Today, It's Easier to Get Rid of Painful and Unsightly Veins
Unhealthy veins can become a source of insecurity, and can also cause a great deal of discomfort. Risk factors for problematic veins include gender, genetics, as well as poor circulation due to certain lifestyle factors.
A procedure called "vein stripping" used to be implemented in the majority of cases and involves multiple incisions to actually pull out problem veins. Today, less invasive procedures, including sclerotherapy and endovenous laser ablation, are widely used, with great results and shorter recovery times.We'll explain the fundamental differences between both types of treatments, and what you can expect following your procedure.
Endovenous Laser Ablation versus Sclerotherapy
Endovenous laser ablation is used for treating larger varicose veins. This minimally invasive procedure only requires a local anesthesia. Heat from a concentrated laser source is used on the vein to seal it shut, depriving it from its blood source. Eventually, the vein dies off and disappears. Radio frequency ablation is another treatment method that is very similar to endovenous laser ablation, and works on the same basic principle.
Sclerotherapy is often used with tiny varicose veins and spider veins. It is also frequently used as a secondary treatment following endovenous laser ablation. An injection of hypertonic saline is applied to the veins, which cause them to swell. A laser is then used to heat the vessels, after which the vessel walls collapse and disappear.
After-Treatment Activities
Following treatment, regular walking is encouraged. Highly aerobic activities and rigorous exercise, however, should be avoided for a week or two. Patients should wear compression stockings after treatment, especially followingendovenous laser ablation treatment for larger varicose veins. Avoid direct sunlight and other sources of heat to the treated leg, including hot tubs and hot showers, 48 hours after treatment. You should also avoid anti-inflammatory drugs for 48 hours following treatment.
Temporary Side-Effects Following Treatment
Over the following week or so after treatment, it is not uncommon to experience itching around the treated area, as well as redness and mild swelling. These symptoms should subside within a few days. Bruising can also occur at the injection site, and take a little longer to fade.
One to two weeks after the endovenous laser ablation treatment, some patients may experience a slightly uncomfortable tightening sensation in the leg. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern. With sclerotherapy treatment, brown spots or lines show up for some patients near the injection site, and usually resolve within 3-6 months. Larger veins may appear lumpy and hard, and take several months to dissolve completely.Smaller veins and spider veins generally resolve themselves within 3-6 weeks after treatment, while larger veins take roughly 3-4 months to completely disappear.
Vein treatments today are much less painful and require minimal recovery times. Talk to a trusted professional today to find out more about how you can finally put your leg pain and insecurities to rest.
Sources and Further Reading:
Skin Problems & Treatment Health Center – Varicose Veins and Spider Veins, http://D109/skin-problems-and-treatments/laser-treatment-for-varicose-veins (February 12, 2014).
Skin Problems & Treatment Health Center – Sclerotherapy for Varicose and Spider Veins, http://D109/skin-problems-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures-sclerotherapy (February 12, 2014).
Endovenous Ablation,http://www.dukehealth.org/services/vein_clinic/treatments/endovenous_ablation (February 12, 2014).
A procedure called "vein stripping" used to be implemented in the majority of cases and involves multiple incisions to actually pull out problem veins. Today, less invasive procedures, including sclerotherapy and endovenous laser ablation, are widely used, with great results and shorter recovery times.We'll explain the fundamental differences between both types of treatments, and what you can expect following your procedure.
Endovenous Laser Ablation versus Sclerotherapy
Endovenous laser ablation is used for treating larger varicose veins. This minimally invasive procedure only requires a local anesthesia. Heat from a concentrated laser source is used on the vein to seal it shut, depriving it from its blood source. Eventually, the vein dies off and disappears. Radio frequency ablation is another treatment method that is very similar to endovenous laser ablation, and works on the same basic principle.
Sclerotherapy is often used with tiny varicose veins and spider veins. It is also frequently used as a secondary treatment following endovenous laser ablation. An injection of hypertonic saline is applied to the veins, which cause them to swell. A laser is then used to heat the vessels, after which the vessel walls collapse and disappear.
After-Treatment Activities
Following treatment, regular walking is encouraged. Highly aerobic activities and rigorous exercise, however, should be avoided for a week or two. Patients should wear compression stockings after treatment, especially followingendovenous laser ablation treatment for larger varicose veins. Avoid direct sunlight and other sources of heat to the treated leg, including hot tubs and hot showers, 48 hours after treatment. You should also avoid anti-inflammatory drugs for 48 hours following treatment.
Temporary Side-Effects Following Treatment
Over the following week or so after treatment, it is not uncommon to experience itching around the treated area, as well as redness and mild swelling. These symptoms should subside within a few days. Bruising can also occur at the injection site, and take a little longer to fade.
One to two weeks after the endovenous laser ablation treatment, some patients may experience a slightly uncomfortable tightening sensation in the leg. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern. With sclerotherapy treatment, brown spots or lines show up for some patients near the injection site, and usually resolve within 3-6 months. Larger veins may appear lumpy and hard, and take several months to dissolve completely.Smaller veins and spider veins generally resolve themselves within 3-6 weeks after treatment, while larger veins take roughly 3-4 months to completely disappear.
Vein treatments today are much less painful and require minimal recovery times. Talk to a trusted professional today to find out more about how you can finally put your leg pain and insecurities to rest.
Sources and Further Reading:
Skin Problems & Treatment Health Center – Varicose Veins and Spider Veins, http://D109/skin-problems-and-treatments/laser-treatment-for-varicose-veins (February 12, 2014).
Skin Problems & Treatment Health Center – Sclerotherapy for Varicose and Spider Veins, http://D109/skin-problems-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures-sclerotherapy (February 12, 2014).
Endovenous Ablation,http://www.dukehealth.org/services/vein_clinic/treatments/endovenous_ablation (February 12, 2014).
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