If you’re living with bothersome or painful veins that are not adequately alleviated with basic remedies, and you’re now contemplating seeking proper medical intervention for them, this blog will steer you in the right direction.
Keep reading to learn about some of the leg vein treatment options available today as well as how you can find out which of these is suitable for you.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the standard treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins. The procedure involves a vein doctor administering an irritant solution into the vein, causing it to scar, collapse, get reabsorbed into the local tissue, then eventually fade. Blood then gets redirected through surrounding normal veins.
Your vein specialist will recommend that you wear compression stockings after the procedure to help with the quick and even closing down of your veins. You will likely be advised to come back for a follow-up appointment roughly a month after your procedure to assess how well it worked and if you require more sessions. You generally have to wait approximately six weeks before having another session of sclerotherapy.
Endovenous Laser Therapy
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is appropriate for mild to moderate varicosities. It involves your vein doctor delivering focused light (laser) through a catheter to the interior of the diseased vein. The heat of the laser cauterizes and closes off the vein. Blood is then diverted to the healthy blood vessels nearby.
Due to the minimally invasive nature of EVLT, the procedure virtually leaves you with no scars. It also involves little to no downtime. Likewise, the recovery is straightforward and fairly short. Your vein doctor will have you wear compression stockings for up to two weeks to facilitate proper healing and healthy blood circulation.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) also uses a catheter to deliver targeted radio waves to the interior of a varicose vein. The heat causes the blood vessel to seal shut, and the blood then reroutes to nearby veins.
Since RFA is similar to EVLT procedure-wise, you can return to your normal activities afterward, as long as you do not engage in anything strenuous for the first few days. From there, you can gradually build up your activities. Just be guided by how well you feel. Wearing compression stockings is also recommended during your recovery period.
VenaSeal
This is a sophisticated procedure in which your vein doctor injects a medical-grade adhesive directly into the blood vessel and glues it shut.
Patients return to normal activities quickly, and compression stockings may no longer be required after the procedure.
Microphlebectomy
This procedure is recommended for large, complicated varicose veins for which other treatments may not work. It involves your vein doctor creating micro incisions and easing through a phlebectomy hook, which is a tiny instrument with a barbed tip (its shape is similar to a crochet hook), to remove the vein.
Microphlebectomy, as its name implies, is another minimally invasive procedure, so you can expect to be allowed to return to your normal activities afterward. However, make sure to avoid strenuous activities for up to two weeks following your procedure.
As with some of the other procedures mentioned above, your vein doctor will have you wear compression socks or bandages for up to two weeks to speed up healing.
Leg Vein Treatment in Tampa Bay, FL
There has never been a better time to seek expert care for your problematic veins than now— visit us here at Edward G. Mackay and Associates, LLC.
Dr. Edward Mackay has made a name for himself for his expertise, compassionate approach to care, and the wide range of innovative solutions he offers for vein problems. He will carry out a thorough evaluation of your condition and, from there, he will discuss with you your options and give you his recommendation.
To arrange your visit with Dr. Mackay, contact us today at (727) 527-2888. You may also use this form to send an appointment request, and our staff member will get back to you to confirm your schedule.