Vascular Surgery

Vascular & Vein Treatments

Vascular and Vein treatments in Nashville

Your first appointment with a vascular surgeon will involve a vascular ultrasound.

This test will help the trained vascular specialist assess the condition of your veins.

Ultrasounds also help your surgeon know the exact position of your veins to plan a more effective course of treatments. If serious intervention is necessary, we can talk you through vascular surgery options.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a vascular condition characterized by narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow to the limbs, most commonly the legs. This narrowing is often caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arterial walls. PAD can lead to symptoms such as leg pain, cramping, numbness, or weakness, particularly during physical activity. Left untreated, PAD can progress to more severe complications, including non-healing wounds, tissue damage, and even limb amputation in extreme cases. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and non-invasive tests such as ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement or Doppler ultrasound. Treatment strategies for PAD aim to alleviate symptoms, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of complications. Lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation, regular exercise, and a healthy diet are essential components of PAD management. Additionally, medications to manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels may be prescribed. In advanced cases or when symptoms are severe, minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery may be recommended to restore blood flow to the affected limbs. Early detection and proactive management are crucial in preventing progression and optimizing vascular health for individuals living with PAD.

What to Expect After Vein Stripping

Recovery from vein stripping, a procedure often used to treat troublesome varicose veins in the leg, typically unfolds over the course of a few weeks. You can expect some bruising and swelling in the treated leg for the first couple of weeks, which is a normal part of the healing process. Wearing compression stockings as recommended can help minimize these symptoms and support healthy blood flow as your body recovers.

It’s important to get up and walk soon after the procedure—gentle activity helps promote circulation and speeds up healing. Begin with light walking and gradually increase your activity level as you feel comfortable, taking care to avoid intense or strenuous exercise in the early stages. Most people find they can return to regular work activities within one to two weeks, while a full recovery generally takes two to four weeks.

If you experience significant discomfort, elevating your legs and using over-the-counter pain relief can help manage mild symptoms. Always follow your surgeon’s advice for wound care and activity, and reach out to them if you notice unusual swelling, pain, or signs of infection.

Physical Activity After Vein Procedures

Following a vein procedure, gentle walking is encouraged as soon as you feel able. Light activity helps promote healthy blood flow and reduces the risk of complications. Most patients can gradually return to their everyday routines over the first couple of weeks. However, you’ll want to avoid strenuous activities—especially running, jumping, or heavy lifting—during this initial healing period. A good rule of thumb: ease back into your usual schedule, listening to your body and skipping high-impact workouts until cleared by your surgeon.

Recovery After Office-Based Vein Procedures

When it comes to office-based treatments like sclerotherapy and endovascular vein therapy, the recovery process tends to be straightforward and manageable for most people. Typically, recovery time for these procedures ranges from about one to two weeks. During this period, it’s common to experience some bruising and swelling—nothing out of the ordinary, and these symptoms usually improve with the use of compression stockings, which you’ll wear for the first week or two.

One of the advantages of these minimally invasive therapies is how quickly you can return to daily routines. Most patients are able to go back to work as soon as the next day following their procedure. Light walking is encouraged right away, helping to promote healthy circulation and speed healing. However, it’s best to avoid activities that involve running or jumping for the first two weeks, giving your veins a chance to heal properly.

Overall, with a little care and some minor adjustments to your activity, recovery after sclerotherapy or endovascular therapy is typically smooth and allows for a quick return to normal life.

Returning to Work After Vein Procedures

Many patients wonder how soon they’ll be able to get back to work after a vein procedure. Fortunately, most modern treatments are designed with minimal downtime in mind.

For minimally invasive procedures—such as sclerotherapy or endovascular vein therapies for varicose and spider veins—recovery is generally quite fast. In most cases, patients are able to resume desk jobs or light activities as soon as the following day. Mild bruising and swelling are expected, but wearing compression stockings for one to two weeks can help alleviate these symptoms. Gentle walking is encouraged right after your procedure, but you should hold off on running or high-impact activities for about two weeks.

For surgical vein stripping, which is less common but sometimes necessary for more significant vein issues, recovery takes a bit longer. Patients will typically notice swelling and bruising for a couple of weeks and are also advised to use compression stockings during this period. Most people can expect to return to work within one to two weeks after surgery, though full recovery may take up to a month. Again, staying lightly active—like walking—is recommended to boost circulation, but strenuous exercise should be postponed until your surgeon gives the all-clear.

What to Expect After Vein Procedures

It’s completely normal to experience some bruising and swelling following vein treatments. These effects are a natural part of the healing process as your body adjusts. To minimize discomfort and speed up recovery, your surgeon will likely recommend wearing compression stockings for the first week or two. These specialized stockings help support your veins, reduce swelling, and encourage healthy blood flow during your recovery period.

If you have concerns about sensations or noticeable changes after your procedure, be sure to reach out to your care team—they’re here to make your recovery as smooth as possible.

What is vascular surgery?

Vascular surgery is a specialty surgery practice used to manage heart and blood flow problems. These issues include vascular infections and vascular diseases, which affect the vascular system, veins, arteries, and lymphatic circulation. Some conditions that vascular surgeons treat include Peripheral Artery Disease, Chronic Venous Insufficiency, Deep Vein Thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and aneurysms.

Minimally invasive surgeries like catheter procedures and surgical reconstruction are utilized in vascular surgery medical therapies.

Only a trained surgeon, called a vascular surgeon, can treat vascular problems and diseases. People sometimes also call these specialists an artery surgeon or blood vessel surgeon, since they treat arterial and blood vessel problems.

Common vascular surgery techniques include:

→ Atherectomy – removal of atheroscolerosis, or surgical removal of plaque build up from blood vessels

→ Angioplasty and stenting – procedure to widen narrowed or blocked arteries or veins

→ Arteriovenous (AV) fistula – surgical connection between an artery and a vein

→ Arteriovenous (AV) graft – similar to AV fistula, but a surgeon will connect an artery to a vein with a synthetic tube

→ Thrombectomy – procedure to remove a blood clot from an artery or vein

→ Open abdominal surgery – for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

→ Vascular bypass surgery – procedure to reroute blood flow to pass a blocked artery, commonly a vascular surgery performed on legs

→ Open carotid and femoral endarterectomy – surgical removal of plaque from arteries that run from the neck to the brain (carotid), or plaque removal from arteries running from groin to legs (femoral)

Recovery After Arterial Procedures: Balloon Angioplasty and Stenting

After undergoing arterial procedures like balloon angioplasty and stenting, patients typically spend a short period in the hospital for monitoring and initial recovery. Mild bruising or soreness near the procedure site is common in the first few days, but these symptoms generally resolve on their own.

During recovery, patients are encouraged to begin walking soon after the procedure, gradually increasing their activity as they feel more comfortable. However, it’s important to avoid sitting or standing for extended periods. When resting, elevating the legs can help promote healthy circulation and reduce swelling.

Full recovery usually takes around eight weeks, though this can vary depending on individual health and the complexity of the procedure. Following your care team’s instructions—regarding activity restrictions, medications, and wound care—will help ensure a smooth healing process and improve long-term vascular health.

Vascular Procecdure Center (VPC) → Learn about our Vascular Procedure Center where we perform venous and vascular procedures for our patients across Tennessee. Using the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques, we offer patients hospital-level care in a convenient outpatient facility.

As an independent procedure center in the Nashville area, we have access to the most cutting-edge vascular procedure techniques and technologies. These techniques and technologies are not available anywhere else.