Varicose veins are blue or dark purple veins that may appear to be swollen or bulging on the surface of the skin. These veins are often found on the backs of the legs but can also appear on other parts of the body. While these veins rarely lead to serious medical problems, they can cause discomfort involving aching legs or a burning, throbbing sensation. Varicose veins may also be treated for cosmetic reasons as many people find them to be unsightly.
Significance
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, varicose veins are a condition found more commonly in women and will affect half of all people over the age of 50. Varicose veins may become painful and unsightly, which prompts patients to undergo treatment to remove them.
Sclerotherapy
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sclerotherapy has been used to treat unsightly varicose veins for more than 100 years. The doctor uses a very fine needle to inject a solution into the varicose vein. This solution will thicken the walls of the vein and cause the vein to eventually seal shut. Once the vein has been closed, it will be eliminated by the body. Several treatments may be required until the vein has completely vanished.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
This surgical treatment of varicose veins is often performed on younger patients whose veins are too thick and strong to be treated with sclerotherapy. Ambulatory phlebectomy may also be performed to remove varicose veins from the trunk of the body. Before surgery, varicose veins are outlined with a special pen. The patient is then given tumescent anesthesia that will cause the treated area to swell in addition to numbing the area. The dermatologist will then make a series of small incisions in order to surgically remove the vein. Stitches are generally not required unless the varicose vein is very large. This procedure lasts from 30 to 60 minutes and the patient is encouraged to walk immediately after a compression bandage or stocking has been applied.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment consists of a laser fiber being inserted into the varicose vein. The fiber is then slowly withdrawn while energy from the laser travels through the fiber causing the walls of the varicose vein to collapse. The patient may have to undergo several treatments before the varicose vein has been eliminated. The entire procedure can be performed in less than an hour with the actual treatment lasting 10 to 15 minutes. The procedure can be repeated every one to two months until the desired results have been achieved.
Recovery
A hospital stay is not required for any of the treatments for varicose veins. Most patients will be able to return to work as soon as the next day after their procedure. Patients will need to change any dressing on the affected area to avoid infection, and may be required to wear a compression stocking or bandage for several weeks. Those receiving laser treatment should take care to protect the treated area from the sun for two weeks after treatment as sun exposure may create dark spots on the skin.
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