Does having a superficial blood clot in my varicose vein greatly increase my risk of DVT? How soon before I can fly long haul?

I have painful, severe varicose veins in my rt leg. I also have swelling/pain/heaviness in both. Last year, a vein surgeon confirmed this is due to problems with veins in both legs and suggested EVLA and sclerotherapy. I needed to fly long haul 1-month after and due to having small phlebitis on my right varicose vein, she said my risk of DVT is higher and to wait 6 months to fly long haul. I backed out of the treatment. Now things are worse. How soon can I fly in my case? I'm 28 years old.

Answers from doctors (1)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 20, 2019

Varicose veins do not increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis. However, I recommend that patients who have a closure procedure:

>wait 2 weeks before flying and when ready to fly, wear support hose on the plane
>take a baby Aspirin the night before they fly
>stay well hydrated
>do not drink alcohol
>get up to walk every 2 hours during the flight

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Varicose veins do not increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis. However, I recommend that patients who have a closure procedure:

>wait 2 weeks before flying and when ready to fly, wear support hose on the plane
>take a baby Aspirin the night before they fly
>stay well hydrated
>do not drink alcohol
>get up to walk every 2 hours during the flight

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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