What to Expect When Recovering From Vascular Surgery

A woman talking to a doctor after having surgery by Arizona Vein & Laser Institute

Recovering From Vascular Surgery: What to Expect

If you or a loved one is about to have vascular surgery, you probably have questions about the recovery process. The Arizona Vein and Laser Institute is here to answer them at any of our six convenient locations throughout the Valley. We’re known for providing advanced vascular surgery, with our skilled medical team using cutting-edge technology to treat a range of vascular conditions. But before you undergo any procedure, let us highlight what vascular surgery is, what to expect during recovery, and how long it typically takes to heal.

What Is Vascular Surgery?

Vascular surgery involves treating blood vessel problems in your arteries and veins. Our surgeons may perform vascular procedures to address varicose veins, remove blockages, fix aneurysms, or improve blood flow in your legs. The good news is that modern techniques have made vascular surgery less invasive and safer than ever before, which helps cut down on recovery time.

Recovering From Vascular Surgery

Recovering from vascular surgery depends on the type of procedure you have. Immediately following vascular surgery, you’ll slowly wake up and get your bearings as doctors monitor you in a recovery area. Meanwhile, nurses will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and incision site to ensure everything is normal. Some patients remain in the hospital for only a few hours, while others may stay several days. The length of your stay will depend on your surgery and overall health.

Once you’re home, you may experience tiredness, swelling, or mild pain around your incision. Most people can walk within a day or two but should avoid heavy lifting. Follow your doctor’s instructions to prevent problems and allow your body to heal.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Vascular Surgery?

Many of our patients’ first question revolves around how long it takes to recover from vascular surgery. Again, the answer depends on your surgery type and health. Some people bounce back in a week or two, especially after minimally invasive procedures. Other surgeries may require four to six weeks for a full recovery. During a consultation, we’ll outline the recovery process and what you can expect so that there are no surprises after your procedure.

Tips for Faster Healing

Of course, you’ll want to heal from vascular surgery as quickly as possible. To help you do so, we’ve highlighted a list of tips to expedite recovery below:

Follow All Instructions – Take your medication as directed, rest when needed, and attend every follow-up appointment.
Keep Moving – Walk every day if your doctor says it’s okay. Moving helps with blood flow and speeds up healing.
Care for Your Incision – Keep the incision site clean and watch for signs of infection, like redness or swelling.
Eat a Healthy Diet – Good nutrition supports your body’s recovery.
Ask for Help – Don’t feel like you have to do everything yourself. Friends and family can assist while you heal.

Contact Us for Vascular Surgery Recovery Support

Every vascular surgery recovery and timeline is unique. But if you want expert care and additional answers about what to expect, there’s no better team to call than the Arizona Vein and Laser Institute. We have state-of-the-art clinics in Avondale, Chandler, Glendale, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Surprise, AZ, to serve you. Contact us today for expert vascular surgery recovery support.