Varicose vein treatment may include self-care measures, compression stockings, and surgeries or procedures. Procedures to treat varicose veins are usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that you usually go home the same day. Spider veins usually go away in 3 to 6 weeks. Varicose veins take 3 to 4 months.
For best results, you may need 2 or 3 treatments. A dermatologist can perform these treatments during an office visit. Endovenous laser ablation treatment for varicose veins is performed with a small laser fiber, which provides gentle laser energy, which causes the vein to close so that larger veins, such as those in the legs, can look and feel better. However, while treatment for varicose veins may be permanent, new veins may appear later and require touch-ups.
Prescription stockings are also available, which may be covered by insurance if varicose veins are causing symptoms. 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. To diagnose varicose veins, your healthcare provider might recommend a test called a venous Doppler ultrasound of the leg. Larger spider veins and varicose veins will darken and you'll likely see them for 1 to 3 months before they go away.
If varicose veins treatment is done solely to improve the appearance of the legs (for cosmetic reasons), insurance may not cover the cost. Everyone knows how they look swollen, dark, or twisted, but many people don't understand the root cause of varicose veins. This is a type of laser treatment that uses energy to cauterize (burn) and seal varicose veins, and then the body redirects blood to another vein. The health care provider will need to examine your legs and bare feet to diagnose varicose veins and determine what treatment might be best for your condition.
Sclerotherapy is very effective for people with small or medium veins, such as varicose veins on the face. A varicose vein specialist can recommend the right medical solution for treating varicose veins or spider veins to help alleviate symptoms and improve the appearance of the veins. This is an advanced medical adhesive that seals varicose veins and effectively redirects blood to nearby healthy veins.
