If you have larger veins, you'll likely have surgery (ligation and removal) or less invasive procedures, such as radiofrequency closure or endovenous laser treatment. Small and medium varicose veins are usually treated with sclerotherapy, external laser treatment, or minor surgery called microphlebectomy. Endovenous ablation therapy (AB-la-Shun) uses lasers or radio waves to generate heat and close a varicose vein. The doctor makes a small incision in the skin near the varicose vein.
Then, a small tube called a catheter is inserted into the vein. A device located at the tip of the tube heats the inside of the vein and closes it. You probably don't need this procedure unless your varicose veins cause severe skin ulcers. If you have endoscopic vein surgery, you can return to your normal routine in a couple of weeks.
Some people choose to undergo these procedures to improve the appearance of their varicose veins or to relieve pain. If you're in a lot of pain because of your varicose veins, or if their appearance really bothers you, your doctor may recommend treatment, such as a laser, to minimize your veins. Self-care, such as exercising, lifting your legs when sitting or lying down, or wearing compression stockings, can help ease the pain of varicose veins and keep them from getting worse. You may be at greater risk of weakening your venous walls due to increasing age or a family history of varicose veins.
There are several treatments available for varicose veins that are quick and easy, and don't require a long recovery time. The ablation of these varices will cause a rapid onset of pain and swelling of the limb, followed eventually by the development of new varicose referral pathways. Some people who have varicose veins choose to undergo procedures to improve the appearance of their varicose veins. Comparison of endovenous laser ablation, foam sclerotherapy and conventional surgery to treat large saphenous varices.
Procedures to treat varicose veins are usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that you usually go home the same day. If your varicose veins cause any mild symptoms, your doctor may suggest that you simply make lifestyle changes. In the case of ambulatory phlebectomy (Fle-Bek-to-Me), the doctor will make small cuts in the skin to remove small varicose veins. Randomized clinical trial of conventional radiofrequency ablation or high ligation and excision for large saphenous varicose veins.
Most professionals also recommend the use of gradient compression stockings even after treatment for spider veins and smaller tributary veins. This is a condition associated with varicose veins in which the veins in the legs have problems returning blood to the heart. Patients with venous flow obstruction should not have their varices removed, as they are important referral routes that allow blood to flow around the obstruction.
