Varicose Vein Treatment Options - Phoenix EVLT Doctors

Varicose Veins Treatment
Varicose veins are blue or purplish bulging veins that appear on the leg or groin as a result of pregnancy, aging, genetics, hormone changes, significant weight gain, jobs that require prolonged periods of standing, leg injuries, or diseases that impair blood circulation. Varicose veins can cause pain and discomfort, and sometimes, serious medical problems. Varicose veins will not go away without treatment.
Varicose vein treatments are designed to close or remove affected veins, so blood no longer flows through them. The blood is then rerouted through healthy veins, decreasing symptoms and improving the appearance of the affected areas.

Treatment Options
Older, more invasive treatments are used to completely remove varicose veins from the affected area. During vein stripping, a surgeon makes small incisions in the affected area in order to remove the varicose vein(s). Because vein stripping often requires general anesthesia (people are completely asleep), causes moderate levels of pain, and/or creates permanent scars, this form of surgery is not a popular treatment for varicose veins. Also, many individuals (30-80%) have problems with recurring varicose veins after stripping surgery.

Newer, less invasive varicose vein treatments are used to collapse or close (rather than remove) affected veins. Sclerotherapy is a chemical treatment for spider veins or small to medium-sized varicose veins. This procedure does not require any anesthesia, and is quick (30-60 minutes) and relatively painless. Side effects of sclerotherapy may include swelling, bruising, redness, and itching at injection sites. Most people require more than one session to treat all of their affected veins.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) uses strong bursts of light to shrink and close spider veins or small to medium sized varicose veins.

EVLT procedures use local anesthesia (numbing the area), and are quick (45 minutes) and relatively painless. Side effects of EVLT may include soreness, numbness, and bruising. Two to four treatments may be required to treat all of the affected veins.

Catheter-assisted closure techniques (e.g., VNUS procedure) use a thin tube (catheter) to close large varicose veins via radiofrequency waves which heat up, collapse, and close the vein. The VNUS procedure uses local anesthesia and results in less pain and a faster recovery time than vein stripping surgery. Side effects of the VNUS procedure can include mild bruising and soreness.

Candidates for Treatment
The best candidates for varicose vein treatments are physically and mentally healthy individuals who are willing and able to follow through on self-care instructions after the procedure.

People with certain diseases (such as blood and infectious diseases, heart disease, problems with bleeding, high blood pressure, and/or diabetes) may not be good candidates for varicose vein treatment. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should delay treating varicose veins until after delivery or nursing has stopped.