What is the Best Varicose Vein Treatment? Find Out Today!

You walk into a room, and before you even greet your friends or colleagues, you can feel their eyes drawn to the veins bulging on your legs. You shift uncomfortably, trying to adjust your clothing to cover the unsightly varicose veins that have been a source of discomfort for years. This scenario might be all too familiar if you’re dealing with varicose veins, a common condition that affects millions of people. But what if you didn’t have to hide anymore? What if you could confidently wear whatever you want without worrying about those veins?

At VIP Medical Group, we understand the impact that varicose veins can have on your self-esteem. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with the discomfort and appearance of varicose veins forever. With modern advancements in vein care, various minimally invasive treatments are available to help you reclaim your confidence. But with so many options available, you might wonder, “What is the best varicose vein treatment?” In this article, we explore the top five varicose vein treatments so you can find the one that’s right for you.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure that can treat varicose veins at their source. It involves using laser energy to seal off the affected veins, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. EVLA is highly effective and has become one of the most popular treatments for varicose veins.

What Happens During the Treatment?

Your vein doctor will begin by using ultrasound imaging to precisely locate the problematic vein. After marking the vein’s pathway, the doctor will numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. A small incision is made, typically below the knee, and a thin laser fiber is inserted into the vein using a catheter. The laser fiber is then guided along the length of the vein. Once the fiber is in place, the laser energy is activated, causing the vein walls to collapse and seal shut. This process closes the vein, and the blood is rerouted to nearby healthy veins. The entire procedure takes less than an hour, and you can return home the same day.

Advantages of Endovenous Laser Ablation:

• Minimally invasive with no need for large incisions
• High success rate in treating varicose veins
• Minimal discomfort during and after the procedure
• Quick recovery time, with most patients resuming normal activities within a day
• Performed under local anesthesia, reducing risks associated with general anesthesia

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is another highly effective, minimally invasive varicose vein treatment. Like EVLA, it works by sealing off the problematic veins, but instead of laser energy, RFA uses radiofrequency waves to achieve the same result.

What Happens During the Treatment?

In an RFA procedure, your vein doctor will first use ultrasound imaging to map out the affected vein. The area is then numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. A small incision is made, typically near the knee, and a catheter is inserted into the vein. A specialized device that emits radiofrequency waves is then threaded through the catheter to the precise location of the varicose vein. Once activated, the radiofrequency energy heats the vein walls, causing them to collapse and close. The procedure takes about an hour, and like EVLA, you can go home shortly after the treatment is completed.

Advantages of Radiofrequency Ablation:

• Minimally invasive, with only a small incision required
• Minimal pain and discomfort during the procedure
• Quick recovery time, allowing you to resume normal activities quickly
• Performed under local anesthesia, making it a safe option for most patients
• Proven to be highly effective in closing off varicose veins

VenaSeal

VenaSeal is a revolutionary varicose vein treatment that uses a medical adhesive to close off affected veins. Unlike EVLA and RFA, which use heat to seal veins, VenaSeal relies on a specially formulated adhesive to achieve the same result.

What Happens During the Treatment?

During the VenaSeal procedure, your vein doctor will begin by using ultrasound imaging to identify the affected vein. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, a catheter is inserted into the vein through a small incision. The VenaSeal adhesive is then delivered through the catheter to the targeted area. As the adhesive is released, it seals the vein shut, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. The entire procedure is quick, often taking less than an hour, and no compression stockings are typically required post-treatment.

Advantages of VenaSeal:

• No need for heat or thermal energy, reducing the risk of nerve damage
• Minimal post-procedure discomfort
• No need for compression stockings after treatment
• Quick and efficient procedure, with a fast recovery time
• Performed under local anesthesia, making it suitable for most patients

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove large varicose veins that are close to the surface of the skin. It is often recommended for veins that are too large to be treated with other methods.

What Happens During the Treatment?

The Ambulatory Phlebectomy procedure begins with the application of a local anesthetic to numb the area where the varicose veins are located. Once the area is numb, your vein doctor will make several tiny incisions along the vein’s path. Using a specialized hook, the vein doctor will extract the varicose vein through these incisions. The incisions are so small that stitches are usually not necessary, and the procedure typically takes about an hour to complete. Afterward, you’ll be able to go home the same day.

Advantages of Ambulatory Phlebectomy:

• Direct removal of large varicose veins
• Minimal scarring due to tiny incisions
• Immediate relief from symptoms caused by large veins
• Quick recovery, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days
• Performed under local anesthesia, ensuring comfort during the procedure

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a popular and highly effective treatment for both spider veins and smaller varicose veins. It involves injecting a sclerosant solution directly into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and eventually fade away.

What Happens During the Treatment?

During a Sclerotherapy session, your vein doctor will use a fine needle to inject a sclerosant solution into the varicose veins. This solution irritates the lining of the veins, causing them to collapse and seal shut. Over time, the treated veins are absorbed by your body and fade from view. The procedure is relatively quick, often taking just 30 to 45 minutes, and is performed in the office. Multiple sessions may be required depending on the extent of the varicose veins.

Advantages of Sclerotherapy:

• Effective treatment for small to medium-sized veins
• Minimally invasive with no need for anesthesia
• Quick procedure with minimal downtime
• Gradual fading of treated veins, leading to improved appearance
• Can be combined with other treatments for comprehensive vein care

Find the Right Varicose Vein Treatment for You

When it comes to varicose vein treatment, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best treatment for you will depend on various factors, including the size and location of your varicose veins, your overall health, and your personal preferences. At VIP Medical Group, we specialize in curating personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Our board-certified vein doctors, who are Ivy League-educated and Harvard-trained, are experts in minimally invasive vein treatments, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care.

We recommend visiting one of our vein clinics, conveniently located in New York, New Jersey, Long Island, Maryland, and California, to discuss your options. Whether you’re interested in Endovenous Laser Ablation, Radiofrequency Ablation, VenaSeal, Ambulatory Phlebectomy, or Sclerotherapy, we’re here to help you find the best varicose vein treatment for your specific condition. Visit your nearest vein clinic to get started on your journey to healthier legs.