Varicose veins is a troubling venous condition that can affect men or women. It's often associated with pregnancy and obesity, and while these are common risk factors, others include long periods of sitting or standing, family history, and aging. Women tend to get the condition more than men because of hormonal changes that might take place during pregnancy, before menstruation, or during menopause. Fortunately, however, there are several effective treatments available to help those suffering from varicose veins combat the condition.
Vein stripping and ligation procedures were traditionally used to treat varicose veins, but more and more are turning to non-invasive or minimally-invasive treatment options to overcome this venous condition. Vein stripping and ligation requires a general anesthetic in most cases, and for some that might mean an overnight stay in the hospital. It's also associated with a longer recovery period. Minimally-invasive treatments have shown to be just as effective, if not more so in some cases, and they require only a local or topical anesthetic and most are able to leave the doctor's office within an hour of receiving treatment. Some even return to work right away.
Sclerotherapy is a common type of treatment for those with spider veins or smaller varicose veins. It involves injections of a chemical sclerant that works by irritating the vessel lining so that it shrinks, collapses, and disappears. Liquid formulations are common, but many turn to the foam formulation as well. This formulation has a consistency similar to shaving cream, and offers greater displacement of blood in the vein for more contact with the vessel lining. It's also easier to view and track on ultrasound. Talk to a vein specialist regarding both liquid and foam sclerotherapy formulations.
Endovenous laser ablation, also called EVLT in some cases, is a procedure whereby inserting a laser fiber into a problem vein, the specialist may heat it and destroy the vein from the inside. Low heat is used to slowly heat the vein, which causes it to collapse and become fibrosed. With the vein no longer to carry blood, other veins in the area will take over blood flow. This procedure has proved to be very successful for treating larger varicose veins.
Ambulatory phlebectomy is another fairly common procedure that involves removing problem veins through a minimally-invasive procedure that requires tiny incisions through which vein hooks are used to grab and remove the vein. Before receiving any treatment, it's important that those interested speak with their doctor to make sure treatment is safe for them.
Justin has read and follows many health journals and recommends you visit the LA Varicose Vein clinic for information on procedures and questions for Dr. Landau on treatment, therapy, from a top Varicose Vein Doctor throughout the Los Angeles area
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