A Beginner’s Guide to Varicose Vein Removal
Are you embarrassed by visible, twisted veins on your legs? You aren’t alone. About 20% of all adults will get varicose veins.
If you’re tired of dealing with your unsightly veins, keep reading to learn about varicose vein removal.
Who Should Get Veins Removed
Varicose veins happen when valves that keep blood from flowing back into the leg stop functioning well. Varicose veins can lead to pain and aching, in addition to the unwanted appearance.
Who gets them? Anyone can, but women more commonly suffer from them, and they are typically hereditary. In addition:
- Women frequently will get them when pregnant due to hormone changes and weight gain.
- Spider veins often occur as we all age.
- Anyone who is healthy and can walk without assistance is appropriate for vein removal surgery.
There are multiple removal options but anyone interested in surgery should review all options with their doctor.
Procedures
Depending on the severity of your varicose veins, there are a few different options for managing or removing them. Listed below are three common and popular procedures.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
One common varicose vein removal surgery is called ambulatory phlebectomy. This procedure typically starts with numbing the area. This ensures you won’t feel much pain during the procedure.
Your doctor will make a few small incisions along the problematic vein. Next, they will use a tiny instrument to remove a part of the vein. They will repeat this until the vein is entirely removed.
High Ligation and Vein Stripping
With this, your doctor will tie off a vein before it joins up with a deeper one. They will remove it through a small incision. This is usually an outpatient procedure.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a popular choice to remove spider veins that haven’t become too bothersome. For this procedure, your doctor will inject target veins with a solution that will cause the vein to scar and close.
Recovery
After you receive treatment, your doctor will instruct you on aftercare. For any procedures, you will need to wear compression socks for at least a week. These will help speed healing while minimizing swelling.
While you can go back to your normal activities right away, avoid exercise or other strenuous activity for at least two weeks.
Varicose vein surgery can lead to amazing results. But, while some procedures will completely remove the vein, anyone with a family history of varicose veins may see additional veins pop up.
Varicose Vein Removal Side Effects
Having any of these procedures to remove spider veins is very safe. But with any medical procedure, there are possible side effects and risks. Possibilities include allergies to anesthesia, swelling, infection, and pain.
To maintain surgery results and avoid recurrent veins, some lifestyle changes can help. Keep your weight in a healthy range and avoid sitting or standing for long periods. Regular use of compression socks can also help too.
Say Goodbye to Those Veins for Good
If you have varicose veins, it’s important to realize that you have options. If you’re interested in varicose vein removal surgery, contact us. We would love to speak with you and answer any questions you may have!