Popular Procedures for Vein-free Legs
Varicose veins are bad news: they’re not only a cosmetic concern, but they may also cause pain, swelling, itchiness or even varicose ulcers. In years past, the only varicose vein treatment options involved surgery, but here’s the good news: with modern treatment options weeks of downtime and painful incisions are things of the past. The two most popular minimally-invasive treatment options are endovenous laser ablation, or EVLA, and ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, or UGS.
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy is a treatment from the early 1990s and is a more advanced version of the sclerotherapy treatment, which involved injecting the varicose vein with a foamy substance that worked to close visible veins and transfer the blood flow to other healthy veins deeper inside the leg. UGS is performed in the same manner, but the treatment is assisted by ultrasound, allowing the vein doctor even better control and precision. The treatment is performed within minutes, and it is virtually pain-free.
Endovenous laser ablation is a treatment that appeared in 2001. The technique involves inserting a laser fiber into the varicose vein to cauterize and close it, again redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. Only the problem vein is numbed; the patient doesn’t require general anesthesia, reducing the potential risks of the procedure. The entire procedure is supervised through ultrasounds, so it is very safe.
The risks and recovery time are very similar with both treatment options: the recovery time is up to three weeks, but during that time walking is actually encouraged, so you will be back to your busy life right away. Don’t wait any longer to treat your varicose veins—say goodbye to painful and embarrassing veins once and for all. Click here for listings of top vein care specialists who are taking new patients in your local area.
