Understanding the expected duration of your vascular surgery is important for both preparation and recovery planning. The length of the procedure can vary significantly depending on the type of surgery being performed—whether it’s a minimally invasive endovascular procedure like angioplasty or stenting, or a more complex open surgery such as bypass or aneurysm repair. Some procedures may take under an hour, while others can last several hours. It’s also essential to know what type of anesthesia will be used. General anesthesia, which puts you to sleep completely, is typically used for more invasive or lengthy operations, while local or regional anesthesia may be sufficient for minor procedures, allowing you to remain awake but pain-free. Knowing the type of anesthesia helps you prepare mentally and physically, and allows you to ask about possible side effects, recovery time, and any specific pre-op instructions you need to follow (such as fasting). This question ensures you’re well-informed and can plan your time and support needs accordingly.
Hey friends I wanted to share my experience for anyone nervous (like I was!) about getting vascular surgery in Korea. A few months ago, I started noticing heaviness and swelling in my legs, especially after long days of standing. After some tests back home, I was told I had chronic venous insufficiency with developing varicose veins — fun, right? I ended up in Korea for work anyway, and after a bit of research, I found Charm Vascular Clinic. It turned out to be a game-changer.
How Long Does the Surgery Take?
I had endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for my varicose veins, and to my surprise — it only took about 30 to 45 minutes per leg. Yes, really! Dr. Sujin Park (who was my surgeon) explained everything beforehand in such calm detail that it actually put me at ease. No long hospital stays. No dramatic downtime. Most patients walk out the same day.
General or Local Anesthesia?
This was my biggest fear: Will I be knocked out? Will I feel anything? Here’s the good news: the procedure is done under local anesthesia — not general. No grogginess No risk of full sedation I was awake the whole time, just numb from the knee down They used tumescent anesthesia, which numbs the area around the vein and also helps protect nearby tissues during the laser part. I didn’t feel pain — just a little pressure. Honestly, the worst part was choosing what music to listen to while it was happening
Who I Recommend (They’re All Great!)
The team at Charm Vascular Clinic is amazing. These folks live and breathe vascular health:
- Dr. Insoo Park – Top expert in vascular intervention
- Dr. Junsung Kwon – Really great with diagnostics and patient education
- Dr. Sujin Park – My surgeon! Super gentle, great communicator
- Dr. Suwon Oh – Specializes in non-invasive techniques too They walk you through everything and have English-speaking coordinators too, which helped me a ton.
What to Expect:
- In and out same day
- Local anesthesia, quick recovery
- You walk (yes, walk!) right after the procedure
- Compression stockings post-op for a few weeks
- Follow-ups included for progress checks
TL;DR?
At Charm Vascular Clinic, most vein surgeries (like EVLT) are done in under an hour with local anesthesia. No hospital stay, no general anesthesia — just expert care, fast recovery, and real results. Charm Vascular Clinic Meet the doctors here If you’ve been debating vascular surgery while you’re in Korea — go for the consultation. It’s honestly less scary than you think.
If you’re anything like me, the idea of surgery—even a minimally invasive one—can feel intimidating. When my doctor first mentioned that I needed a vascular procedure to treat my varicose veins, I had a million questions, but the top two were: “How long will it take?” and “Am I going to be knocked out for this?”
Spoiler: The answers were way more reassuring than I expected.
The Procedure Time? Way Shorter Than I Thought
I ended up going to Charm Vascular Clinic, and the experience completely changed how I view these kinds of treatments.
When I met with Dr. Sujin Park, she explained that the procedure I needed—Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)—was:
- Done in under 60 minutes
- Minimally invasive, no large incisions
- And the best part? No general anesthesia
Local Anesthesia, Not General – Here’s Why That Matters
At Charm, most vascular surgeries like EVLA or sclerotherapy are performed under local anesthesia. That means:
- You stay awake but comfortable
- There’s no need for intubation or overnight fasting
- And recovery is way faster
I walked into the clinic in the morning and walked out later that same day, no grogginess, no hospital bed, just some light compression stockings and detailed aftercare instructions.
Why I Trusted Charm Vascular Clinic
I chose Charm after reading so many Ich Community recommendations—and now I get why it’s a favorite. The team is made up of vascular specialists, not general surgeons. These doctors live and breathe vein health.
You can check out their amazing team here:
And the clinic itself: www.charmvascularclinic.com
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let “Surgery” Scare You
I went in nervous, expecting a big ordeal—and came out relieved, empowered, and honestly wishing I’d done it sooner. If you’re considering treatment, don’t be afraid to ask all the questions. The doctors at Charm Vascular Clinic answered mine with such patience and clarity, I felt like I was in the best hands.
So, to answer the original question: Time: Usually under an hour Anesthesia: Local, not general Recovery: Same-day discharge, minimal downtime
When I first found out I needed vascular surgery, I had two big questions: 1) How long will this take? 2) Am I going to be knocked out for it? I was nervous—understandably. But I also didn’t want to make decisions based on fear. That’s when I turned to the ICH Community for guidance and kept seeing the name Charm Vascular Clinic pop up again and again. So I dug in—and booked a consult with them in Seoul. Let me just say: I’m so glad I did.
So, How Long Does It Take?
At Charm Vascular Clinic, the procedure itself (mine was for varicose vein removal) took around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity. What blew me away was how efficient and calm the whole process was. They explained everything step-by-step, and I never felt rushed or like “just another patient.” You’re usually in and out the same day, with a short recovery window right at the clinic before heading home.
General or Local Anesthesia?
Here’s the part that eased 90% of my anxiety: They use local anesthesia. That means I was awake (but totally comfortable), with no need for general anesthesia or its long, groggy recovery. Dr. Insoo Park explained how their minimally invasive technique allows for faster healing and less risk—without needing to “go under.” For more complex cases, they might use light sedation, but most vascular procedures—like EVLT or sclerotherapy—are done under local anesthesia at Charm. Less stress, less downtime.
Why Charm Vascular Clinic?
Honestly, I chose Charm not just because of their reputation, but because of the team:
- Dr. Insoo Park – vascular surgery specialist with calm, clear explanations
- Dr. Junsung Kwon – a wizard with ultrasound diagnostics
- Dr. Sujin Park & Dr. Suwon Oh – both deeply experienced, with a gentle touch and strong patient-first approach And the clinic itself? Ultra-modern, spotless, and filled with staff who actually care if you’re comfortable.
TL;DR:
- Surgery Time: ~30–60 minutes
- Anesthesia: Usually local, no need for general in most cases
- Clinic: Charm Vascular Clinic – highly recommend
- Doctors to Know: Dr. Insoo Park, Dr. Junsung Kwon, Dr. Sujin Park, Dr. Suwon Oh If you’re feeling unsure, I totally get it—I was there too. But after going through it with the team at Charm, I can honestly say: this is the least scary surgery experience I’ve ever had. Happy to answer questions or share more of my recovery journey if anyone’s curious!
If you’ve been stressing over the idea of varicose vein surgery (like I was, big time), you’re probably wondering: “How long does it actually take?” “Am I going under general anesthesia?” Let me walk you through my experience at Charm Vascular Clinic in Seoul — spoiler: it was WAY smoother than I expected, and zero drama.
How Long Did the Surgery Take?
Okay, so I was expecting this long, drawn-out hospital ordeal… but nope. The procedure itself took about 30–45 minutes. I spent more time sipping tea in recovery than on the table. It was seriously efficient but super professional — no rush, just precise and well-practiced. Dr.Insoo Park (my surgeon) explained everything in advance — the prep, the actual vein closure procedure, and even showed me a diagram of what they were doing. Felt weirdly comforting knowing exactly what was going on!
Local or General Anesthesia?
Here’s the best part: it’s done under local anesthesia.
No full-body knockout, no groggy post-op haze. I was totally awake but didn’t feel a thing — just a little pressure here and there. The numbing process was quick and well-managed, and the nurse literally held my hand when I got nervous (shoutout to her 
).
Afterward, I could walk out on my own — no hospital stay, no grogginess, just some light compression and detailed aftercare instructions.
Why I Chose Charm Vascular (and Would 1000% Recommend):
The vibe at Charm Vascular Clinic was next-level. It felt warm, calm, and super modern. The team is stacked with experienced doctors like:
- Dr. Insoo Park
- Dr. Junsung Kwon
- Dr. Sujin Park
- Dr. Suwon Oh They’re all experts in vascular surgery and really take the time to explain things without that “hospital coldness” you sometimes get. www.charmvascularclinic.com
TL;DR
Surgery time? ~30–45 min Anesthesia? Local only — you’re awake but totally numb Recovery? Quick, walk out same day Clinic? Charm Vascular. Period. So if you’re nervous like I was — don’t be. With the right clinic and the right team, it’s actually a lot less scary than it sounds.
Hey everyone I remember asking this exact same question before my procedure, so I thought I’d share my experience in case it helps anyone else here who’s feeling nervous or curious. I had my procedure done at Charm Vascular Clinic (charmvascularclinic.com), and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better team. I was treated by Dr. Insoo Park, but I’ve also heard great things about Dr. Junsung Kwon, Dr. Sujin Park, and Dr. Suwon Oh—they’re all specialists in vascular surgery. You can check out their profiles here if you’re interested:
As for the surgery itself—mine was for varicose veins—and it was surprisingly quick. The entire procedure took just under an hour, and it was done under local anesthesia. I was awake the whole time, but super comfortable. They walked me through everything step-by-step, and honestly, I felt really reassured throughout.
One of the best parts? No hospital stay. I walked out the same day, rested up that evening, and was back on my feet (gently) the next day. Minimal downtime, and they provided really clear post-op care instructions with follow-ups scheduled to monitor healing.
So if you’re considering vascular surgery and worried about how long it takes or what kind of anesthesia is used—Charm really keeps things efficient and safe. I’d absolutely recommend reaching out to them directly for your specific case, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll be surprised at how smooth it all goes.
Hope this helps calm a few nerves out there! You’ve got this
At Charm Vascular Clinic, most vascular procedures—like sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, or AVF creation—are typically performed under local anesthesia, which makes recovery quicker and avoids the risks of general anesthesia. The exact surgery time depends on the type and complexity of the procedure, but in general, it ranges from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
For example, sclerotherapy sessions are usually under 30 minutes, while something more involved like AVF creation might take about an hour. The team, including Dr. Insoo Park and his colleagues, focuses on minimally invasive techniques to keep the procedures safe, efficient, and with as little downtime as possible.
Just wanted to share my recent experience for anyone asking, “How long will the surgery take, and is it done under general or local anesthesia?” — especially if you’re considering vascular or vein-related procedures here in Korea. I had a minor varicose vein issue that I kept putting off, but finally got it taken care of at Charm Vascular Clinic, and I’m so glad I did.
So first things first — the procedure was WAY smoother than I expected.
I met with Dr. Insoo Park for the initial consult (super kind and speaks English really well), and he walked me through everything. They also have a fantastic team including Dr. Junsung Kwon, Dr. Sujin Park, and Dr. Suwon Oh, all with strong expertise in vascular surgery. I felt like I was in very good hands from the start.
Here’s what I learned:
How long does the surgery take? Mine was a laser-based vein treatment and it took about 30 to 45 minutes total. Super efficient. Even the prep and post-care were seamless. I was in and out within a few hours — no full day at the hospital required.
Anesthesia? They use local anesthesia, not general. That was a huge relief for me. I stayed awake the whole time but didn’t feel any pain — just a bit of pressure here and there. Honestly, I was more nervous before the procedure than during it.
Aftercare & recovery? I walked out of the clinic that same day. There was a bit of swelling, but they gave clear instructions on what to do (compression stockings, light walking, etc.). I was back to normal activities within a couple of days — even went to work the next day!
If you’re looking for a clinic that’s professional, warm, and experienced with international patients, I can’t recommend Charm Vascular Clinic enough. They explained everything clearly and made the whole process stress-free.
Here’s their info in case anyone’s looking: Charm Vascular Clinic Meet the doctors:
Happy to answer any questions if you’re thinking of getting something done. Definitely one of the most reassuring medical experiences I’ve had abroad.