Bulging, blue varicose veins can make anyone feel conscious and embarrassed. But, thanks to medical science and advanced medical equipment, there are now tons of treatments that can minimize the appearance of varicose veins.
However, before we list out all the available treatments, it bears repeating that varicose veins are often a cosmetic problem and do not always pose a great risk to our overall health. It is a common condition that affects 1 in 4 adults in the United States, so it is not something to worry too much about.
In any case, we understand that there are some who still feel conscious about it and want to get rid of its unsightly appearance. It is also worth noting that there are few severe cases in which varicose veins might lead to a far more serious complication.
That said, we created this guide to help you choose the best treatment for your varicose vein. We categorized the treatment based on your situation as well as the severity of your varicose veins.
Compression Stocking to Prevent it from Worsening
One of the best and simplest remedy to varicose veins is wearing compression stockings. These are specially made stockings that would improve circulation in your leg, preventing your varicose veins from becoming worse.
It is also a must-have item for prolonged sitting, like when you are traveling or commuting long distances. Given that being inactive for too long might worsen your varicose vein, it is advisable to wear these stockings so that your leg can have proper circulation.
The key thing to remember is that compression stockings would not immediately heal and get rid of your varicose veins permanently. These stockings are just preventive measures to keep your varicose vein from worsening.
Ablation Treatment to Reduce its Appearance
Ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that damages the vein wall, allowing it to close and eventually minimizing the surface appearance of the bulged vein.
Keep in mind that while the treatment process is generally similar, there are different types of ablation that you can choose from such as the radio frequency ablation and the Venaseal closure system. Both have been proven to be effective in minimizing the appearance of varicose veins.
The Radiofrequency Ablation treatment delivers heat to your vein wall, causing it to shrink and close. What makes this treatment fool-proof and effective is that the device used to deliver heat is inserted through a small opening of your skin and is fully guided by an ultrasound.
In order to guide the delivery of the medical adhesive during a Venaseal closure, an ultrasound is used to ensure precision. Ultrasound technology is also used in a variety of other medical applications, such as imaging and diagnosis.
These images can then be used to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. By using GE ultrasound machines, medical professionals can often obtain valuable diagnostic information without the need for more invasive procedures.
Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins
After treating many patients and from doctors’ observations, several varicose veins clinic located in Dallas found that sclerotherapy is the quickest and non-surgical procedure to treat varicose veins. It is the perfect treatment choice for those who have spider veins or small varicose veins. The treatment generally lasts for less than an hour and there is little to no downtime after treatment. Most patients just resume their normal everyday activities right after treatment and some even just go back to work.
Like ablation, you can choose from the different types of sclerotherapy as well. The general process involves injecting a solution directly to the impacted vein. The injected solution then irritates the lining of your vein, causing it to swell and shut the flow of blood.
The Micro-Foam Sclerotherapy is the best sclerotherapy option for those with spider veins and non-severe varicose veins. You can also opt for an ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy treatment, for better precision.
There is also a Compounded Sclerotherapy treatment option. You can consult with your varicose vein specialist whether or not they offer this kind of sclerotherapy.
To make the sclerotherapy even more effective, some specialists might require you to wear compression stockings for a few days after the treatment. Wearing this can fast-track the effectiveness of the treatment because it would help close down the veins.
Vein Ligation and Stripping for Severe Varicose Veins
If in case none of the above works for you, then your best option is to turn to a vascular surgeon and ask them for the best treatment.
When your vein is too damaged or your varicose vein has become unnecessarily large, some surgeons recommend the vein ligation and stripping procedure. It is a surgical procedure that permanently removes the damaged vein. The main gist behind this procedure is that the other remaining veins would eventually take over and allow your blood to run smoothly again, without any obstruction or damaged vein along the way.
Given that this procedure would require an incision, you need a few weeks to recover and your surgeon might even require you to wear compression stockings as well. Generally, patients are able to walk smoothly a few hours after the surgery. However, any strenuous movement and exercise should be avoided a few weeks after the surgery.
