Not all varicose veins require treatment. If you have no symptoms, medical treatment may be unnecessary. Cosmetic treatment is available to remove varicose veins.
When you consult with our board-certified vascular surgeons at South Valley Vascular, we will create a personalized treatment plan geared to your needs. Treatment is determined by your general health, and the size, position and severity of your varicose veins. When varicose veins cause discomfort, treatment is geared to easing symptoms, and treating complications like leg ulcers, swelling and skin discoloration.
We recommend lifestyle changes, and compression therapy as a conservative approach to prevent worsening of the condition, reduce pain and prevent formation of additional varicose and spider veins. Conservative treatments will help improve the quality of your life.
When you walk, your calf muscles contract and relax to assist in moving the blood toward the heart. Compression stockings aid the calf muscles to work more efficiently, and compress varicose veins to improve valve function, reduce backward flow of blood, and reduce swelling. Compression therapy is designed to squeeze bulging varicose veins so that the valves close, to help restore normal blood flow and improve overall circulation. This will help improve symptoms, and slow and prevent development of new varicose veins and worsening of existing varicose veins. Compression therapy offers the easiest way to find pain relief and protect against disease worsening or recurrence.
When you have venous insufficiency, problems with valves, clots, leg ulcers and blockages within the veins, and pain that interferes with your daily activities, it’s time to consider medical intervention.
Today, we have medical treatments that are minimally invasive and effective to eliminate varicose veins. Most of which do not require a hospital stay and long recovery.
Sclerotherapy for varicose veins: Sclerotherapy involves injection of a solution into the vein which causes the vein to collapse and disappear. The injections are done under local anesthetic and are safe and effective. Your varicose veins will fade a few weeks after treatment, and collateral circulation will take over.
Saphenous Vein Ablation (RFA) (also called Endovenous ablation): This is an image-guided, minimally invasive procedure that relies on radiofrequency energy to seal off varicose 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 surgery is less invasive, and is as effect as more invasive surgical procedures, with less complications.
Saphenous Vein Ligation and Stripping: This surgery is employed in severe cases and is intended to remove varicose veins. It involves the tying off and removal of the affected vein through small incisions. The incisions are closed with stitches. Blood flow is rerouted to the deep veins. This procedure is done under anesthesia. Results are excellent. Recovery time is about 1-4 weeks. Return to work depends on the type of work you do and your general health.
Phlebectomy or Varicose Vein Excision: Phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove surface varicose veins. It is called an Ambulatory Phlebectomy because the patient is 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 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 complication rate. Long term success is about 90% when used on the correct patients. And most patients report little to no pain.
At South Valley Vascular we are experts in vascular diseases and treatments. We have served the South Valley for over 10 years, and offer patient-centered care and personalized treatments to improve the quality of your life. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care that you can trust. Our three offices are available to conveniently serve your needs in Visalia, Porterville and Hanford, California.
Need more information on Varicose Veins? Visit the Society for Vascular Surgery Patient Resources section here.
