Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic concern! Although varicose veins can be embarrassing and painful, they may also underlie a more serious medical condition. Damaged veins take many different forms, from small surface veins to large, grape-like clusters. No matter what size or shape, these are signs of vein disease and may be caused by faulty valves inside the veins. Varicose vein treatment is important because, without treatment, they may lead to more serious complications, such as ulcerations, blood clots or spontaneous venous rupture. Many people inherit vein disorders, and the incidence is higher in women than men.
Although most people think of spider veins as unsightly, they may also signal more serious underlying vein disease and saphenous vein reflux. With varicose veins treatment, your body will re-route blood flow into stronger, healthier veins, reducing vein problems and improving circulation.
Associated symptoms:
- Swelling
- Heaviness during the day
- Restless leg Syndrome at night
- Pain to legs
- Cramping
- Fatigue
- Itching
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the extent of your vein disease. Minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins are now offered in the office setting by most varicose vein specialist using newer laser technology under local anesthesia.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
Used to treat saphenous vein reflux (venous insufficiency), which is the most important factor underlying varicose vein disease. EVLT has effectively replaced the historic surgical vein stripping procedure for saphenous vein reflux. ELVT eliminates leg aching; swelling; restless legs; and diminishes varicose veins. This procedure is laser therapy ablation under ultrasound guidance with local anesthesia in the office. This procedure has very minimal scarring and no lengthy recovery or side effects. Patients are asked to wear an ACE wrap over night after their EVLT and take Aleve or Tylenol for any mild pain or discomfort. Patients should continue using their compression hose (at lease 15-20mmHg) after their successful EVLT to help slow the progression of their varicose vein disease.
Micro-Phlebectomy
This outpatient surgical procedure is performed under local anesthetic, also in the office setting. The surface varicose veins to be removed from one area of the leg are marked and numbed. Delicate micro punctures are made along the course of the vein, allowing the veins to be removed using custom instruments. Micro-phlebectomy causes minimal scarring (do you have any scars from any prior blood draws or venopunctures). Patients experience tremendous relief from their painful varicose veins. Patients are asked to wear an ACE wrap over night after their phlebectomy procedure and use Aleve or Tylenol for any post-procedure mild pain or discomfort. Patients should continue using their compression hose (at lease 15-20mmHg) after their successful phlebectomy procedures to help slow the progression of their varicose vein disease.
Sclerotherapy
Is a nonsurgical procedure performed to eliminate visible spider veins that are too small for phlebectomy. In sclerotherapy, a concentrated solution is injected through a tiny needle into the spider vein, irritating (i.e. sclerosing) the vein walls, causing the spider vein to collapse and disappear.
What to expect after treatments
Very minimal to no pain. Bruising and some swelling may be experienced as well. Over the counter pain relievers may be used as needed.