Varicose veins or spider veins affect up to 60% of adults. The primary cause in women is monthly hormonal fluctuations and pregnancy. Unsightly and in some cases posing a health risk, these red, blue, or purple thread like lines are removed using one of the following methods; Sclerotherapy, Vein Stripping Surgery, or Laser Vein Removal. On average, vein removal treatments have an 85-95% success rate.
Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels that have widened due to a weakness in the vein wall or a problem with the valves that control the flow of blood. They usually develop in the legs and can be seen through the skin. Many patients with varicose veins describe an aching or cramping in the legs. Other common symptoms include tiredness, restlessness, burning, throbbing, tingling, or heaviness in the legs. Spider veins are smaller and most often seen on the legs and face.
Your surgeon will assist you in deciding which method of vein removal is best for you.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for both spider veins and varicose veins. A saline (salt) solution or a specially made detergent is injected directly into the vein. This causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut. Following the stoppage of blood flow, the vein turns into scar tissue and fades over 3 to 6 weeks. Sclerotherapy is quickly performed in a physician’s office with no anesthesia required.
Laser Vein Removal
Laser vein removal or endovenous laser therapy can effectively treat varicose and spider veins. A doctor puts a catheter (a very small tube) into the vein which emits a radio frequency or laser energy. The vein will shrink and seal allowing restored blood flow to healthy veins surrounding it. Treatment takes less than an hour and patients can return to normal activity immediately.
Vein Stripping
Vein stripping is generally used to treat large varicose veins. Problematic veins are tied shut and completely removed from the body. Surgical stripping is done in an operating room under anesthesia and requires a longer recovery period than laser vein removal or sclerotherapy.
