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Vein Treatment Information

Thursday, August 09, 2012
What is a Microphlebectomy and How Does It Work?

Individuals who are afflicted with varicose veins in Valley Village, California and elsewhere around the nation often find themselves presented with various treatment options. A vein specialist will make a recommendation based on his or her evaluation of your condition, of course, but understanding how some of the treatments work may help you become a more educated patient. One of the procedures that may be recommended is a microphlebectomy. The procedure is often used for medium sized varicose veins.

Varicose veins, of course, are problematic for many patients due to the pain and discomfort they may cause in the legs. Many who have these veins also complain of the unsightliness of the veins. Varicose veins appear discolored and bulge from underneath the patient's skin. Some patients go to lengths to avoid showing their legs in public, as they are embarrassed of the veins. Through microphlebectomy and other vein treatments, though, many have gotten rid of these unattractive veins.

Also known as the 'stab phlebectomy', a microphlebectomy requires several small incisions that are made over the problem vein. Through these incisions, a hook is used to remove portions of the vein that are causing problems and are bulging. The remaining part of the vein will clot where the vein was removed, and the bulging appearance of the vein will be gone. The procedure is just minimally-invasive, and does not require a general anesthetic or a lengthy recovery period. Local anesthetic is used to help provide patient comfort throughout the treatment.

A microphlebectomy typically lasts less than an hour, and patients are often allowed to go back to work or resume doing whatever normal activities they would normally do. Certain activities like exercise or strenuous activities may be avoided for about a week as recovery takes place. Walking, however, is usually recommended. Patients should follow any instructions given to them by their Valley Village vein specialist. Many are encouraged to wear compression stockings for about a week to aid in the healing process. 

For many patients who undergo microphlebectomy, results are visible shortly afterwards. As the bruising goes away, results should continue to improve. There is virtually no scarring associated with the procedure because of the small incisions. Some minor discomfort may be present, and some patients may experience injury to the tiny nerves under the skin around the treatment area. The nerves often heal over time, however. 

Learn more about microphlebectomy in Valley Village, California.


Monday, July 09, 2012
Treat Nasty Varicose Veins: Endovenous Laser Ablation

For a lot of individuals who suffer from varicose veins in Aurora, Illinois or other areas, finding treatment is important in getting over the discomfort that may be associated with the condition. These veins may appear discolored (often a blue or purple color), and they may even bulge from under the skin. This can be embarrassing for a lot of patients, who may even go to lengths to keep their legs covered. They may avoid activities in which they show their legs (going to the beach, etc.), and the discomfort may even interfere with the individual's life.

Through endovenous laser ablation, though, many have effectively gotten rid of these problematic veins. The procedure involves exposing the inside of the veins to laser energy, which destroys them. The veins will shrink and collapse, effectively getting rid of them. The removal of problematic veins may be helpful to one's circulation, as problem veins may actually inhibit healthy circulation. Of course, speaking with a Aurora vein specialist is important to those who are exploring endovenous laser ablation or other options to get rid of varicose veins. This will help them better understand their condition and which treatment may provide the safest results.

The procedure works by inserting a laser fiber into the problem vein, and then slowly heating it to destroy the vein. The area may be numbed with a topical anesthetic prior to the treatment, and most procedures are performed in less than an hour. The laser fiber can be removed after treatment, and patients are typically allowed to go home after recovering in the office or clinic for about an hour. Patients will likely be provided with protective eye goggles that they should wear during the procedure to guard their eyes from any accidental exposure to the laser light used during the treatment.

The endovenous laser ablation procedure is convenient for many patients because it is minimally-invasive and does not require a long recovery period. Most are told to walk shortly after treatment, as this can aid in the recovery process. Patients will be provided instructions regarding when they may return to work, although most can resume normal activities shortly after treatment. However, patients may be discouraged from participating in any strenuous activities for the first few weeks to avoid any complications during the recovery process.

There aren't any scars left behind, and many patients experience very little discomfort after the procedure. Some soreness and bruising is not uncommon, though, but this can often be treated with an over-the-counter pain medicine. It is recommended that patients clear any medication with their Aurora vein specialist, however, even if it is a non-prescription pain reliever. Patients should expect to wear compression stockings for about a week after treatment, as this can aid in healthy blood flow and can even help the healing process.

As with many medical procedures, there are potential complications of which patients should be aware. As mentioned, bruising and discomfort is normal and usually goes away after several days. Other possible side effects include numbness in the thigh, phlebitis, deep venous thrombosis, and infection around the area of treatment. Some patients experience a pulling sensation, which may go away after about a week. Patients should report any side effects to their doctor, and seek immediate medical attention in severe cases. For more information, patients should talk to their vein specialist so they feel comfortable recognizing any symptoms.

Recurrence of varicose veins is, unfortunately, a possibility even after treatment. Avoiding sitting or standing for prolonged periods and avoiding certain types of clothing may be helpful in avoiding these problem veins from returning. A specialist will offer more advice regarding prevention.

Learn more about endovenous laser ablation in Aurora, Illinois.


Sunday, June 24, 2012
Benefits of Endovenous Laser Ablation Compared to Surgery

Individuals who are suffering from endovenous laser ablation in Wayne, Pennsylvania or other areas often look to avoid surgery when pursuing treatment to get rid of these unwanted veins. Varicose veins appear enlarged and are discolored, creating an aesthetic nuisance for many who suffer from them. In addition to the cosmetic concerns that many have regarding these veins, varicose veins may cause patients suffering from them to feel discomfort in the area. This leads many to seek treatment such as endovenous laser ablation, EVLA, to help them find relief and get rid of these unsightly, problematic veins.

The EVLA procedure works by inserting a laser fiber into the problem veins, and then slowly heating it. The position of the fiber is often verified using ultrasound technology, while the heating of the fiber causes the vein to collapse and shrink as the energy is delivered. The fiber will be taken out of the vein, and the vein will eventually close and become fibrosed, eventually being removed through the body's own natural processes. This treatment method has been effective for many patients looking to get rid of not only the unaesthetic appearance of the veins, but also the uncomfortable symptoms it brings with it.

As far as the benefits that endovenous laser ablation brings compared to various stripping, ligation, and other surgical methods, the EVLA procedure is performed under a local anesthetic compared to the general anesthetic required with surgery, and is considered minimally-invasive. The recovery time is often much shorter, with some patients missing very little time at work. What's more, patients are often allowed, and even encouraged, to walk shortly after the procedure. This can promote healthy blood flow and help avoid blood clots. It may also help get rid of excess fluids in the area.

Patients should expect to wear compression stockings for a few weeks after the procedure, as this will help to promote healthy circulation and can aid in the healing process. Any questions about recovery should be directed to the Wayne vein specialist who performed the procedure. He or she will provide recovery instructions and will go over the procedure in greater detail so that patients know what to expect when receiving treatment. This procedure may not be right for everybody or for all varicose veins or spider veins, so a thorough discussion with a professional is highly recommended.

Learn more about endovenous laser ablation in Wayne, Pennsylvania.


Sunday, June 24, 2012
Spider Vein Treatment Foam Sclerotherapy's Advantages

Dealing with spider veins may not be a medical concern for individuals in Milford, Connecticut or other parts of the country, but their unaesthetic appearance may make them a nuisance, nonetheless. Through proven methods of treatment such as sclerotherapy, many have successfully rid themselves of these tangled, discolored veins. Foam sclerotherapy works similarly to traditional sclerotherapy, but instead of a liquid formula, a foam formula is used. Foam sclerotherapy comes with a few key benefits compared to the traditional treatment, although patients should work with their vein specialist to determine which type of sclerotherapy is right for them.

Foam sclerotherapy and traditional sclerotherapy work by injecting a chemical sclerant into problem veins. The formula is designed to irritate the vessels so they collapse and eventually disappear. Their destruction is not harmful to the overall circulation in the area. There are no intrusive steps to the procedure other than the injection itself. Multiple injections may be required depending on the number of veins being treated, as well as their size. What's more, while most find effective results after just one session with this treatment, some may require more than one session to fully get rid of these problem veins.

The foam sclerotherapy formulation is thicker than the liquid formulation, allowing it to displace blood in the vein more efficiently. This means that the treatment formula will come into contact with more of the vessel lining, allowing for more effective treatment for many individuals. What's more, the Milford vein specialist may find it easier to view the foam formula compared to the liquid formula when tracking the progress of the treatment via ultrasound imaging. Again, though, it is helpful to discuss both methods with the specialist in determining which may be most effective and safest for you.

Foam sclerotherapy has been associated with microembolisms, which are tiny blood clots that may form in the area of treatment. This should be discussed with the specialist as well, and patients should go over other potential side effects such as redness around the treatment area. It is also important to point out that foam sclerotherapy may be recommended for spider veins or cases of small varicose veins, but individuals who have larger varicose veins may be encouraged to explore other treatment methods such as endovenous laser ablation and others. A thorough consultation with the Milford vein specialist will help patients determine which treatment is right for them.

Learn more about foam sclerotherapy in Milford, Connecticut


Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Performance of Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous laser ablation has helped many in Brooklyn, New York get rid of unwanted and symptomatic varicose veins. These veins are the result of inefficient valves within the veins, which allow blood to flow backwards and pool in the vein. This causes a bulging and discoloration of the vein, and many with the condition even experience pain and discomfort as a result of the condition. Endovenous laser ablation works by destroying these problem veins using laser energy that is delivered via a fiber that is inserted into the vein itself.

Patients are asked to wear protective eye goggles throughout the procedure to guard against unintended exposure to laser light. An anesthetic will be applied to the skin in the treatment area, and the procedure begins by inserting the laser fiber into the problem vein. Ultrasound imaging is usually used to verify the fiber is correctly placed in the vein. Once the fiber has been inserted and its position verified on ultrasound, the fiber is slowly heated on low energy. This injures the vein walls and causes the vein to shrink and close. Other veins will take over blood flow for the now-destroyed vein. 

The endovenous laser ablation process takes about 30 minutes to an hour to perform. A dressing is applied to the area once the procedure has been completed, and the area is wrapped in a compression bandage that is worn for about a week. Over-the-counter pain medication may be recommended for any soreness following the procedure. Patients are usually encouraged to walk and may return to normal daily activities. The walking may even help with healing and promote healthy circulation. Patients may be asked to return to the clinic after about a week to determine whether the procedure was a success.

As with any procedure, there are certain risks of which patients should be aware before seeking treatment. A thorough discussion of these possible risks and complications with a Brooklyn vein specialist is recommended to further the patient's understanding. Patients may experience numbness around the thigh area, pulling sensation, phlebitis, deep venous thrombosis, or infection around the site at which the fiber was inserted into the vein. Other complications may involve incorrect application of the procedure, which is why it is vital to seek treatment from a highly trained and experienced professional.

Endovenous laser ablation carries with it several benefits. The treatment may reduce the chance of stasis ulcers, provides more efficient circulation, and helps patients overcome symptoms such as pain, aches, and heaviness in the legs. Patients may also improve their self-confidence and body image by removing the unsightly varicose veins, which are often the source of embarrassment for those suffering from this condition.

Learn more about endovenous laser ablation in Brooklyn, New York.


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