If you have varicose veins, you may be looking for a way to treat the veins that is less invasive than surgery. Several minimally invasive treatments available can help improve the appearance of your veins and reduce the symptoms you may be experiencing. With Sebring varicose veins, you can find the right treatment for you and start on the road to recovery.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are blue, crimson, or flesh-colored swollen veins. Veins are most commonly found on the legs and can be seen beneath the skin. Varicose veins are common and affect about one in every two adults over 50.
The most common symptom of varicose veins is aching or heavy legs. Other symptoms can include swelling, burning, throbbing, and cramping in the legs. Some people with varicose veins also experience skin changes, such as dryness, itching, and ulcers.
How are varicose veins treated?
Traditionally, the only way to remove varicose veins was through surgery. However, there are now several minimally invasive treatments available that can help improve the appearance of your veins and reduce the symptoms you may be experiencing.
- Sclerotherapy
Any person with a spider or small varicose veins may be a candidate for sclerotherapy. It is considered one of the most effective treatments for smaller veins. It works by injecting a solution into the veins, which damages the vein walls and causes the veins to collapse. The body then reabsorbs the collapsed veins over time.
- Endovenous laser therapy
Endovenous laser therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that uses laser energy to heat the damaged vein walls. This causes the veins to collapse and eventually disappear. It would help if you also learned that endovenous laser therapy is a newer procedure and may not be available at all vein treatment centers.
- Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is similar to endovenous laser therapy but uses radio waves instead of laser energy to generate heat. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to damage the vein walls and cause the veins to collapse. The body then reabsorbs the collapsed veins over time.
- Ambulatory phlebectomy
This procedure is usually used on larger varicose veins. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove varicose veins. During the procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in the skin and removes the veins through the incisions.
- Compression stockings
Compression stockings are a garment that applies pressure to your legs and helps improve blood flow. The stockings are often used to treat symptoms of varicose veins and can also help prevent them from getting worse. Compression stockings are available without a prescription and come in various sizes.
- Vein ligation and stripping
Vein ligation and stripping is a surgical procedure that removes larger varicose veins. Your specialist can access the veins through small incisions in your skin. Once the surgeon has access to the veins, the specialist will tie them off and remove them through another incision.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of varicose veins, it is important to consult with your vein specialist at Florida Lakes Surgical. Your doctor can determine which treatment option is right for you.
