What Are Varicose Veins?
Although varicose veins may occur in various parts of the body, they most often occur in the legs. Typically unsightly, with a thick, twisted appearance and blue or purple pigmentation, varicose veins are often caused by venous reflux, which often causes many uncomfortable symptoms in the affected limb(s), including heaviness, aching, and swelling. Since vein disease is progressive and will not improve on its own, patients suffering from varicose veins should seek a proper medical diagnosis and follow-up treatment plan.
What Treatments Get Rid of Varicose Veins?
At Premier Vein and Body, we have several treatments to eliminate both the visible varicose veins, as well as the source of the diseased veins. A visual exam and ultrasound diagnostic test will guide Dr. Schwartz in determining the best treatment plan for your condition.
Treatment options at Premier Vein and Body include:
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Also known as laser closure, this technique uses the Sciton Pro-V Laser System, the gold standard in treating the source of varicose veins deep within the venous system. Using ultrasound guidance, Dr.Schwartz inserts a very tiny laser fiber, via a needle, into the diseased vein causing the reflux. The laser fibers transfer the laser energy to the walls of the vein as heat, causing the vein to collapse and close off. After the vein collapses, the body needs about four to six weeks to remove it, so visible results are not immediate. The blood is then re-routed to healthier veins.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
The Ambulatory Phlebectomy procedure addresses the superficial, visible bulging veins that many patients with vein disease present with. Dr. Schwartz will make an incision about a millimeter in length and insert a special “hook” instrument, removing the visible bulging varicose vein from the body. While the Endovenous Laser Ablation treats the Greater Saphenous Vein, deep within the venous system and the source for varicose veins, Ambulatory Phlebectomy eliminates the actual visible veins known as “varicose veins”. Once these bulging veins have been removed, blood redirects to healthier veins.
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) is a specialized treatment that addresses surface and branch varicosities. While endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) addresses the larger Greater Saphenous Vein, UGS is effective in treating the complex, winding branches of veins that feed into the larger vein. The procedure is both safe and very effective. It involves injecting a sclerosant medication into the diseased veins using ultrasound mapping, causing the veins to close. Your body will eventually dissolve these veins and absorb them.
