Spider & Varicose Vein Treatments
/Fortunately, there are a host of procedures available to treat the problem. There are four major types from which to choose, sclerotherapy, endovenous techniques, laser/light therapy and surgical intervention. The severity of vein issues determines which procedure is best. All non-surgical procedures involve sealing the interior of a problem vein, causing blood flow to re-route to healthy veins. For some treatments, compression stockings are worn afterwards, and walking or biking recommended to decrease blood pooling or pressure in the area.
Sclerotherapy
• solution is injected into a vein irritating the lining, causing it to sealEndovenous Techniques
• no incisions are necessary • minimal to no discomfort
• full effects of treatment occur after 15-20 minutes
• commonly used to treat spider veins and small varicose veins
• Highest patient satisfaction and least invasive
Before and after pictures.
• ultrasound guided sclerotherapy - sclerotherapy performed while underlying vein is observed via ultrasoundLight/Laser Therapy
o takes 15-30 minutes o done with no or local anesthesia
• endovenous laser treatment - after anesthesia is delivered within the vein, a thin laser fiber is inserted, heating it upon withdrawal. o FDA approved procedure shown to be very safe
o possible side effects include skin numbness, blood clots and phlebitis o not recommended for extremely twisted veins
• radiofrequency occlusion - after anesthesia is delivered within the vein, a radiofrequency catheter is inserted, heating it upon withdrawal
o requires single puncture rather than multiple incisions
o yields less bruising and pain then surgical alternatives
o not recommended for extremely twisted veins
• an alternative to sclerotherapy for smaller veinsSpider & Varicose Vein Treatments
• a light beam is pulsated onto the vein heating its interior, and sealing it
• cooling gel, cool air, or other methods may be applied to protect the top layer of skin
• several treatments are usually required
• patients experience a heating sensation as the light source pulsates over the vein
• can be more uncomfortable than sclerotherapy
Surgical TechniquesWhile spider and varicose veins may be a common problem, a host of treatments are currently available. Many options are performed in your doctor's office, causing a minimal amount of scarring, if any. Discuss symptoms and concerns with your practitioner to decide which best suits your needs.
• vein stripping : the upper end of a vein is tied off, and the remainder removed o performed in an operating room
• ambulatory phlebectomy : tiny punctures are made under local anesthesia through which the problematic vein is removed
o no sutures required
o performed in an office
• ligation : incisions are made over the problem areas, and the vein tied off
o blood flow is reduced so vein swelling goes down
o often not recommended due to high rate of reoccurrence
o used to treat bulging varicose veins