If you are considering having laser surgery for your varicose veins, your doctor will discuss things that you need to do in order to enjoy an uneventful recovery after your procedure. There are things, however, that may not be included in your discussion with the surgeon, but are nonetheless, very important. Here are three situations that may slow your recovery after undergoing laser surgery for your varicose veins, and what you can do to prevent complications:

Vitamin C Deficiency

A vitamin C deficiency may lead to poor wound healing after your procedure. If you smoke, take aspirin on a daily basis, drink a large amount of coffee, or if your diet lacks citrus fruit or dark green vegetables, you may be at risk for developing a vitamin C deficiency. According to Care 2, vitamin C helps accelerate wound healing and aids in the production of collagen, however, aspirin may deplete this essential vitamin.

Chronic aspirin use can interfere with your body's ability to absorb vitamin C, while habitual coffee consumption may lead to frequent urination. Coffee is a diuretic, and when you experience urinary frequency, the vitamins from the foods you consume may be excreted through your urine. To promote effective wound healing after your varicose vein procedure, eat foods rich in vitamin C or talk to your health care provider about taking supplements. 

Poor Diabetic Control

If you do not maintain tight control over your blood glucose levels, your healing may be delayed after laser surgery. High levels of blood sugar can affect circulation, and when there isn't proper blood flow going to the surgical sites on your legs, you may be at a heightened risk for developing infections or open wounds.

During your recovery period, make sure you monitor your blood glucose per your doctor's orders, take your prescribed antihyperglycemic agents, and follow your therapeutic diabetic diet. These interventions will help ensure that your circulating blood sugar levels stay within normal limits so that effective healing can take place.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking impairs circulation and can damage small capillaries. When this occurs, your treatment sites may fail to heal properly. If you smoke, try quitting or cutting down a couple days before your laser surgery. If you are unable to quit smoking on your own, talk to your physician about smoking cessation methods such as nicotine patches or gum, oral medications, support groups, or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Not only will quitting smoking help ensure that you heal properly after your varicose vein procedure, it will also help bring about long-term health benefits such as a stronger cardiovascular and respiratory system, and it will also also help reduce your risk for smoking-related illnesses.

If you smoke, have diabetes, or think you may have a vitamin C or other nutritional deficiency, tell your surgeon prior to your procedure. The more your healthcare team knows about your lifestyle choices and medical history, the more likely you are to have a speedy recovery from laser surgery.