, fatigue, or visible varicose veins, our board-certified specialists are here to help you regain your comfort and confidence.

Take the first step today—schedule a consultation at one of CVR’s 110+ vein clinics nationwide and start your journey to healthier, pain-free legs. Call 240-965-3915 to schedule a consultation, or book your appointment online HERE now.