I prefer the former two methods. Following surgery I prefer to keep a compression bandage on for 24 hours. This can be replaced by a stocking until the first clinic visit one week later, and then dispensed with. Following surgery patients can walk, carry on with their social activities, go shopping etc. Surgery is associated with very little pain or tenderness.
Most patients can commence work a week after surgery or less.
If the radio frequency ablation technique is used this can be as short as 48 hours. For patients with long saphenous vein incompetence the standard procedure involves a small groin incision. The lesser saphenous vein is similarly dealt with except that the incision is behind the knee where this vein drains into the popliteal vein. This involves passing a catheter up the long saphenous vein. A current is passed through the electrode at the tip.