Follow-Up After You Return Home

Why does follow-up matter after medical tourism?

Varicose veins are a chronic condition. Even after a well-performed treatment, new veins can form, and veins that were normal can start to leak over time, including small perforator veins. That is not a sign that treatment failed; it is the nature of the disease. Regular checks find new reflux early, when it is simple to treat. Read can varicose veins come back?

When you are treated abroad, follow-up needs a little more planning. This page explains how LEDAS supports you once you are home.

What should I do in the first weeks at home?

• Keep walking. LEDAS advises light walking for 2–4 weeks after treatment. Short, regular walks are better than one long one.
• Wear your stockings for as long as your doctor told you to.
• Expect some normal sensations. After laser treatment, a pulling pain along the treated vein for 1–2 weeks is common. After injections, treated veins may look darker and feel firm for a while; this is part of normal healing.
• Avoid heat and stillness. Skip saunas and hot baths for now, and avoid sitting or standing still for long periods.
• Raise your legs above heart level when resting.

See aftercare instructions and the recovery timeline .

How does LEDAS stay in touch?

1. Your coordinator remains your contact. Email kbjledaspm@gmail.com or call +82-70-4895-5086 with questions. The coordinator passes them to the doctor and replies in your language.
2. Share photos and updates if you are unsure whether something is normal, such as a bruise or a firm vein.
3. Remote consultation centers in Mongolia, Russia, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, China and Kyrgyzstan can help with communication and records. See remote consultation centers .
4. Relapse prevention on return trips. The coordinator helps you book checks whenever you are back in Korea.

Should I see a doctor in my own country?

Yes, it is a good idea to let your regular doctor know you have been treated. Before you leave Korea, ask for a medical statement in English describing your diagnosis and treatment. Medical statements are issued in Korean or English. Give a copy to your local doctor so they understand what was done if you need care at home. See medical documents .

How often should I have follow-up ultrasound?

LEDAS recommends a follow-up ultrasound every 1–2 years , or whenever you visit Korea, and continues these checks even after full recovery. At each visit the doctor scans your legs to look for new reflux. If a problem is found, it can often be treated with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy , which takes a short time. Overseas patients receive preventive examinations and any needed treatment on each visit. Learn about the relapse prevention program .

Which symptoms need urgent attention?

Go to your nearest emergency department or call emergency services if you have:

• sudden swelling, pain, warmth or redness in one leg, especially the calf;
• sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood.

These can be signs of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. After getting help, tell your LEDAS coordinator.

Contact LEDAS soon if you notice: pain that gets worse instead of better, a hot or red area that spreads, a wound that will not heal, or new bulging veins.

Your follow-up plan after returning home

Follow-up from abroad – frequently asked questions