Varicose vein treatment isn’t the same as it was for your parents and grandparents. New technologies developed over the past 20 years have dramatically improved the treatment of varicose veins. Here are 5 important reasons why you shouldn’t put off your varicose vein treatment:
NEW VARICOSE VEIN PROCEDURES ARE FAST & PAINLESS
While older vein stripping surgeries were complicated and invasive requiring hospitalization often followed by weeks of bed rest[1], new techniques are non-invasive and can be performed as outpatient procedures under local anesthesia. This means less pain and little to no downtime required for healing, so you can resume your normal work and recreational activities right away.
Some of the cutting-edge vein treatment procedures we offer at Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists include:
VenaSealTM, which uses medical adhesive to block off the affected veins and redirect the flow of blood to healthy veins. VenaSealTM takes as little as just 20 minutes and you will be able to walk out of the office after your procedure. Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists is the #1 provider of VenaSealTM in the U.S.
ClosureFastTMusesradiofrequency (RF) energy to seal off affected veins. It results in less pain and bruising and faster recovery time compared to laser therapy. Recovery is rapid, requiring only the use of compression stockings for up to 5 days.
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a varicose vein removal technique used for veins close to the skin surface. It has lower rates of recurrence compared to conventional surgery and requires compression stockings for up to 5 days.
Sclerotherapy uses injections that close off the vein. It is the therapy of choice for spider veins. Recovery from sclerotherapy is simple and quick, requiring only the use of knee-high socks or pantyhose for 1 to 3 days[2]. Following the procedure, you will be able to drive yourself home and resume your normal daily activities, though you should avoid vigorous aerobic exercise for 2 weeks[2].
MOST PROCEDURES ARE COVERED BY INSURANCE
Most PPOs, some HMOs, IEHP, and Medicare cover varicose vein treatments that are deemed medically necessary to resolve or prevent serious health complications. Your insurer may request proof of medical necessity in the form of ultrasound studies or other objective tests. The treatments we offer at Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists such as VenaSealTM, ClosureFastTM, ambulatory phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy are all covered.
YOU’LL FEEL BETTER AND REGAIN CONFIDENCE
Imagine being freed from the pain, discomfort, and unsightliness of varicose veins with a simple, rapid, and safe procedure. Consider, for a moment, finally being able to ditch those cumbersome compression stockings you struggle to put on each day and are so uncomfortable in warm weather.
Varicose veins impose chronic stress that gradually changes how you live your life. Managing the fatigue, swelling, cramping, tingling, itching, and numbness of varicose veins consumes a lot of time and energy[3]. You might find yourself frequently changing positions or tapping your foot to relieve discomfort, looking for opportunities to elevate your legs, and losing sleep due to nocturnal cramps. You might even restrict your activities to avoid putting strain on your legs.
Adapting to life with varicose veins means not being able to dress the way you want, giving up activities you previously enjoyed, such as exercising or going out with friends – leading to social isolation, changing your work schedule, or being faced with the stress of having to give up your job.[3] The embarrassment of living with unsightly legs might make you want to avoid the beach or wear long pants even in warm weather[3].
Be assured that once you make the life-changing decision to have your varicose veins treated you will never look back. The majority of patients report overall high levels of satisfaction with modern vascular surgery procedures and surgery centers[4,5]. In a large-scale study of over 35,000 patients, participants reported significant improvement in their quality of life and reduction in anxiety and depression following varicose vein treatment[6].
UNTREATED VARICOSE VEINS CAN CAUSE MANY PROBLEMS
Letting your varicose veins go untreated can lead to a host of potentially serious complications that can threaten your health.
Skin Changes – Increased pressure in the veins causes fluid to leak from the veins into the surrounding tissues. This causes localized irritation and inflammation beneath the surface of the skin resulting in scaly or itchy skin[7]. You may also notice signs of skin discoloration around the affected veins associated with stages of venous reflux. The skin may appear reddened at first and progress to a tan or reddish-brown color, which can become embarrassing.
Swelling – Sluggish blood flow causes veins to become distended further impairing circulation. Fluid leakage from veins pools in the legs. As the fluid accumulates it can be seen as visible swelling. Throughout the day as you move around the pull of gravity combined with continued fluid leakage causes the swelling and discomfort to worsen.
Thrombophlebitis – Over time, inflammation and altered blood flow within varicose veins sets the stage for blood clots to form. This condition, known as thrombophlebitis, is painful and can block the flow of blood. If the inflamed veins are close to the surface you may notice symptoms such as redness, swelling, and warmth and the area will be tender to touch[8]. When thrombophlebitis occurs in deeper veins it results in generalized pain and swelling[8].
Varicose ulcers – These are wounds that arise from venous hypertension and fluid leakage causing swelling, pressure, inflammation, and decreased oxygenation under the skin, eventually breaking down the skin. Varicose ulcers are challenging to treat and slow to heal, taking 11 months on the average to fully resolve, and patients with varicose ulcers take 50% more sick days than other workers[9]. Therapy may involve compression therapy, bed rest, long periods of elevating the legs up to 3-4 times per day, and careful monitoring to prevent infection[9]. For large or slow-healing ulcers surgical skin grafting may become necessary[9].
WHAT YOU’RE DOING ISN’T WORKING
There’s no shortage of self-care tips and techniques available to help manage the discomfort of varicose veins. Compression devices, orthopedic supports, nutritional supplements, and exercises are all designed to lessen the symptoms and slow the progression.
Maybe you’ve have tried a few home remedies (or maybe you’ve tried everything that’s out there) and some helped for a while but are no longer working. If, after everything you’ve tried, your physical and emotional discomfort are getting worse instead of better it may be that the underlying cause is not being addressed. If so, it’s time to take stock and take the next step.
You do not have to struggle with painful, unsightly varicose veins for the rest of your life. There are simple procedures that can permanently resolve your varicose vein problems. To learn about these treatments, we invite you to schedule a free consultation at Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists.
All of our physicians are board-certified vascular surgeons who specialize in helping people like you.
Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists is the top provider of VenaSealTM, the leading outpatient varicose vein treatment, in the USA.
To schedule a free consultation, please call 1-800-827-4267 (1-800-827-4267) today.
References
- Outcome of ClosureFAST radiofrequency ablation for large-diameter incompetent great saphenous vein. Ann Surg Treat Res, 2019. 96(6): p. 313-318
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31183336/ - Sclerotherapy of telangiectasias or spider veins in the lower limb: A review. J Vasc Nurs, 2016. 34(2): p. 61-2
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27210454/ - Patients’ experiences of living with varicose veins and management of the disease in daily life. J Clin Nurs, 2016. 25(5-6): p. 733-41
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26507886/ - [Early results after varicose vein surgery–a multicenter patient inquiry]. Zentralbl Chir, 2008. 133(4): p. 359-62
- Improvement in deep vein haemodynamics following surgery for varicose veins. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg, 2004. 28(5): p. 473-8
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15465367/ - Factors impacting on patient perception of procedural success and satisfaction following treatment for varicose veins. Br J Surg, 2016. 103(4): p. 382-90
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26830251/ - The haemodynamic causes of skin changes in limbs with primary varicose veins. Phlebology, 2019. 34(2): p. 88-97
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29726741/ - Clinic, M. Thrombophlebitis. Available from:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thrombophlebitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354607. - Venous Leg Ulcers. Ann Intern Med, 2016. 165(3): p. 17-32