There are several types of varicose vein treatment approaches. Some vein treatments use the power of lasers or radiofrequency waves, while others rely on chemicals to make unsightly, bloated varicose veins disappear. Vein doctors can also remove diseased veins to alleviate painful and unsightly symptoms associated with varicose veins.
Varicose vein treatments that use lasers, radiofrequency waves, or chemicals disable varicose veins to the point where the diseased veins can no longer carry blood. The disabled vein breaks apart and surrounding tissue absorbs the remnants. Your body reroutes blood flow to healthier veins nearby. In this way, varicose vein treatment can improve the flow of blood.
Vein Treatments Using Lasers, Radiofrequency Waves and Chemicals
Sclerotherapy is the standard treatment for small varicose veins and spider veins. Vascular surgeons inject a chemical irritant known as a sclerosant, which collapses the diseased vein. In some cases, the clinician will use ultrasound imaging to ensure the precision placement of the sclerosant.
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses the power of radiofrequency waves to collapse veins. During this vein treatment, vascular surgeons insert a thin flexible tube, known as a catheter, into the affected vein. The surgeon then delivers radiofrequency waves through the catheter into the vein.
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLT) is similar to radiofrequency ablation except that the vein doctor delivers laser energy instead of radiofrequency waves through the catheter.
Other Vein Treatments
Microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure. Vascular surgeons perform microphlebectomy to treat those varicose veins too large for sclerotherapy and too small for laser ablation. In this vein treatment, vein doctors remove damaged veins through tiny punctures in the skin.
Veinwave is a spider vein treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to create heat that is similar to laser therapy but without adverse effects on your skin. Instead of delivering radiofrequency energy through a catheter, a vein doctor uses a pencil-like holder to trace and collapse the spider veins. Veinwave provides instant results.
Not all vein treatments are appropriate for all patients. If you suffer from the embarrassment and occasional pain associated with varicose veins and wonder if the treatment might be right for you, make an appointment at your local vein clinic. Today’s varicose vein treatment options are relatively pain-free, safe, effective, and offer a quick recovery time.