Varicose Vein Treatment

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Varicose Vein Treatment Options

If you suffer from the effects of varicose veins, are worried about blood clots you may benefit from treatment. Swollen, visible veins are caused by underlying vein disease, also known as venous insufficiency. As venous disease progresses, it can lead to painful and uncomfortable medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis. Venous symptoms can range from mild to severe, sometimes impacting quality of life. USA Vein Clinics is dedicated to offering minimally invasive varicose vein treatments from top rated vein specialists. We offer a range of treatment options to ensure our patients receive personalized vein care from diagnosis to procedure.
Varicose Vein Treatment Before and After
Varicose veins affect 22 million women and 11 million men between the ages of 40 to 80 years. Minimally invasive, office-based varicose vein treatment can help alleviate painful symptoms and reduce the risk of developing dangerous blood clots and venous ulcers.
Sometimes, more than one type of treatment or multiple treatments may be necessary to reduce challenging symptoms. During an initial consultation, your vein specialist can give you a better idea of what will be required.
Below, we discuss common symptoms of varicose veins, along with nonsurgical treatments for varicose veins in legs. If you have additional questions, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our providers.

Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Varicose Veins Explained

Although the effects of varicose veins can vary, symptoms most often involve the legs, ankles, and feet. If you have varicose veins, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
  • Swelling: Many patients with varicose veins notice swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. Some individuals report that their shoes feel tighter or legs appear swollen.
  • Heaviness: Another common varicose vein symptom is heavy legs. This is often described as a sensation of having weights around the ankles.
  • Itching and burning: Skin changes near visible veins can sometimes be mistaken for dry skin. If your skin is itchy, discolored, or otherwise different than normal, this may be due to vein disease.
  • Pain relief when legs are elevated: If your leg pain or achiness subsides when you prop your legs up, this may be a sign of venous insufficiency. Fortunately, there are other ways to experience longer-lasting relief.
  • Painful or unsightly veins around the affected area.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, are worried about chronic venous insufficiency, reticular veins or DVT, the first step is to consult with phlebologist specialist at USA Vein Clinics. They can determine exactly what is going on, and discuss your vein treatment options. These may include laser treatment or foam treatment for varicose veins, or one of several other specialized medical procedures.

Varicose Vein Treatments

It is generally a good idea to seek varicose vein treatment as soon as possible. Over time, venous symptoms can become worse and also more difficult to treat. You should also be aware that when varicose veins are left untreated, you may be at increased risk for developing dangerous health conditions like blood clots and venous ulcers (open, non-healing sores).
At USA Vein Clinics, our vein doctors and vascular surgeons specialize specifically in minimally invasive, outpatient varicose vein treatments. Their experience and compassion have helped thousands of patients across America. Our procedures take less than an hour, from start to finish. Afterward, you can go home and resume most of your normal activities.
Although our non-surgical treatment methods vary, they all have a similar goal: close off diseased veins, then reroute blood flow to healthy, surrounding ones.
Your varicose vein treatment options may include one or more of the following:

ENDOVENOUS LASER THERAPY (EVLT)

EVLT (a.k.a. endovenous laser ablation) is a type of laser treatment for varicose veins. It is considered the gold-standard of varicose vein treatments. Using ultrasound guidance, a vein specialist threads a very thin laser fiber into the diseased vein. Then, laser energy is applied to close the vein off and redirect blood flow. Over time, the treated vein will be absorbed by your body.

VARITHENA VEIN TREATMENT

Varithena treatment refers to a foam treatment for varicose veins. It is used to treat vein conditions associated with the great saphenous vein (GSV) and surrounding vessels. Using ultrasound guidance, a small catheter is placed into the diseased vein. Then, varithena foam is injected through the catheter, causing the vein to collapse and seal off.

ULTRASOUND-GUIDED SCLEROTHERAPY

During ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, a vein specialist uses live ultrasound guidance to treat varicose veins located near the skin’s surface. They inject a sclerosant agent directly into the diseased vein, which intentionally irritates the vein, causing it to collapse and close.

CLARIVEIN®

ClariVein®, also referred to as mechanochemical ablation, uses ultrasound guidance and a special catheter with a rotating tip at one end. This unique varicose vein treatment simultaneously applies mechanical and chemical methods to seal off diseased veins. As with other minimally invasive treatments, patients are able to immediately return to most normal activities immediately afterward.

VENASEAL™

Our VenaSeal™ closure system treats varicose veins by applying a specially-formulated medical adhesive through a small catheter into affected veins. This adhesive seals off varicose veins, allowing blood flow to be rerouted. Unlike with other nonsurgical techniques, the use of compression socks is not usually required after VenaSeal™ treatment.

RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION (RFA)

Radiofrequency ablation treatment, or RFA, is a safe, proven medical procedure that not only treats the symptoms of varicose veins, but also treats the underlying condition that causes them. This is accomplished by the specialist inserting a small catheter into the diseased vein through a small incision under ultrasound guidance. Consistent and uniform heat is delivered to contract collagen in the vein walls, causing them to collapse and close. After the vein is closed, blood is diverted to healthy veins, which improves circulation This outpatient procedure time is usually less than an hour and does not require hospital stay.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Varicose Veins

Minimally invasive, outpatient varicose vein treatment can quickly improve your quality of life by alleviating painful symptoms, along with improving the appearance of visible veins. It can also reduce your risk of developing several serious health conditions.

Additional benefits of varicose vein treatment at USA Vein Clinics include:

Convenience: Our treatments are performed at over 160 varicose vein treatment clinics, located across the USA. Treatment usually takes about an hour, from start to finish, with the actual procedure lasting only 15-30 minutes. Although some patients prefer to be driven home by a friend or family member, there is no lengthy recovery period or overnight hospital stay.

Affordability: Our insurance experts can work directly with your health insurance plan to facilitate getting you the help you need. Varicose vein treatment is typically covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. You can quickly verify your coverage online by using our scheduling tool or by giving us a call at 888.768.3467. If you do not have insurance, we are happy to help you explore other cost-conscious options.

Effectiveness: Our minimally invasive varicose vein treatments are performed by experienced vein specialists, some of whom are specially-trained interventional radiologists. As a result, we offer a high clinical success rate, allowing our patients to quickly recover, return to normal activities, and experience a better quality of life.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment of Varicose Veins

We understand that the prospect of vein treatment may be intimidating. Rest assured that our empathetic clinic staff will be with you though the process.

BEFORE YOUR TREATMENT

During your initial consultation, your visit will consist of a physical exam and diagnosis. it is important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your specialist. They may ask you to stop taking aspirin, blood thinners, or other anticoagulant medications a few days before treatment. On the day of your procedure, we recommend wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your appointment.

DURING YOUR TREATMENT

Minimally invasive varicose vein treatment at USA Vein Clinics is performed in a comfortable outpatient setting. The targeted treatment area will be thoroughly cleaned and lightly numbed with local anesthesia. Then, depending on the type of treatment recommended, your doctor will insert either a catheter or a small needle into the targeted vein. You may feel a mild stinging or burning sensation as it moves through the vein. Many patients experience no discomfort at all.

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

We bandage your legs to control bleeding and swelling, but keep in mind that some discharge from the treated area is normal. After leaving our varicose vein treatment clinic, you can resume most normal activities. However, you will need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least a week. You should also avoid soaking in bathtubs, hot tubs, and pools for a few days following the procedure. Finally, you may be asked to wear compression stockings for a certain period of time to aid healing.
For some patients, symptomatic relief from leg pain, swelling, and other symptoms is immediate. Others will experience a gradual improvement. Whether you experience relief immediately or in the days or weeks that follow, you can look forward to:
  • Less pain and discomfort, if any
  • A feeling of lighter legs
  • Reduced leg swelling, if any
  • Relief from itching and burning sensations
  • No need to elevate your legs throughout the day

Schedule Online Now with USA Vein Clinics

At USA Vein Clinics, minimally invasive, office-based varicose vein treatment is convenient, affordable, and highly effective. We offer over 160 varicose vein treatment clinics across America along with virtual doctor consultations. We also work closely with insurance companies to help our patients receive the medical care they need, when it is needed.

We understand that many people have delayed medical treatments due to lifestyle changes. We want you to know that there is no need to suffer any longer. Instead, take the first step in discovering relief from varicose vein pain and discomfort. To discuss your varicose vein treatment options with one of our highly skilled specialists, simply make an appointment online or call 888.768.3467.

Find a Vein Clinic in a City Near You

Varicose Vein Treatment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

See below for some of the most frequently asked questions about varicose veins and treatments.

1. Do I have varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, blue or purple veins that rise above the surface of the skin. Most commonly, they appear on the legs, ankles, and feet. Not only are varicose veins visible, they can also cause painful or uncomfortable symptoms that can cause a significant difference in your quality of life. Common leg symptoms include swelling, cramping, itching, and fatigue.

2. Do I need varicose vein treatment?

Although varicose veins are sometimes considered a cosmetic issue and a common condition, they are actually a sign of underlying vein disease. When left untreated, vein disease can cause a range of painful symptoms, along with placing you at risk for dangerous health conditions. If you have varicose veins or are at risk for developing them, we suggest consulting a vein specialist for personalized treatment recommendations.

3. Are varicose veins preventable?

There are many factors that can lead to the development of varicose veins, including age, genetics, and lifestyle. Although you may be able to control some of these, such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, others are beyond your control. Once varicose veins appear, they do not usually go away on their own. However, the treatment of varicose veins can help reduce their appearance, alleviate symptoms, and improve your quality of life.

4. How does USA Vein Clinics treat varicose veins?

Our vein specialists focus on phlebology and offer a range of minimally invasive, office-based treatments for varicose veins in legs. All of our procedures take less than an hour, from start to finish, and aim to seal off diseased veins, rerouting blood flow to healthy, surrounding veins. Our state-of-the-art techniques include laser treatment, foam treatment and radiofrequency for varicose veins.

5. Is treatment for varicose veins covered by insurance?

Most major health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover varicose vein treatment. To discuss the details of your insurance plan’s coverage, we encourage you to reach out to our dedicated insurance department.

6. Does varicose vein treatment require recovery time?

Minimally invasive treatments generally requires little, if any, recovery time. Most patients are able to leave the clinic immediately following treatment and return to their normal activities. However, you may be asked to avoid strenuous activities, along with bathing in a tub and going swimming, for a number of days afterward. Some patients will need to wear compression socks for a period of time to boost blood circulation and aid healing.

7. How effective is varicose vein treatment?

Although there are never any guarantees, minimally invasive vein treatment is highly successful with positive outcomes. After varicose vein treatment, the vast majority of our patients experience quick relief from painful symptoms and marked improvement in quality of life. Keep in mind that in some cases, more than one type of treatment or multiple treatments may be required to achieve desired results.

If you have any specific questions about vein treatments, please feel free to schedule a consultation online.

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