When veins become abnormally thick, full of twists and turns or enlarged, they’re called varicose veins. Varicose veins are sometimes bluish in color and can protrude from the surface of the skin. They can occur anywhere, but typically in the legs.

Most early vein disease is asymptomatic. If you see varicose veins on the surface of the skin or are having some swelling or increased fatigue in the legs, visit your doctor or dermatologist.

Treatment for varicose veins

There are many treatment options available for varicose veins, and our team can help to determine the most appropriate one.

Sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard treatment for removing spider and some varicose leg veins. It’s very cost-effective and seldom leaves a scar or produces adverse effects. It involves the injection of a sclerosing agent into the varicose veins using a very small needle. This irritates the inside lining of the blood vessel and causes it to close off. The body then breaks it down and reabsorbs it.

For small veins done in our office, a solution was developed for our practice, consisting of a salt and sugar combination with the lowest risk of allergic potential of all the sclerosing agents, and minimal side effects.

Sclerotherapy generally requires multiple treatment sessions. One to three injections are usually required. The same area should not be retreated for four to six weeks to allow for complete healing, although other areas may undergo treatment during this time.

The VNUS closure is a minimally invasive procedure. It uses an ultrasound to guide a catheter into the vein through a small opening in the skin. Radiofrequency energy is transmitted through the catheter tip to heat the vein, which shrinks collagen in the vessel wall. The vein then gradually becomes fibrous and seals shut, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. Recovery is minimal and low-impact activities are typically resumed in one to two days.

Ambulatory phlebectomy is performed under local anesthesia and entails the removal of varicose veins in segments through very tiny openings in the skin. There is minimal discomfort, scarring and a lower risk of nerve impairment in contrast to standard vein stripping. Usually there is mild local bruising that is gone within 10-14 days. Often, pain medication is unnecessary. Postoperative dressings are used for for 3-5 days. Walking is recommended, and sporting activities can be resumed in 14 days.

Visit our website for more information or to book a consultation today.