Understanding Non-Surgical Treatments for Varicose Veins

For the uninitiated, varicose veins are bulging veins that appear swollen and are often blue or purple in color. There are several risk factors for varicose veins, including age, gender, and pregnancy, and some patients may experience extreme pain, discomfort, and itching. If you have a job that demands you to remain in a standing position for many hours, you are more at risk of this vein condition. It is best to check with a doctor without delay. Visit a vein institute of SC to know more, and for your help, we have shared basic aspects of non-surgical treatments for varicose veins. 

Venous Ablation

This treatment for varicose veins relies on heat. Your doctor will make a small incision to access the affected veins and insert a catheter. The thin catheter helps deliver laser energy into the affected vein, causing it to collapse and eventually die. Some treatments rely on laser energy, while others use radio frequencies. Most patients experience immediate relief. 

Sclerotherapy

Often considered one of the most successful and conventional ways of treating varicose veins, the procedure involves injecting a solution of saline water into the affected vein. The solution causes the vein to collapse. Sclerotherapy is absolutely safe and has been in use for decades. However, it can take at least a few treatments to see the desired results. You may see some scar tissues with sclerotherapy, which will eventually fade away. 

Phlebectomy

For medium to large-sized varicose veins, this is usually the recommended treatment. Phlebectomy also involves making tiny incisions to access the veins. Special tools help the doctor remove the affected veins. There is no pain involved as the procedure relies on local anesthesia. There is no stitching required. 

Benefits of non-surgical treatments

There are several advantages of non-surgical treatments, including no hospital stay. Most treatments are done as outpatient procedures, and you can go home almost immediately. There is also no downtime with most of the above non-surgical treatments, and you can return to your normal routine. Your doctor may advise against strenuous activities for a few days. Non-surgical treatments are considerably safer, with reduced risks of bleeding or infection. There is rarely any scarring, and even if you see some scar tissues, the same will disappear in a few days. Not to forget, these treatments are also cheaper. 

Don’t withstand the pain or discomfort caused by varicose veins – Talk to your doctor to determine the best line of treatment depending on the initial symptoms.