Varicose Vein Removal

Varicose veins are enlarged veins close to the skin’s surface. Varicose veins appear as ropey bulges in the skin and can cause embarrassment and physical pain, as well as minor to serious medical problems. When a doctor removes problem veins, blood is rerouted through normal healthy veins, so bloodflow is not disrupted.

Varicose vein problems stem from a condition called venous insufficiency. The valves in a vein become faulty, causing blood to pool in the vein and the vein to bulge. Sometimes varicose veins can be treated with lifestyle changes or by wearing compression stockings. However, many sufferers choose to have a varicose vein removal procedure.

Many different types of varicose vein removal procedures are available. In fact, your doctor may recommend using two or more different treatment options to increase the overall results. This page will give you a brief description of the different methods for removing varicose veins. You can also read the other pages of our site for more information about treating varicose veins.

Varicose Vein Removal: Vein surgery

For many years, vein ligation and stripping was the standard varicose vein removal method. Advances in technology have led to the popularity of less-invasive procedures. Still, vein stripping remains a common method for varicose vein removal.

This procedure removes the great saphenous vein, which is a large vein that runs from the groin area to the ankle along the inside of the leg. Removing this vein can greatly reduce varicose vein problems. Because plenty of other veins exist to carry blood back to the heart, removing the great saphenous vein does not disrupt bloodflow.

To perform vein stripping, the doctor first makes an incision in the groin area and another near the ankle. Several smaller incisions may be made along the path of the vein. Next, the doctor takes a special stripping tool and threads it through the vein. The doctor may use the smaller incisions to guide the tool through the vein. As the tool is pulled out near the ankle, the vein is pulled out with it. The two larger incisions are closed with stitches.

Vein stripping takes place in a hospital or surgical center and normally requires general anesthesia. Scarring may occur at the incision sites in the groin area and ankle.

Phlebectomy is a similar procedure that is performed on smaller veins. The physician makes tiny incisions and pulls out the troubled veins. Because the incisions are so small, stitches are not needed. Normally, the patient does not experience scarring.

Side effects of vein surgery include pain and bruising.

Varicose Vein Removal: Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a popular choice for the treatment of both varicose veins and spider veins. Because it`s less invasive than vein surgery, recovery is quicker and easier on the patient. Side effects are minimal.

To perform sclerotherapy, a doctor injects a solution into the targeted blood vessel. Over the following weeks and months, the vein shrinks and eventually disappears as the body absorbs it. To “sclerose” means “to harden.” In sclerotherapy, the solution injected into the vein causes the vein to harden. This process seals the targeted area of the vein off from further blood flow, preventing more blood from pooling. Blood bypasses the vein and flows through the healthy surrounding blood vessels instead. The sealed-off section of vein eventually becomes scar tissue, which the body mostly absorbs.

Sclerotherapy is performed in a doctor’s office or clinic. The procedure can take as little as 30 minutes but may take longer depending on how many veins are treated. You may be able to have more than one vein treated during a sclerotherapy session, and it’s common to receive treatment a second time a couple weeks after your first treatment. This will increase the effects of the sclerotherapy and improve the appearance of the legs.

Varicose Vein Removal: Laser Vein Removal

Laser technologies are advancing quickly, and several different types of lasers are used to treat varicose and spider veins. Your doctor can discuss the different laser treatments available.

During laser vein removal, a laser fiber is inserted into the vein. A light beam pulses into the vein, causing it to seal shut. The body then naturally reroutes blood through normal healthy veins, avoiding the problem vein. The laser causes the vein to seal by killing cells in the vein walls. Because the laser is highly focused, it does not harm surrounding body tissue.

Laser surgery is performed in a doctor’s office, and you will be able to get up and walk immediately following the procedure. Although side effects and serious complications are rare, you may experience some discomfort after the procedure.

Am I a good candidate for varicose vein removal?

You are likely a candidate for varicose vein removal if you have varicose veins that cause you pain or discomfort or if you are seeking treatment for cosmetic reasons. Varicose vein removal procedures help relieve varicose vein problems for thousands of individuals every year. These treatments are safe and effective.

However, only a doctor can determine for certain if varicose vein removal is right for you. Finding a local vein specialist is easy with our physician directory. We work hard to connect you with the best vein specialists and surgeons in your area.

Your doctor will determine the right treatment for you by first examining the problem area and asking you details about your medical history. Your doctor may order an ultrasound image of your leg to help determine the severity of the condition before developing a treatment plan.

Will my insurance cover my vein removal treatment?

If you are considering varicose vein removal for cosmetic reasons, it’s likely that your medical insurance will not cover the procedure. Insurance companies may cover treatments performed on large varicose veins if there is a risk of a medical problem resulting from the varicose veins. Insurance plans vary, so you should consult with a representative of your insurance company before scheduling your varicose vein removal. Your insurance company may require information from your doctor before covering the procedure.

If you are seeking treatment for spider veins, your insurance will mostly likely not cover the procedure. A spider vein is a much milder form of a varicose vein. Spider veins generally do not increase the risk of a medical problem, and treatment is for cosmetic reasons only.

If you discover that your insurance plan will not pay for your varicose vein treatment, other options may be available. You should discuss the situation with your doctor before scheduling your procedure. He or she will be able to explain the costs associated with the procedure and may be able to offer a financing plan to help you pay for your treatment.