Can you travel after spider or varicose vein treatment?

I often get asked by patients if they can travel after their spider or varicose vein treatment. The answer depends on what sort of treatment has been done and what sort of travel. Also to be considered is the specific risk factors that relate to a particular patient. Generally speaking, in the absence of other risk factors, travel is not restricted after microsclerotherapy for cosmetic concerns (spider veins and reticular veins). If varicose veins are treated by Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) or Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA) then the patient needs to be reviewed within 1 week and I suggest that they do not do any flying during this period.

I usually suggest that a patient does not undertake overseas travel for 2 weeks because if they have any concerns after vein treatment they are more likely to occur during this period. It is of course easier and less stressful for all concerned to deal with these concerns when the patient is not overseas. Hence he limitation on flying it is more of a practical consideration rather than a risk consideration. That being said there is evidence that flying for over 4 hours is a risk factor so for all people (not just those who have had treatment) the preventative activities should be adhered to for overseas travel. These include the wearing of travel socks, drinking plenty of water, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and regular up and down movements of the feet whilst sitting. For people who have a high risk of clots then it may be appropriate to also consider the use of blood thinning injections.