How Do You Fix Varicose Veins?

At least a quarter of Americans deal with the frustration of varicose veins. These roping, oversized, blue, and purple veins are an aesthetic annoyance that can sometimes signal a more significant medical issue. Our specialists at Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, are experienced in addressing the cosmetic and medical issues these veins provide. No longer will you deal with troublesome twisted varicose veins.

Proven Treatments to Eliminate Varicose Veins

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

Endovenous Laser Ablation is a prevalent method of treating varicose veins, and with good reason, as it holds a 99% success rate. The word endovenous in EVLA refers to the method of treatment, which takes place inside the vein. Medical professionals will use an ultrasound device to determine the problem veins and mark them for treatment. After the veins have been marked, the area will be numbed with a local anesthetic such as lidocaine.

The practitioner will make a small incision in the skin to allow for a needle to be inserted; this needle enables the insertion of a laser. The laser light is encapsulated in a tiny fiber tube and slid into the vein, where it will heat to seal off the problem vein. The light will then be eased out, allowing it to seal off the entire section of the vein. The treat is quick and straightforward, taking about 20-30 minutes a leg, and requires no recovery time for most people.

Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

Another minimally invasive option is ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, which is completed using a local anesthetic in the office. This treatment also uses an ultrasound device to guide a needle to the faulty vein where sclerosing foam is injected into the vein. This foam blocks off the vein so that blood is redirected to healthier, stronger veins.

Small to medium-sized varicose veins respond the best to this method, as they twist and bugle more, which can make it difficult to thread a fiber tube and laser through them. The barricaded veins will withdraw and eventually be absorbed by your body, with no concerns or complications. Following this method of treatment, compression socks are recommended for several weeks to promote circulation and healing and minimize bruising.

Phlebectomy

A phlebectomy is a low-level surgery that is perfect for flawlessly removing bulging varicose veins that linger right below the skin or veins located over bony or stiff areas of the body. This treatment can be used after other methods if needed, mainly if previous treatments left small residual veins just beneath the skin. Before the tiny incision is made, a local anesthetic will be used on the area. The damaged vein will be identified and tied off.

The professional will use a scalpel or needle to remove the unsightly vein through the previously made incision. The incision is small enough that only a bandage will be required to cover it after the treatment. Compression socks to prevent swelling and bruising will be mandatory for several weeks following the phlebectomy. The typical patient will be able to return to work within 24 hours of receiving treatment.

Liquid Sclerotherapy

Liquid sclerotherapy is most frequently used for patients with small varicose or spider veins needing to be removed. The goal of this process is to create scar tissue to block the vein. To perform this method, your medical professional will inject sclerosing chemical irritants into the vein directly. After the vein has fully collapsed, blood will be redirected to other more healthy veins.

The chemical irritant will be in liquid form for spider veins and a foaming agent for more prominent veins. One dose collapses most veins, but occasionally a second dose of the agent may be required. This treatment works best on spider veins, most of which will vanish after approximately one or two weeks, though some may take up to a month. There is no recovery time for this treatment, and patients can leave the office and continue their daily activities.

Is Treatment Necessary?

Your comfort, health, and happiness with your appearance are the determining factors in deciding whether or not to treat prominent veins. If you often find yourself dressing to cover visible, gnarled veins or feel self-conscious in the warmer months, then treatment could help increase your self-confidence and happiness. With multiple non-invasive options for treatment, feeling anxiety or embarrassment over your veins doesn’t have to be a part of your daily life.

From a medical perspective, if your veins are causing you aching, throbbing, or swelling in the affected area, it is time to seek treatment. Sometimes the most intense damage to the veins is far beneath the surface layer of skin. To ensure your health is not at risk due to blood clots or other medical issues, it is best to seek a professional’s opinion.

Get Rid of Painful Prominent Veins Today

Don’t spend another summer sweating miserably in pants trying to cover up varicose or spider veins. Let yourself feel carefree and confident by eliminating unpleasant bulging veins. Call our specialists at Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, to discuss which treatment option is the best fit for your needs.