Varicose veins are twisted, engorged, and discolored veins that develop on your lower legs. They are often harmless, but visible and bulging veins should not be overlooked. If left untreated, varicose veins can cause serious health issues that can be life-threatening. You can treat mild varicose veins by making several lifestyle changes, such as exercising and maintaining a healthy diet. However, you might require a non-invasive procedure for moderate or severe varicose veins. Talk with an Upper East Side varicose veins specialist to understand which procedure might be appropriate for you. Learn more about the minimally invasive options that can help alleviate symptoms of varicose veins.
What Are the Signs of Varicose Veins?
Various varicose veins symptoms may prompt you to take action before they become severe and unmanageable. If you have pain and heaviness on your feet or legs, it could signify you are suffering from varicose veins. Swelling and skin color changes on your skin are also common symptoms for people with varicose veins. However, if you begin getting blood clots or severe bleeding after a small injury, you might need to consider the following minimally invasive treatment options.
1. Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that contracts and destroys varicose veins by injecting them with a chemical solution known as a sclerosant. This chemical solution redirects the blood from the faulty veins to the healthier ones. Over time, the varicose veins collapse and disappear, creating room for healthier veins. Sclerotherapy is effective for both larger and smaller varicose veins and improves the appearance of your legs over time.
2. Endovenous Laser Ablation
Laser ablation is a procedure that uses laser energy to close the varicose veins and other faulty veins in the affected area. It is often effective in treating the deeper affected veins of your leg. During the procedure, your doctor will insert the laser fiber into a catheter to help locate the varicose veins. After locating the veins, the laser fiber will generate heat that will close it off. Once the veins have closed off, they shrink and gradually get reabsorbed by your body
3. Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses radio waves to destroy varicose veins. During the procedure, your doctor will administer local anesthetic to numb the vein, then use ultrasound to pass a wire catheter to transmit the radiofrequency energy. Over time, the veins will thicken, contract and disappear. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may take a few weeks or months to notice your symptoms improving.
4. Phlebectomy
Phlebectomy is another less invasive treatment that helps alleviate painful varicose veins. It involves making small incisions on the skin and removing the affected veins using a special hook. Phlebectomy is an effective treatment option that usually takes 30 minutes or an hour to complete. It causes no scarring and does not require any stitches since the incisions made are so small.
5. Venaseal
Venaseal is the newest minimally-invasive procedure that helps treat varicose veins by closing them using an adhesive. Your doctor uses a catheter with ultrasound guidance to deliver the adhesive to the abnormal veins. It is often done using mild local anesthesia, making it the safest and most effective minimally invasive procedure for treating varicose veins.
Varicose veins can affect the appearance of your legs and feet. If your condition does not seem to improve even with healthier lifestyle changes, talk to a varicose veins specialist at Upper East Side Cardiology. They will guide you through some of the best treatment options you might need to consider to improve your varicose veins symptoms. Call today or book an appointment through their offices or the online feature.