If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins, you may have been told that the only way to completely alleviate your symptoms is to have surgery. Thankfully, there are many minimally invasive procedures available!
Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a solution into veins that scars and closes them. After a few weeks, the veins should fade. The same vein may need to be injected more than once, but when done correctly, sclerotherapy is an effective treatment against varicose veins. It does not require anesthesia. This works best for small and medium sized varicose veins.
Foam sclerotherapy involves the injection of a solution into veins with scars and closes them. After a few weeks, the veins should fade. The same vein may need to be injected more than once, but when done correctly, sclerotherapy is an effective treatment against varicose veins. It does not require anesthesia. This works best for large sized varicose veins.
Also called Endovenous ablation, saphenous vein ablation is an image guided procedure that is minimally invasive. Relying on radiofrequency energy to seal off the veins, the targeted veins are treated by heating the vein walls using radiofrequency energy. This causes the vein walls to collapse, closing the vein and sealing it shut.
This procedure is less invasive. However, it is as effective as more invasive treatment options.
Saphenous Vein Ligation and Stripping is a surgery employed only in severe cases. It involves the tying off and removal of the affected vein through small incisions. The incisions are closed with stitches, and blood flow is rerouted to the deep veins. This procedure is done under anesthesia; however, the results are excellent.
Recovery time is about 1 to 4 weeks. Return to work and regular life depends on the type of work you do, as well as your general health.
A phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove surface varicose veins. It has been referred to as an “ambulatory phlebectomy” because the patient is typically able to walk immediately after the procedure. It involves tiny needle punctures made over the varicosities, which provide access to the vein. Then the vein is gently removed without stitches and with virtually no scarring. This in-office procedure is done under a local anesthetic. After the procedure, compression stockings will be required for a short period of time. It is a simple, effective way to treat varicose veins, with a low rate of complications.
Long-term success is about 90% when used on the correct patients, and most patients report little to no pain afterward.
Endoscopic vein surgery may be required if you have exhausted all other treatment options and your varicose veins are continuing to cause you medical problems. Your surgeon will use a thin video camera inserted into your leg in order to visualize and close varicose veins. The veins will then be removed via small incisions.
This is generally an outpatient procedure.
Before you think surgery is completely necessary, talk to your doctor about other options. Self-care routes such as weight loss, changing how you sit, making sure you aren’t in one position for too long, elevating your legs above your heart at the end of a long day, exercising, and avoiding tight clothing are all ways to reduce your varicose veins without surgery.
If your varicose veins started during pregnancy, you may not need any medical treatment, as they will likely go away within 3 months of delivery.
If you are interested in learning more about our varicose veins treatments or want to schedule one for yourself or a loved one, South Valley Vascular is here to help! We have 5 office locations, conveniently located in Visalia, Hanford, Porterville, Tulare, and Fresno. Our expert care is never too far from home.
