Why Spring 2021 is the Perfect Time for Varicose Vein Treatment

With summertime near and more people receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, spring 2021 is a great time to treat your varicose veins.

With much of the nation covered in snow and still dealing with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not easy picturing scenes of sunny skies and beaches. Yet all signs point to better times ahead in springtime. The vaccine rollout has begun in earnest — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report more than 70 million doses have been delivered, with nearly 53 million COVID vaccines administered as of February 14. Given those numbers, about 12 percent of the U.S. population has received at least one vaccine dosage of what is a two-dose regimen.

And more is coming. The Biden administration has ordered 200 million more doses, which should be available by summertime. That should be enough to vaccinate a population of over 300 million. As more people receive the vaccine, we can slowly but steadily begin the return to our normal lives — and get out and enjoy the warmer weather.

So if you’ve been considering treatment for your varicose veins, now is the time to schedule your procedure — not only because it allows for an appropriate recovery period before summer, but also before the nation begins to open up and emerge from the pandemic.

Why Spring 2021 is the Perfect Time to Treat Your Varicose Veins

As the calendar turns from winter to spring, it’s natural to look ahead to summer. After all, who wouldn’t welcome warmer temperatures? People with varicose veins, however, may dread the warmer weather — after all, it means exposing the varicose veins on their legs. Although today’s varicose vein therapies are minimally invasive and require little to no downtime, you’ll still need a brief recovery period — and the springtime gives you just enough time to heal before jumping into summertime clothes and activities.

A vein specialist can discuss the variety of treatments currently available with you. Common procedures include sclerotherapy, which uses a safe substance to seal off damaged veins, or laser ablation, a technique using laser heat to collapse the varicose vein. Once the clogged vein is treated, blood flows to healthier veins, and the swollen ropes of varicose veins gradually disappear.

Because the treatments require minimal anesthesia, if any at all, you can return to normal activities almost immediately. Nevertheless, as with any surgical procedure, there will be a recovery period of a month before you’re completely cured. That’s why receiving treatment during spring offers the maximum amount of healing time before summer arrives. Here’s why:

You Can Cover Up. Even though you’ll feel little to no pain, varicose vein treatments leave minor bruising, redness, and swelling, at least for a short period. But those bruises are easily covered up with long pants and skirts if you receive treatment in spring.

Compression Stockings Feel Comfortable. Following varicose vein procedures, your vein specialist will recommend you wear compression stockings. These tight elastic socks gently press the veins and ensure blood flows back to the heart and doesn’t collect in the veins (which is why the bulge outward from under the skin). This helps in the healing process. Yet wearing compression stockings in hot weather can be sticky and uncomfortable. If you put on compression stockings when the weather is cooler, you won’t experience any discomfort.

You’re Shielded From the Sun. Exposing legs treated for varicose veins could cause skin discolorations. Long pants and skirts not only hide bruises, but they keep harsh sunlight from scorching your skin, as well. In general, heat isn’t good for varicose veins. Too much heat overwhelms already weakened veins, leading to increased swelling. So when you’re healing from varicose vein treatments, it’s best to shield yourself from the sun as much as possible — which is easier to do in spring.

We’re Ready to Help

As the nation’s vaccine rollout continues and restrictions ease, mitigation practices such as wearing masks, social distancing, and hand washing are strongly recommended. Center for Vein Restoration branches are open for consultations and treatments following strict COVID-19 protocols. If you are dealing with the pain of varicose veins or simply want to have unblemished legs for the summer, don’t delay treatment any longer. Contact us today for an appointment.