Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins that no longer allow for normal blood flow. Often, they cause pain, swelling, tenderness, and discoloration. While most people associate varicose veins with the legs, they can also occur in the pelvis, esophagus, rectum, uterus, and vagina. Here at Shaheen Vascular and Advanced Biosculpt in Mountain View, CA, we offer varicose vein treatment to patients who are suffering from moderate to severe varicosities.
We use a number of methods to permanently remove your varicose veins, and the length of treatment depends on which approach is chosen and how severe your condition is. In most cases, treatment is a one-off event, and you can expect permanent results. However, people who have significant varicosities might need to come to the clinic several times in order to have all their diseased veins removed.
Having your varicose veins addressed doesn’t have to be a hassle, especially if you choose one of our minimally invasive treatment methods. Radiofrequency ablation, VeinGogh, laser therapy, and sclerotherapy all take approximately one hour, and you don’t have to spend a lot of time recovering from your treatment. Instead, you can resume your normal activities, and the results will appear within the next few months.
Some people can have their varicose vein treated in one session, but others require several appointments, especially if they have more than one vein that needs to be removed. Your doctor can help you choose the treatment that is most suitable for you and then come up with a treatment plan.
When patients are reluctant to undergo treatment or they come to us with mild varicose veins, we sometimes recommend a holistic approach. You can reduce the symptoms of your varicosities by exercising regularly, avoiding long periods of standing and sitting, and wearing compression stockings. There are various types and models of stockings out there, so you’re sure to find some that suit the shape of your legs and your condition.
Compression stockings can effectively provide relief for varicose veins because they keep your tissues together and encourage blood flow to and from the heart. If they are used as the main treatment method, patients are encouraged to wear them indefinitely, since they reduce symptoms such as pain and cramping. However, stockings are also often used for several weeks or months after patients have undergone another form of treatment.
One of our most popular methods of addressing varicose veins is called radiofrequency ablation, and it involves targeting the affected veins with radio waves. The vibrations seal the vein, so blood can no longer flow through it. As a result, the body marks the varicose vein as faulty and breaks it down naturally over time.
This treatment is minimally invasive, so you won’t have to stay at a hospital or spend a lot of time recovering from it. Depending on the condition of your vein, the session at the clinic might take up to an hour. People who have multiple varicosities that need to be addressed might require multiple appointments over several weeks, but those who would like to get rid of just one vein can usually be treated in one go.
Laser therapy works like radiofrequency ablation, but instead of using radiofrequency waves, strong rays of light are used to heat up and then seal off the veins. Both treatments are very effective and minimally invasive, so they are appropriate for almost any patient. However, patients considering laser therapy should make sure they are working with a highly qualified doctor.
To prevent problems, the heat from the laser needs to be targeted at exactly the right vein. Because the therapy is technique-sensitive, you should always choose a vascular specialist. When you come to our clinic, Dr. Shaheen will help you determine whether radiofrequency ablation or laser therapy is the best varicose vein treatment for you.
Small and medium-sized varicose veins can be removed by injecting them with a chemical called sclerosant. This encourages scarring on your veins’ surfaces and therefore destroys their function. Over time, veins treated with sclerosant close up and are absorbed by the body. Sclerotherapy is also considered minimally invasive, and there is very little recovery time.
Most people go to the clinic several times for this treatment, but if you have just a few varicosities, you might only need one appointment. After your session, you will notice that your vein slowly fades away. You will see the final results within one to four months, depending on the severity of your condition and the speed at which your body heals.
Vein ligation and stripping is a minor surgery, and its purpose is to remove damaged veins. Ligation describes the process of surgically tying off a vein to prevent the pooling of blood. Sometimes, it is used in combination with other techniques such as laser or radiofrequency therapy. Stripping is when the affected vein is removed from your body. To do this, your doctor will make a small incision in your tissue and pull the vein out.
This treatment is slightly more invasive than many others, and it lasts around 2-3 hours. Therefore, you might need to spend a few days recovering after your appointment at the clinic. Many patients only need to have this treatment once. It could take several weeks or even months for the end results of ligation and stripping to show up.
The VeinGogh Ohmic Thermolysis System is a newer treatment than laser or radiofrequency therapy, and it can be more effective for smaller varicose veins and spider veins. It is also more appropriate for sensitive areas of the body, so VeinGogh might be chosen if your varicose veins are not located on your legs.
During this treatment, controlled microburst heat technology is used, but the vein itself is not pierced. For this reason, the treatment is not considered invasive. Generally, only one session is required, and patients often notice the effects of their VeinGogh treatment instantly. For several weeks after the appointment, the patient will notice that their varicosities gradually fade away.
If you have mild or moderate varicosities, you might wonder whether having them removed is worth it. In many cases, treatment is recommended because you can enjoy a better quality of life if you’re not dealing with the pain, cramps, and discoloration that often comes with varicosities. Many varicose vein patients report a feeling of heaviness in the legs, which can cause mobility issues and prevent them from participating in their favorite activities.
What’s more, varicosities don’t often improve without varicose vein treatment. Although they aren’t usually a cause for concern, they can sometimes lead to additional issues such as slower wound healing in the legs or skin problems. Rarely, they can lead to blood clots that are dangerous to your health. To make sure you’re not at risk, you should speak to your local vascular specialist.
As you can see, there are many treatments available. While they can all provide patients with great results, not every method is suitable for every patient. When you come to us because of painful varicose veins, we will examine your medical history and what treatments you have tried in the past. Then, we can determine which of the above-named options is the best fit.
One of the most important considerations is the size of the varicosity, since bigger veins usually need more extensive treatment. In many cases, several methods could be suitable, and we allow the patient to decide which one they prefer. However, people with an allergy, an infection, or a severe underlying condition might be limited to certain treatments.
If you suffer from pain, discoloration, swelling, or cramping due to varicose veins, you should seek out treatment. The condition is generally not dangerous, but it can significantly affect your life by preventing you from taking part in your favorite activities. There are several ways of addressing enlarged and twisted veins, such as radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, and VeinGogh.
Generally, varicose vein treatment is permanent, so you won’t have to come back to the clinic once the process is complete. Your doctor can let you know which type of treatment is best for you and how many sessions you need. Get in touch with us now at R Shaheen Vascular and Advanced Biosculpt in Mountain View, CA to book your initial session with Dr. Raymond Shaheen and his talented team.
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