Varicose veins affect about 20 percent of adults at one point in their lives. The unsightly bulging veins affect your aesthetic appearance and may worsen cardiovascular problems. There are varicose vein treatments available at reputable cardiovascular centers. Some methods require surgery, which is not popular among patients. But for minimally invasive procedures to get rid of varicose veins, Dr. Andrew Doe, a vein specialist, advises choosing non-surgical treatment modalities that we delve into. But first, when should you seek treatment for varicose veins?
When to Seek Treatment for Varicose Veins
In their early stages, varicose veins appear as bulging veins. But over time, they turn green-blue, purple, and darken. Usually, the tell-tale symptoms are bulging veins. This is because the one-way valves in your veins fail and cause blood to pool in the legs and extremities.
The protruding veins are usually painful and may cause cramping and itching. The ideal time to seek varicose veins treatment is when you notice discoloration or art to experience pain in your lower limbs. Varicose veins are prevalent in older women who wear heels for lengthy periods.
What Are the Available Treatments Other than Surgery?
Surgery for varicose veins treatment usually involves vein stripping, where the affected veins are stripped and blood flow is directed to other healthy veins. However, modern medicine has other alternatives if you don’t fancy a blade nearing your leg.
Compression Therapy
Compression therapy leverages compression stockings to impart normal blood flow in the over-dilated veins. The stockings push blood toward the heart, where it is recirculated. You can purchase compression stockings without a prescription. You should remember that compression stockings work best in the initial stages of varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
For moderate to severe varicose veins, the vein specialist may recommend sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive treatment. A vein specialist uses a tiny needle to inject a special solution that causes the veins to collapse and contract.
A more innovative treatment is VenaSeal, a medical adhesive to seal off affected veins. VenaSeal only works for superficial veins and has limited efficacy for deep-lying varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy is an outpatient procedure. You can go home 2-3 hours after the treatment. It is advisable to wear compression stockings for the following three days for the best outcomes.
Endovenous Laser Ablation
A doctor uses endovenous laser ablation for larger and more complex varicose veins. A catheter directs laser pulses to the affected veins, and the heat energy from the laser cauterizes the veins, and blood is redirected to healthier veins. Endovenous laser ablation leaves no scars and has minimal downtime, which is why it is colloquially referred to as a” lunchtime procedure.”
Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
As with laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation uses heat to cauterize the damaged veins. The only difference is that the doctor uses radio waves.
Both methods are as effective. Consult your doctor on the suitable treatment modality for your condition.
Microphlebectomy
Microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive technique that employs tiny nicks on your skin to remove the varicose veins. It is a less invasive alternative to vein stripping, although they achieve near similar results. The recovery time is lengthier compared to other forms of treatment for varicose veins. Doctors prescribe compression stockings for about a week.
