Varithena™️ Procedure for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are an embarrassing condition that may keep you from wearing your favorite shorts and skirts with confidence. Some people also experience uncomfortable symptoms with visible veins that may keep them from participating in activities they love.
The good news is you don’t have to simply accept the fact that you have varicose veins. Our board-certified vascular physicians at Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists offer Varithena™, an innovative, minimally invasive treatment that targets varicose veins without significant discomfort or downtime. In just a few minutes in our office, you can reduce the appearance of varicose veins so your legs look and feel their absolute best.
What Is Varithena™?
Varithena™ is an FDA-approved foam treatment for varicose veins. The foam agent is injected directly into the affected vein, using ultrasound imaging for guidance. Once the foam is inside the vein, it causes the vessel walls to seal closed, and the vein collapses. Over time, the body naturally reabsorbs the treated vein so it disappears from view.
A Varithena™ vein treatment targets the appearance of varicose veins, as well as some of the uncomfortable symptoms that often accompany them. Those symptoms might include:
- Aching or cramping
- Heaviness
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Restless legs
- Skin changes
- Open wounds or sores
- Visible varicose or spider veins on the legs
As the treated vein is absorbed by the body, patients often experience relief from these symptoms.
How does Varithena™ Work on Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins appear when tiny valves inside the vessels stop working properly. Normally, those valves keep blood moving through the vein in a single direction, back to the heart. When the valves become damaged, blood can pool inside the vessel. This reflux of blood leads to swelling of the vessel and the appearance of spider and varicose veins.
Once the valves are damaged, there is no way to repair them. Instead, treatment collapses the affected vein, and blood reroutes naturally to healthier veins nearby.
Varithena™ is a much less invasive procedure than traditional vein stripping, which was once the only available procedure for treating varicose veins. Vein stripping was performed in a hospital under general anesthesia, and the recovery process was typically long and uncomfortable. Today, minimally invasive options like Varithena™ have made varicose vein treatment quick, easy, and comfortable.
Benefits of Varithena™
The Varithena™ procedure offers numerous benefits over other vein treatments, including:
- Convenience. You can schedule it during your lunch hour.
- This treatment can be performed without the need for anesthesia.
- Varithena™ injections do not involve incisions or sutures.
- You’ll have the ability to return to activities immediately following treatment.
- A reduction in appearance and physical symptoms of varicose veins.
How to Prepare for Your Varithena™ Procedure
Before undergoing any vein treatment, your provider will take the following factors into account:
- Your medical history
- Family history of vein disease
- Recent illnesses
- Current list of medications
- Tobacco use
- Allergies
Using this information and an ultrasound assessment, your provider will determine the best vein treatment for you.
How is Varithena™ Performed?
Our team performs Varithena™ injections right in our office, and treatments take about 30 minutes to complete. First, we mark the veins to be treated and numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic to make sure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. Next, we use ultrasound imaging to guide the needle directly to the affected vein.
Once the needle is in place, we administer the foam agent into the vein. The foam seals the vein closed, causing it to collapse. We remove the needle, and your procedure is complete. Over time, your body will absorb the treated vein. You may see improvement in physical symptoms almost right away.
Recovery from Your Varithena™ Procedure
You may resume most of your activities immediately following your procedure. We recommend refraining from strenuous exercise and sun exposure for a week or two. During this time, you should also avoid hot baths, saunas, and whirlpools. We also advise patients to wear compression socks for a few weeks after the procedure since these stockings promote healing and healthy blood flow to the treatment area.
How Much Does the Varithena™ Procedure Cost?
Varithena™ cost is based on a variety of factors. Our providers will create a customized treatment plan for you and go over all your related expenses upfront so you know exactly what to expect when you receive your bill. If your vein treatment is considered medically necessary due to a diagnosis of venous reflux, your insurance may cover a portion or all of your procedures.
Treat Your Varicose Veins Without Discomfort or Downtime
Don’t spend another day feeling embarrassment or discomfort because of your varicose veins. At Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists, we offer free ultrasound screenings to diagnose the underlying cause of your visible vessels. We accept most insurance, including Medicare, IEHP, PPOs, and HMOs. If treatment is considered medically necessary, your insurance plan may cover part or all of the cost of your treatment.
Now is the perfect time to bid farewell to unsightly, uncomfortable varicose veins. Contact Empire Vein & Vascular Specialists today to learn more about our treatment options or schedule your consultation.