Vein ablation procedures have helped numerous people eliminate their varicose and spider veins and live symptom-free. Let’s talk about how these in-office, minimally invasive treatments work, what you can expect after having one, and where you can go for outstanding vascular care in Tampa, FL.
What Is Vein Ablation?
Performed by a board-certified vascular surgeon, vein ablation procedures close off incompetent veins and reroute circulation to nearby healthy veins and venules. A popular and highly effective method of treating the many uncomfortable symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency or CVI, vein ablation features no cutting, suturing, or long recovery times as traditional vein ligation or stripping can.
How Does Vein Ablation Work?
Depending on your age, overall health, the severity of your varicose veins, and other factors, your vein surgeon may offer you one of four state-of-the-art ablation treatments. They require no general anesthesia and take minutes, rather than hours, to complete.
The four types of vein ablation are the following.
Sclerotherapy
Appropriate for thin spider and varicose veins, sclerotherapy injects a small pharmaceutical-grade irritant into the blood vessels. The chemical causes the veins to close down and, over time, completely fade from view. Most people require more than one sclerotherapy treatment to clear their venous congestion.
Vena Seal
A glue specially formulated for use inside varicose veins in the legs and other body areas, Vena Seal injections collapse vein walls and make them stick together. This blocks blood flow and redirects the circulation to healthier vessels.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
After numbing the areas to be treated, the vascular surgeon inserts a thin catheter into the vein. Through the catheter, a heated filament delivers targeted radio waves. This heat energy closes down the varicose vein and improves symptoms almost immediately.
Laser Vein Therapy
The surgeon heats and seals off the offending blood vessels using laser light energy. This vein therapy requires only local anesthesia and quickly improves blood circulation around the treated site.
Five Things to Expect After Vein Ablation
Patients experience quick, comfortable recoveries without complex surgeries, pain, or relapse of symptoms. If you qualify for one of these vein treatments, there are five things you can expect as you recover.
1. Limited Downtime
While vein ablation patients return home to rest after their treatments, most return to their usual routines the very next day. However, it’s important to follow the vein doctor’s post-treatment instructions, such as avoiding strenuous gym workouts lifting, and heat/sun exposure for a week or so.
2. Compression Stockings
Most, but not all, vein patients should wear compression stockings for a few days to a week. This allows for speedier healing and greater site comfort. People who get sclerotherapy may not need compression wear at all.
3. Some Tenderness and Bruising
Most people see minor site redness, tenderness, and swelling after ablation. Bruising, while less common, can occur, too, but it is only problematic if it worsens over time.
4. Good to Excellent Cosmetic Results
People see their treated sites improve in smoothness, skin texture, and color. Plus, veins literally fade away very quickly.
5. Low Risk of Complications
Unlike invasive surgical procedures, vein ablation has a low risk of complications. However, you should call your doctor right away if pain, bruising, and swelling increase quickly or if you exhibit symptoms of a blood clot, such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Increased heart rate
- Fainting
Premier Vascular Care in Tampa, FL
If you are looking for compassionate vein care, you can trust the expertise and experience of the board-certified vascular surgeon, Dr. Edward Mackay of Edward G. Mackay and Associates. Our facility can help you achieve optimal vascular health and function. Besides non-invasive treatments, we offer laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, vein stripping, microphlebectomy, VenaSeal, and more. Dr. Mackay has years of experience in vein care and is double-certified in general and vascular surgery.
If your PCP is recommending an in-depth evaluation of your varicose veins, please contact us for an appointment at (727) 781-5652, or request your visit online. We look forward to serving you!
