Did you know that if you have recently undergone venous ablation for varicose vein treatment or venous insufficiency, you are at a slightly higher risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) when traveling on long flights? Here at the Laser Vascular Center, we treat many patients who frequently travel for work or pleasure, often to destinations that require lengthy air travel. A common question we get is whether it’s safe to fly after varicose vein ablation. While it’s generally advisable to wait 2-3 weeks post-ablation, this can be challenging with busy schedules.

If you are considering flying shortly after your venous ablation procedure, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Get a Follow-Up Ultrasound

All patients who undergo Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) should have a follow-up ultrasound within a week. Ablation can sometimes cause clots to form near the groin, occurring in about 1% of patients, a condition known as Endovenous Heat-Induced Thrombosis (EHIT). EHIT is classified based on the thrombus’s proximity to the deep vein or if it’s within it. The ultrasound is a quick procedure that can determine the risk of DVT and is essential to ensure there are no complications.

Use of Oral Anticoagulants

If your follow-up ultrasound detects a clot near the deep veins, especially if you are planning to fly, you might be prescribed oral anticoagulants for a week or more to prevent the clot from growing. Usually, one or two weeks of anticoagulation is sufficient, and these medications are very effective and safe in preventing dangerous blood clots.

Other Helpful Tips

Regardless of whether you’ve had recent venous ablation, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of DVT during flights:

Compression Stockings: These help prevent leg swelling during flights and keep your legs feeling refreshed. They promote blood flow through the deep veins.

Regular Walking: It’s important to get up frequently during long flights to walk and keep the blood flowing through your legs and body. Walk up and down the aisles several times and perform calf exercises while seated.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout your flight. Dehydration increases the risk of DVT. Staying hydrated means more trips to the restroom, which encourages walking.

While flying soon after venous ablation isn’t ideal, patients can significantly reduce their risk of DVT by staying hydrated, walking frequently, and wearing compression stockings. Ensure you have a post-operative ultrasound before traveling. If there is a reasonable risk of DVT based on the ultrasound, oral anticoagulation treatment should be administered.

Please inform us of your travel plans at the time of your surgery. We will work with you to ensure your safety and prevent any issues if you need to travel post-procedure.

Venous ablation is a common medical procedure for treating varicose veins. Different types of ablations include laser (EVLT), radiofrequency (RFA), and glue or cyanoacrylate (VenaSeal). Essentially, these techniques close off malfunctioning superficial veins, redirecting blood flow to the deep veins.

For comprehensive care and expert advice, contact the Laser Vascular Center at (480) 788-5621. Our vein specialists will guide you through safe travel practices and effective vein treatments to ensure you remain healthy and complication-free during your journeys.

Keywords: Sclerotherapy, Spider Vein Removal, Varicose Vein Treatment, Vascular Surgeon, Vein, Vein Clinic, Vein Doctor, Vein Removal, Vein Specialist, Vein Treatment, USA Vein Clinics

We are offering FREE vein screenings for a limited time

Our expert team is available Mon-Fri 8am-5pm MST

Call today: (480) 788-5621

FFREE VEIN SCREENING

Please fill out the form below and a member of our team will promptly contact you!

Follow us on social media!

Did you know that if you have recently undergone venous ablation for varicose vein treatment or venous insufficiency, you are at a slightly higher risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) when traveling on long flights? Here at the Laser Vascular Center, we treat many patients who frequently travel for work or pleasure, often to destinations that require lengthy air travel. A common question we get is whether it’s safe to fly after varicose vein ablation. While it’s generally advisable to wait 2-3 weeks post-ablation, this can be challenging with busy schedules.

If you are considering flying shortly after your venous ablation procedure, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Get a Follow-Up Ultrasound

All patients who undergo Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) should have a follow-up ultrasound within a week. Ablation can sometimes cause clots to form near the groin, occurring in about 1% of patients, a condition known as Endovenous Heat-Induced Thrombosis (EHIT). EHIT is classified based on the thrombus’s proximity to the deep vein or if it’s within it. The ultrasound is a quick procedure that can determine the risk of DVT and is essential to ensure there are no complications.

Use of Oral Anticoagulants

If your follow-up ultrasound detects a clot near the deep veins, especially if you are planning to fly, you might be prescribed oral anticoagulants for a week or more to prevent the clot from growing. Usually, one or two weeks of anticoagulation is sufficient, and these medications are very effective and safe in preventing dangerous blood clots.

Other Helpful Tips

Regardless of whether you’ve had recent venous ablation, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of DVT during flights:

Compression Stockings: These help prevent leg swelling during flights and keep your legs feeling refreshed. They promote blood flow through the deep veins.

Regular Walking: It’s important to get up frequently during long flights to walk and keep the blood flowing through your legs and body. Walk up and down the aisles several times and perform calf exercises while seated.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout your flight. Dehydration increases the risk of DVT. Staying hydrated means more trips to the restroom, which encourages walking.

While flying soon after venous ablation isn’t ideal, patients can significantly reduce their risk of DVT by staying hydrated, walking frequently, and wearing compression stockings. Ensure you have a post-operative ultrasound before traveling. If there is a reasonable risk of DVT based on the ultrasound, oral anticoagulation treatment should be administered.

Please inform us of your travel plans at the time of your surgery. We will work with you to ensure your safety and prevent any issues if you need to travel post-procedure.

Venous ablation is a common medical procedure for treating varicose veins. Different types of ablations include laser (EVLT), radiofrequency (RFA), and glue or cyanoacrylate (VenaSeal). Essentially, these techniques close off malfunctioning superficial veins, redirecting blood flow to the deep veins.

For comprehensive care and expert advice, contact the Laser Vascular Center at (480) 788-5621. Our vein specialists will guide you through safe travel practices and effective vein treatments to ensure you remain healthy and complication-free during your journeys.

Keywords: Sclerotherapy, Spider Vein Removal, Varicose Vein Treatment, Vascular Surgeon, Vein, Vein Clinic, Vein Doctor, Vein Removal, Vein Specialist, Vein Treatment, USA Vein Clinics

We are offering FREE vein screenings for a limited time

Our expert team is available Mon-Fri 8am-5pm MST

Call today: (480) 788-5621

FREE VEIN SCREENING

Please fill out the form below and a member of our team will promptly contact you!

Follow us on social media!