Treatments · Long-term care
Follow-Up After Varicose Vein Treatment: Ultrasound and Long-Term Care
Quick answer: After varicose vein treatment you should have a check-up to confirm the treated veins have closed, then regular follow-up ultrasound. LEDAS in Busan recommends a scan every one to two years, or whenever overseas patients visit Korea, continuing even after full recovery. At each visit the doctor looks for new reflux so it can be treated early.
Key facts at a glance
- Short-term check: confirms the treated veins are closed and healing well.
- Long-term interval: ultrasound every 1–2 years.
- International patients: follow-up whenever you are in Korea; coordinator support between visits.
- Purpose: find new reflux early, before it becomes visible or symptomatic.
- Equipment: Philips EPIQ Elite ultrasound; exam takes about 15–20 minutes with real-time explanation.
- If new reflux is found: usually treated promptly with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy.
Why is follow-up needed after varicose vein treatment?
Treatment closes the veins that are leaking at the time. It does not remove the reasons varicose veins developed: inherited vein wall weakness, hormones, age, work posture and lifestyle. Over the years, new reflux can begin in veins that were healthy before, often silently. Follow-up ultrasound finds these changes early, when they are small and simple to treat.
Lack of preventive follow-up is one of the three main causes of recurrence identified by Dr. Kim Byoung Joon, alongside incomplete diagnosis and the wrong treatment plan. Lifetime monitoring is therefore built into the LEDAS treatment system as its third stage.
What is the follow-up schedule at LEDAS?
Early check-up
Shortly after treatment, a check confirms that the laser-treated vein has sealed, that injected veins are closing as expected and that the deep veins are clear. Smaller residual vessels may be treated at this stage as part of the intensive phase. International patients can plan this around their stay in Busan.
Long-term monitoring
After that, LEDAS recommends an ultrasound check every one to two years. For patients who live abroad, the check can be done each time you visit Korea instead. These checks continue even after you have fully recovered and feel well.
Sooner if needed
Do not wait for your next scheduled visit if you notice new bulging veins, returning heaviness or aching, ankle swelling, or skin darkening or itching near the ankle.
What happens at a follow-up visit?
- Conversation about how your legs have felt and any changes since your last visit.
- Standing ultrasound on the LEDAS-designed examination table, checking treated veins, untreated veins, perforators and the deep system.
- Real-time explanation on a large monitor, so you see what the doctor sees.
- Plan: either reassurance and the next check date, or prompt treatment of new reflux.
The examination usually takes about 15–20 minutes. Learn more about the scan in duplex ultrasound vein examination .
What if new reflux is found?
Early findings are usually small and can often be treated quickly with ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy , an injection that takes a few minutes and lets you resume daily activity straight away. Larger new trunks may need laser treatment . If varicose veins have clearly returned, the re-operation clinic investigates why and plans accordingly.
How does follow-up work if I live overseas?
Overseas patients receive preventive examinations and any needed treatment on each visit to Korea. Between visits, the international coordinator stays in touch, helps you communicate with the doctor, and can help you arrange your next appointment when you plan a trip. Remote consultation centers in seven countries (Mongolia, Russia, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, China and Kyrgyzstan) can help exchange records and prepare for visits. See follow-up after you return home and remote consultation centers .
What can I do between check-ups?
Walk daily, avoid standing or sitting still for long periods, raise your legs when resting, limit prolonged heat such as saunas, keep a healthy weight, and wear compression on long flights. More ideas are in how to prevent varicose veins .
Follow-up schedule at a glance
| When | Purpose | International patients |
|---|---|---|
| Shortly after treatment | Confirm closure; treat residual small veins | Planned during your stay in Busan |
| Every 1–2 years | Look for new reflux | Whenever you visit Korea |
| New symptoms at any time | Early assessment | Contact the coordinator; online consultation |
| Between visits | Healthy habits, compression when advised | Coordinator keeps in touch |
Follow-up care – frequently asked questions
How often should I have an ultrasound after vein treatment?
LEDAS recommends a follow-up ultrasound once every one to two years after the early post-treatment check. International patients can have it whenever they visit Korea. Come sooner if you notice new veins, swelling or returning heaviness.
Can I have follow-up scans in my home country?
You can have a vein ultrasound locally, and sharing the report with LEDAS can be helpful. For the most consistent comparison, though, LEDAS performs preventive exams on each visit to Korea. The coordinator can help you exchange records and arrange appointments.
What does a follow-up visit cost?
Costs depend on what is needed at the visit, such as an ultrasound alone or additional treatment. Ask the international coordinator for current fees before your visit. Any treatment cost is quoted after the ultrasound.
Is follow-up still necessary years after treatment?
Yes. Varicose veins are a chronic condition, and new reflux can develop many years later. Periodic checks continue even after full recovery because finding changes early keeps treatment simple and helps maintain your result.
About this page
Clinical information:
LEDAS Varicose Vein Clinic, led by
Dr. Kim Byoung Joon , thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, founding member of the Korean Society for Phlebology.
Medical reviewer:
Dr. Kim Byoung Joon ·
Review status:
Pending ·
Last updated:
October 2026
This page is general information and not a diagnosis. Treatment is decided only after an in-person examination. Read our
editorial policy .
Related: Relapse prevention · Follow-up from home · Re-operation clinic · EPIQ Elite ultrasound · Results
Due for a check-up? Schedule your follow-up scan
English consultation available · +82-70-4895-5086 · kbjledaspm@gmail.com
