Which Varicose Vein Treatment Is Right for Me?
When it comes to varicose veins, there are a lot of treatment options available. Our vein specialists will help you find the one that meets your unique needs.
Varicose or spider veins may make you self-conscious, but what many people don’t realize is that they can also lead to serious health complications. In fact, these conditions are linked to dangerous blood clots and sores (ulcers) on the skin, as well as frequent pain and discomfort.
Fortunately, there are a variety of options for treating varicose veins, ranging from compression stockings to minimally invasive vascular surgery. Most of these procedures are quick, safe, and effective, and require short recovery times. But how do you know which one is right for you?
Our guide will walk you through the causes and symptoms of varicose veins, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each type of treatment.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are the result of a condition called venous insufficiency that causes the walls of the veins to weaken. Normally, small valves in the veins are responsible for pumping blood from the extremities back to the heart, but damaged valves cause blood to accumulate in the veins. As the blood pools, the vein walls bulge and expand. This results in visible varicose or spider veins.
These veins often appear dark or swollen, and can be accompanied by skin irritation. Additional symptoms of varicose veins include aching or throbbing pain, heaviness or fatigue, skin discoloration, venous ulcers, and inflammation of the veins (phlebitis). In some cases, varicose veins can lead to deep vein thrombosis, a condition marked by blood clots deep in the body.
Varicose veins are often genetic, but standing for long periods of time or being overweight can increase your risk. They also tend to appear during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, and are more likely to affect people over 50 years old.
Treatment Options
If you’re suffering from varicose veins, your doctor may recommend one of these four treatment options:
Sclerotherapy
The most common treatment for varicose and spider veins, sclerotherapy uses a solution called a sclerosant to close off inefficient veins. During this nonsurgical procedure, the sclerosant is injected into the vein, causing it to seal shut and turn into scar tissue. Blood is then redirected to healthier veins.
Sclerotherapy is often recommended for treating superficial spider veins and smaller varicose veins. It is less expensive than many other treatments, and generally less painful. However, multiple treatments may be required to see improvements — results are not immediate, and it may take up to a month for varicose veins to disappear.
Ambulatory Microphlebectomy
This procedure is ideal for larger veins that bulge on the surface of the skin, and is performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, a surgeon makes tiny incisions into the affected veins, and then removes them using surgical hooks. The recovery period is brief and pain is minimal.
An ambulatory microphlebectomy is an ideal option for achieving highly cosmetic results while also reducing your varicose vein symptoms, though it is not recommended for patients who are immobile or unable to walk. The procedure generally takes an hour or less, and most patients can return to their normal activities shortly afterwards.
Laser Ablation
Laser ablation uses a tiny laser fiber to close off damaged veins. Under local anesthesia, the fiber is inserted into the vein. Once the laser is activated, it cauterizes the vein as it is slowly removed. These fibers are unable to pass through tortuous (bendy) veins, so laser ablation is mostly used to treat dominant superficial veins. These veins, like the great saphenous vein that stretches from the thigh to the ankle, tend to run straight and connect to smaller varicose veins.
Laser vein treatment is safe, minimally invasive, and lasts less than an hour. The procedure is virtually pain-free and leaves almost no scars. Most patients can generally return home immediately afterwards.
Ultrasound Guided Chemical Ablation
In the case of deeper veins that cannot be treated with a laser, a vein specialist will perform an ultrasound guided chemical ablation. During this procedure — which lasts less than an hour — a chemical is injected into the damaged vein with the help of an ultrasound. It causes the vein walls to close, rerouting blood to other channels.
This procedure is ideal for damaged veins that are located below the surface of the skin. After chemical ablation, there may be some bruising or staining of the skin that will disappear with time, but serious complications are rare. Most patients are able to return home immediately and experience only minimal pain or discomfort.
Making Your Choice
Doctors generally recommend treating varicose veins early in order to avoid potentially serious complications like blood clots. Fortunately, there are several treatments available, each with its own benefits and risks. No matter which procedure they choose, most patients are able to achieve substantial relief from the pain, discomfort, and unpleasant appearance of varicose veins.
If you’re suffering from varicose or spider veins and want to discuss your options, contact the Kimmel Institute today. Dr. Kimmel is a board-certified vascular surgeon and leader in vein care. Set up a consultation to take the first step toward a healthier, happier life.