Varicose veins can be more than a cosmetic concern; they can also be accompanied by physical symptoms like pain, swelling and skin changes. Patients that elect to treat those unsightly networks of bulging lines will be pleased to discover there are a variety of treatment options for varicose veins today. At Northwest Vascular & Vein, we offer many minimally-invasive treatment options that can be customized to your specific needs and desired outcome.
Endovenous laser therapy or EVLT is another effective method for treating larger varicose veins. This procedure uses a thin fiber inserted directly into the affected vein to deliver laser heat that damages vessel walls so they seal together. The fiber is inserted via a tiny incision that typically requires no sutures and leaves little if any scarring. The procedure can be performed using topical numbing cream or local anesthesia and requires no recovery time.
Small, superficial spider veins that often appear on the legs may be treated with a non-invasive procedure known as cosmetic laser treatment. A handheld device is run across the skin’s surface in the area of the affected veins. Laser energy penetrates the skin, damaging the walls of the veins so they seal shut. Blood is rerouted through healthy veins nearby and treated veins are eventually reabsorbed by the body.
This injectable treatment uses a sterile sclerosing agent administered directly into the affected vein to seal it closed. Once the vein is shut, blood is rerouted and the treated vein can be eliminated through normal body processes. Sclerotherapy is a quick, effective treatment that takes just a few minutes to complete and involves no downtime afterward.
Larger veins deeper under the surface of the skin can also be effectively treated using a minimally-invasive procedure known as ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. This procedure uses ultrasound imaging to locate deeper veins and guide the needle directly into them. A thicker foam sclerosing agent may be used to displace blood in the vein so the vein walls can seal together. This procedure has replaced surgical vein stripping for many patients today.
Treating varicose veins is easier today than ever before, thanks to innovative treatments that eliminate unsightly and painful veins without discomfort and downtime. A variety of procedures allows the staff at Northwest Vascular & Vein to customize treatment to the specific concerns of the individual patient. To learn more about your options in getting rid of unsightly, uncomfortable varicose veins, contact our staff at Northwest Vascular & Vein to schedule your personal consultation today.
Varicose veins, those unsightly twisting ropes that often protrude from the surface of the leg, can be more than a cosmetic nuisance. For some, the veins lead to uncomfortable physical symptoms as well. If you are unsure of whether you should seek treatment for your varicose veins, consider these factors as you make your decision.
Varicose Vein Symptoms
Symptoms of varicose veins might include one or more of the following:
Patients suffering from any or all of these symptoms are likely to see immediate relief with the right varicose vein treatment.
Cosmetic Concern
Cosmetic concerns over varicose veins can become severe, prohibiting an individual from wearing some types of clothing or participating in certain activities. This can be particularly problematic if the veins are located on the lower leg, where most varicose veins are found. If your varicose veins are getting in the way of your daily life due to concerns over your appearance, treatment might be a good option.
Will they Get Worse?
Varicose veins are usually caused by an underlying condition known as venous insufficiency. Tiny valves inside the veins are responsible for moving blood through the veins and back to the heart. When these veins become damaged, blood can reflux into the vein and cause vein swelling. If left unchecked, this condition can progress to the formation of skin sores due to the increased pressure in the lower leg. Treatment may prevent those sores from forming by addressing the underlying condition.
Insurance Coverage
Many patients are hesitant to seek varicose vein treatment because they assume insurance will not cover the cost of the procedure. However, there are circumstances where insurance can be used to pay for varicose vein treatment. For example, patients who have physical symptoms may qualify for treatment coverage. Coverage may also be available if venous insufficiency can be documented and other methods of managing the condition, such as lifestyle changes and compression stockings, do not prove effective.
Treating varicose veins is a highly personal decision that should be made between a patient and doctor. If treatment is pursued, there are many minimally-invasive options for eliminating those unsightly and often painful veins in just a single treatment session. To learn more about varicose vein treatment, contact Northwest Vascular & Vein today.
