Originally published January 11, 2024. From our educational archive. Treatment decisions and recovery instructions should be discussed with your own clinician.
Varicose veins are bulging, twisted veins that often appear on the legs, can be both a cosmetic concern and a source of discomfort for many. If you're dealing with varicose veins, you're not alone, and effective treatment options are available.
Our providers at Dr. Mackay Vein Clinic are here to help you find relief from this common condition. Below, you'll find some of our various treatment options and how these treatments can improve your quality of life.
Varicose Vein Treatment Types
Discussed in this guide:
- Venefit® Radiofrequency Ablation (RF)
- VenaSeal™ Closure System
- Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
- Ligation
- Micro-Foam Phlebectomy
- Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
- ClariVein®
1. Venefit® Radiofrequency Ablation (RF)
One of the leading treatments for varicose veins is Venefit® Radiofrequency Ablation, or RF for short. This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to close the problem vein, redirecting blood flow to the healthier veins. Here's what you need to know about Venefit® RF:
Minimally Invasive: Venefit® RF is a minimally invasive procedure requiring only a thin catheter inserted into the vein through a small opening with a single needle puncture. Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area, and the catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the wall of the vein, causing it to heat up, collapse, and then seal shut.
Fast Recovery: RF can be performed in the office in less than one hour, and patients can return to their normal activities quickly.
Effective: Venefit® RF has been proven effective in treating varicose veins and alleviating associated symptoms. The benefits of Venefit® RF include less pain, bruising, and complications and a faster improvement in a patient's quality of life.
2. VenaSeal™ Closure System
The VenaSeal™ Closure System is another option for treating varicose veins. This innovative, FDA-approved method involves using a specially formulated medical adhesive to seal the problematic vein, minimizing the need for multiple needle sticks. Here are some key points about the VenaSeal™ Closure System:
Quick Procedure: The medical adhesive seals the selected vein closed. Ask your clinician about the expected visit length, discomfort, bruising, and other possible effects.
No Needles: Unlike other treatments, it doesn't require multiple needle sticks. It only requires one needle stick of numbing medicine.
Immediate Relief: Patients can often experience immediate relief from symptoms like pain and swelling. There is no need for compression stockings after the procedure.
3. Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
Endovenous Laser Therapy, or EVLT, is a procedure that uses laser energy to close the problem vein. It is known for its precision and effectiveness in treating varicose veins, as it's performed in less than 30 minutes. Here's what you should know about EVLT:
Minimally Invasive: EVLT is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.
Fast Recovery: Most patients can return back to their normal activities shortly after the procedure.
Proven Results: EVLT has a high success rate in treating varicose veins and improving overall leg comfort.
Surgical Treatment Options
4. Ligation
Ligation is a surgical procedure that involves tying off and removing the affected vein. While it may sound more invasive, it can be an effective option for certain cases of varicose veins.
The procedure lasts only 30 minutes, and our providers can assess whether ligation is the right choice for your condition.
5. Micro-Foam Phlebectomy
Micro-foam Phlebectomy is a procedure that surgically removes varicose veins at the surface of the skin, and then a special foam is injected into the varicose vein, causing the vein to collapse and gradually disappear.
Small punctures are made next to the vein, sections of the vein are removed through these nicks, and no stitches are required for this procedure.
This treatment, which takes around an hour to complete, is particularly suited for smaller varicose veins near the surface of the skin, and our team works with Dr. Mackay’s patented hook device used for this procedure.
6. Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
This specialized treatment is for the deeper veins that cannot be seen visually. Ultrasound-guided Sclerotherapy is a precise method of treating varicose veins by injecting a foamy or liquid sclerosing solution directly into the affected veins through ultrasound guidance.
This allows veins that are below the surface of the skin to be treated. Since these veins cannot be seen visually, they would otherwise require surgical removal.
This solution irritates the vein's lining, causing it to close and eventually fade. It's a versatile option that can be used for various vein sizes and locations, and the sessions last 15-30 minutes.
7. ClariVein®
Dr. Mackay discussing varicose veins & the ClariVein treatment.
ClariVein® is a treatment option that combines both mechanical and chemical methods to close varicose veins. It involves a rotating catheter tip and a special solution inside the vessels that effectively treat the problematic veins, delivering the medicine specified by Dr. Mackay. The treatment does not require anesthesia and only causes minimal discomfort.
Once placed inside the peripheral vasculature using a pin-sized entry through the skin, the tiny rotating tip of the ClariVein® catheter is set in motion inside of the vessel delivering medicine specified by your doctor to treat the varicose vein.
Before & After Varicose Vein Treatment Photos
Considering the extent of varicose vein treatment, seeing the results that others have achieved can be reassuring. Here are some of Dr. Mackay's actual patient before and after photos of varicose vein treatments.
Before (case 1)
After (case 1)
Before (case 2)
After (case 2)
Varicose Vein Post-Operative Instructions
After treatment, following post-operative instructions for a smooth recovery is important.
Book a Varicose Vein Treatment with Dr. Mackay
Don't let varicose veins hold you back from living your life to the fullest. Contact Dr. Mackay Vein Clinic today by calling (727) 527-2888 or filling out an appointment request form to schedule a consultation and explore your varicose vein treatment options. Your path to healthier legs starts here!