Vein Removal
Spider veins, varicose veins, and other veins on the legs are unsightly. They can affect a person’s self-esteem and many people especially women are embarrassed to show off their legs in public. There is hope for people that have unsightly veins. There are different techniques to reduce the appearance of these veins, so they can no longer be seen. There are different types of procedures to remove these veins. The exact procedure used will depend on the severity of the veins and the type of veins that are on the legs. A person will need to undergo an exam so that the doctor can determine what form of treatment is best for them. This will also vary based o the size of the veins and if there are blood clots.
Vein Removal Surgery
This is recommended for people that have severe varicose veins. When a person opts to have this surgery, the veins can be removed, or they can be ligated based on their location. Local anesthesia is administered, and a small incision needs to be made. The incisions can be as small as 1mm and they are made on the outside of the vein. A small medical hook is inserted into the opening of the incisions and the vein is then removed in small units. This process is continued using the small incisions until the veins are removed. The incisions are so tiny, no one will know that they are there. There are no stitches, but a person needs to keep the area bandaged up for several days and may need to limit their physical activity. This procedure is recommended for those in good general health and is a quick solution to remove these veins. This process is noninvasive, and a person does not have a long recovery time. They will need to wear a compression bandage for a week. This will ensure that the incisions health properly and there may be mild swelling right after the procedure. The day after having this procedure a person can continue with their normal daily activities. The surgery will positive effects in the short term and in the long run. This procedure uses minimally invasive and will not require stitching. There is little to no scaring. The veins are being removed so this should keep them from coming back in the long run. If a patient has a family history of severing veins, they may come back over a period of time. Due to the use of anesthesia, there is little to no pain to this procedure.
Sclerotherapy
This procedure is non-surgical and is effective at removing spider veins. In some cases, it can even be used on varicose veins. A solution is injected right into the vein. The solution is injected using a microneedle and the veins will become hard. This will cause the veins to turn white and they will fade away. The veins can even disappear due to this solution. It will take some time for the veins to fade away but a person will notice that they will become less noticeable. One injection of the solution is able to treat an inch of a skin surface. If a person has large veins they may need to have several injections in order to treat the veins. There is little to no pain involved with this treatment. Treatment time is also relatively fast. Many people are done within 30 minutes to one hour. The ideal person to have this procedure is one that is generally healthy. In order to see the best results, two or more treatments may be needed. Once the procedure is complete the area will be bandaged up and there may be a little swelling for a day or two. A person is recommended to engage in exercise so they can keep the blood circulating. After each session, the vein will appear lighter. While a person will still be able to see the veins, they will not be as noticeable. This procedure will improve the appearance of the skin. Keep in mind this procedure is not able to prevent the formation of new veins but many people are still happy with the results.,
Laser Vein Removal
This is another option to help a person get rid of their veins. This is one of the most technical and advanced procedures that a person can use. This technique can be used on spider veins as well as varicose veins. A highly concentrated beam of light is used to target the veins. This procedure is gaining in popularity. Both patients and doctors like laser treatment because it is minimally invasive. It is also pain-free. A person may feel a slight amount of discomfort but that is all. There is no general anesthesia required. The laser will target the veins and will break them up. The laser is concentrated only to the targeted veins and will not harm the healthy skin.
Radiofrequency Energy
This treatment is often used on larger varicose veins and can help remove the ones that at the most visible. In this treatment, a think tub that is called a catheter is inserted into the veins. In order to get the catheter into the vein, it must be enlarged by the doctor. The tip of the tube is then heated up using a radiofrequency technique. It can also be done using laser energy. When the catheter is pulled out of the vein, the heat will heat will destroy the vein. The vein will collapse in the body and it will then be sealed shut due to the heat. This will not allow the vein to come back. This procedure is used for the larger veins and is considered to be an almost permanent solution.
Vein Stripping
This procedure sounds scary but is effective at removing the unsightly vein. When a person chooses to have this procedure performed they should see a qualified doctor right away. The goal of this procedure is to remove a smaller vein before it is able to reach the deep veins. A series of small incisions are made, allowing the doctor to be able to remove the veins in small segments. This is an outpatient procedure. This procedure is safe and will not affect the flow of blood to the veins and throughout the body. The small veins are removed and the larger veins still allow blood to flow through the body.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
This is another procedure that sounds scary but is safe and effective. This procedure will allow a doctor to be able to remove small parts of the varicose veins. Tiny punctures are made in the skin. These punctures will leave little prick marks that will fade. The doctor will then be able to remove some smaller segments of the veins. This is another procedure that is performed at an outpatient center. There is minimal scarring. The pricks are so small that they will not be noticeable. This is effective at removing smaller veins.
Endoscopic Vein Surgery
This procedure is recommended for people that have advanced issues with their legs due to the depth or number of veins that they have. A person may need to have this procedure if they have a leg ulcer and it is using the pain and discomfort. The leg ulcer may put a person’s health at risk. This is a serious condition and should not be ignored. A small and thin video camera needs to be inserted into the leg. This will allow the doctor to get an internal view of the leg. They will then use this camera to locate and close varicose veins. Once the veins are closed off, a small incision will be made and the veins will be removed. This is performed at an outpatient center and is safe when performed by a qualified doctor
If a woman developed varicose veins when she was pregnant, she should wait three to 12 months before seeking treatment. in some cases, the veins may get better on their own.
At Home Tips
After having a procedure performed a doctor may recommend some home care treatments to help keep these veins from coming back and to further reduce the appearance of these veins. The doctor can recommend that a person engages in a regular exercise program. They may recommend specific exercise to help work out the leg muscles. A person should also watch their diet and take measures to control their weight. Doctors recommend that a woman avoid high heels. Lower shoes are able to work on the calf muscles and which will keep the blood flowing and will allow a person to effort out the muscles. They should not wear tight clothing that can restrict the blood flow to the legs.
Self Care
There are some methods of self-care that may be recommended by the doctor to help a person reduce the appearance of the veins from coming back. If the first treatment does not completely remove the veins there are some things that are recommended. The doctor may recommend that a person uses compression stockings. These stockings will squeeze the legs and help blood get through the veins and the leg muscles in a more efficient manner. In some cases, these stockings require a prescription.
Preparing to Meet with the Doctor
When a person is going to meet a doctor to talk about their veins and their removal process, they should have some information prepared. This will help the doctor recommend which treatment may be right and the most effective ways to treat these veins. They should write down any pain or any other symptoms that they are feeling. This will help the doctor determine if these symptoms are an effect of the varicose veins or are from another medical condition. They should have a family history and information on any other family members that have experienced varicose veins or even spider veins. A person should make a list of all of the medication including any vitamins or supplements that they are taking. A person should also take along any questions that they have for their doctor regarding treatment.
Diagnosis
Before a doctor develops a plan for treatment they are going to have to diagnose a person with a spider or varicose veins. A doctor will need to do a physical exam. They will check the legs for signs of swelling. The doctor will ask a person to speak about any aches or pains that they may have. In some cases, the doctor may request an ultrasound to see if the veins are able to function as they should if a person may be experiencing a blood clot. In some cases, a transducer may need to be used by a technician. This is a handheld device that will be placed on the skin. This device will be able to send pictures of the veins to a monitor screen. This will allow the technician and the doctor to see images of the veins. This can help them devise what form of treatment is right for a person. Most of the treatment is noninvasive and they are often performed in an outpatient setting. A person will be able to return to their home the same day. They may experience some swelling or bruising at the treatment site but this will go away, often within a week.
When a person is looking for treatment of unsightly veins, they should use the services of Dr. Zedeh. This doctor is experienced in treating these veins and will work with a patient to help them determine which form of removal is right for them. This will be based on the number of veins they have and how visible they are. The doctor is highly qualified to perform surgical vein removal. A person will be able to have this done in the outpatient center. They will be treated with respect and given the utmost care. They will be able to get rid of unsightly veins once and for all.