Post Operative Information

You are wearing class 2 compression stocking(s) after your procedure

• Wear the stocking(s) all the time for the first week
• In the second week, wear them during the day only
• Do not take the stocking(s) off to shower in the first week
• To keep them dry:
  • Use a waterproof shower cover from the chemist, or
  • Cover the stocking with a plastic bag
• If the stocking gets wet:
  • Dry it with a towel or hairdryer

• A small amount of clear fluid from your leg is normal
  • This is from the local anaesthetic
• You may see a small amount of blood through the stocking
• If bleeding does not stop:
  • Raise your leg
  • Press firmly on the area for 30 minutes
• If you have a bandage:
  • Remove it after 8 hours (or earlier if told)
  • Do not remove the compression stocking underneath
• Steri-strips and dressings:
  • Remove after 1 week
  • Keep them dry until then
  • Do not pull them off if stuck — they will fall off on their own

• Walk regularly during the day
• Aim for 30–60 minutes of gentle walking each day
• For the first week:
  • Do not do any exercise other than walking
  • Do not lift more than 5 kg

How You May Feel
Feeling tired and sore is normal. Recovery is different for everyone

Pain
Some pain or discomfort is normal as well as bruising or swelling around the wound. Take pain relief as prescribed

• Keep the wound clean and dry
• Change the dressing if required and shown
• Do not have baths, go swimming, or use spas until Dr Bullen says it is safe to do so
• Call Circulation Health if the wound is:
  • Red
  • Very painful
  • Swollen or warm
  • Leaking fluid

• Gentle walking helps healing
• Avoid heavy lifting and hard exercise

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed
• Do not stop any medicine unless your doctor tells you

• Attend all follow-up appointments
• These visits help check your healing and blood flow

Go to the Emergency Department if you have:

• Increasing pain, redness, or swelling
• Fever or feel very unwell
• Sudden leg pain, numbness, coldness, or colour change
• Bleeding that will not stop
• Chest pain or trouble breathing