Banish Those Bothersome Varicose Veins Before Summer

Spring is here, and summer will be here before you know it! It’s almost time to break out your swimsuits and shorts and head to the beach. Bothersome varicose veins got you down? Not to worry! Our team of healthcare professionals at Vascular Vein Centers has you covered.

Causes of varicose veins

When your veins become twisted and enlarged, they’re referred to as varicose veins. This condition most commonly affects the veins in your legs, though it can happen to any superficial vein. Most people consider them to be a cosmetic issue, though they can indicate that you have an underlying vein disease.

Veins that are weak and damaged can progress to varicose veins. Once they are damaged, it becomes more difficult for the blood flowing through the veins in your legs to work against gravity and make it back to your heart. The damaged veins become twisted, causing your blood to be at risk of back flowing and pooling.

In most cases, genetics and lifestyle choices are thought to play a large role in the development of varicose veins. However, there are other risk factors that can contribute, including:

• Age
• Occupation
• Sex
• Weight

Banishing your varicose veins

When you come into one of our conveniently located Central Florida offices, you’re immediately enrolled in our Cycle of Care.

You begin with a consultation with one of our expert providers to discuss your symptoms and the severity of your case. Next, your doctor performs diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound imaging, to assess which veins are affected and what’s happening inside them. You then discuss your treatment plan, during which your doctor determines which form of treatment is best for you.

Treatment options include:

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is the leading treatment option for eliminating varicose veins. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a salt solution into the diseased vein via a very fine needle. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse. Once this happens, blood is no longer able to pool in the vein, and it fades from view over time. It’s a short procedure, lasting only 15-30 minutes, and your discomfort is kept to a minimum.

Endovenous laser ablation

Also known as laser therapy, endovenous laser ablation employs lasers or high-frequency radio waves to send intense heat into the diseased vein through a catheter. This closes off the affected veins while leaving them in place to avoid or minimize bruising or bleeding.

VarithenaⓇ and VenaSealTM

In some cases, doctors use injectable foam or medical adhesive to close off the vein. Varithena is a foam that’s specially formulated using a liquid phase and a gas phase to deliver consistent and reliable results. The foam is injected into the diseased vein, displacing blood and causing the vein to contract and fade from view. The residual bubbles are then carried away and absorbed.

VenaSeal is a medical adhesive that is used to close off the diseased vein. It’s injected through a catheter that’s guided by an ultrasound, effectively sealing the vein and redirecting blood to a nearby healthy vein. Over time, your body absorbs the closed vein, and it disappears from view.

Banish those bothersome varicose veins just in time to show off those legs! Whether you’re concerned for cosmetic reasons or because they’re causing you discomfort, our team at Vascular Vein Centers is here to help. Contact one of our Central Florida locations to schedule an appointment today.