Conservative Treatment of Varicose Veins
Many of the things that seem to cause varicose veins are difficult to avoid, such as a family history or a sedentary way of life.
Although genetic factors greatly influence the development of varicose veins, there are many conservative treatments that you may do to help control the progression of varicose veins. These simple techniques may help control your symptoms but will rarely improve the development of varicose veins. In other words, they complement, but do not replace medically-indicated treatments for varicose veins.
Whenever possible, avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time. Walking is much better for the veins and helps blood return to the heart more efficiently, preventing the pooling of blood in the legs. Simply walking for several minutes may improve the inefficient circulation through large varicose veins. In professions or occupations that require extended periods of standing, a few steps should be taken at regular short intervals to help the venous circulation. These include things like wearing support stockings as prescribed by a physician. Never wear compression stockings that are too tight or ill-fitting as they may further impair the circulation to the legs or through the varicose veins.
At the end of the day, swelling in the legs and varicose veins may be improved by simple elevation of the legs on an ottoman or pillow. This allows gravity to pull blood back towards the main circulatory network and back into the heart.
Finally, weight loss has been shown to improve the symptoms of varicose veins, and in some cases, improve the degree of venous reflux. A large abdominal pannus may worsen the amount of venous insufficiency. Fortunately, in many women who are pregnant, the symptoms associated with varicose veins may improve after pregnancy and post-partum weight loss. As a rule, the most appropriate treatment for pregnant women with varicose vein symptoms is conservative management. A surgical approach is generally not employed in pregnant women.
Varicose Vein Treatment: VNUS Closure / EVLT / Endovenous Ablation
If you experience any of the many symptoms of varicose veins, including leg pain, leg swelling or leg edema, itching, burning, leg discoloration, or bulging leg veins, you may be a candidate for a 'single-stitch' varicose vein procedure.
After a brief consultation in our Santa Monica office, our physicians will provide you with a simple treatment plan that is based on your individual needs. This treatment plan is determined by mapping out your varicose veins with a specialized skin light that illuminates your veins and an ultrasound examination. Most of these procedures require local anesthesia, much like a visit to the dentist, wherein varicose veins are either removed with micro-incisions or heated using specialized heat-generating catheters. These procedures reroute blood from the diseased varicose veins into more efficient venous circulation.
The two major varicose vein procedures are known as VNUS Closure and EVLT endovenous ablation. With these two procedures, a micro-incision is made in the mid thigh and a small catheter is inserted into the greater saphenous vein. It is very similar In the VNUS Closure technique, the catheter emits safe and painless radiofrequency energy to heat up and close off the defective varicose vein.
The VNUS Closure technique is very safe and has essentially replaced the old-fashioned technique of varicose vein stripping. It has become a gold-standard for varicose vein surgery. In the EVLT technique, which has been popularized by Diomed, the catheter emits a laser beam which also heats up and closes off the same diseased veins. Comparative studies of these two varicose vein procedures are still being performed, but both are safe and effective treatments for bulging
varicose veins. In both procedures, one leg or thigh can be performed in as little as ten minutes. The resulting incision is the size of a needle-stick (very similar to one that you would get with a laboratory blood draw). This 'single-stitch' technique minimizes bruising and scars.
Patients recovering from varicose vein procedures should be happy to know that the procedures performed at the Santa Monica Vein Center are minimally-invasive and are performed on an outpatient basis. We are one of the first varicose vein centers in Los Angeles to perform these procedures in an office setting. The downtime after the varicose vein procedure is minimal and patients have even returned to work or school after the procedure. The only inconvenience is that you may have to wear an elastic bandage around the treated leg for several hours after the varicose vein procedure.
In summary, the VNUS Closure procedure and the EVLT laser procedure are minimally-invasive alternatives to painful varicose vein stripping, with little to no downtime. The VNUS Closure procedure and EVLT provide a less-invasive alternative by closing the diseased varicose vein through a single needle puncture site. When researching the VNUS Closure procedure or the EVLT procedure, you may encounter the terms venous insufficiency or venous reflux. These terms refer to the status of the veins in the legs and thighs. With advancing age, some patients may have veins that are either leaking or inefficient. When the vein valves leak blood back into the legs and feet, varicose veins develop. During the initial consultation, the staff will check the important veins in the legs and thighs to determine whether you have any of these conditions. Since we perform many of these procedures, chances are that we have seen varicose veins that are far worse than yours. Feel free to openly discuss your concerns with us and we can explain the process in simple terms. Most patients will be relieved to know that even the most severe cases of varicose and spider veins can be treated with the smallest of incisions.
Since we are a comprehensive center for varicose vein disease, we can provide you with many alternatives to treat your varicose veins. We are firm believers in less-invasive treatments for varicose veins in addition to the surgical ones. Our office carries a full line of complementary natural products, including Omega Intensive Vein Complex, to improve vein function prior to surgery. This rich moisturizer contains antioxidant and vein strengthening natural fortifiers to strengthen the varicose vein wall and improve long-term results.
Varicose Vein Postoperative Instructions
Varicose Vein Treatment VNUS - EVLT Endovenous Ablation of veins
The recovery from varicose vein surgery is relatively simple given the major advancements in varicose vein treatment over the last five years. The two mainstays of treatment are micro-incision phlebectomy and endovenous ablation of varicose veins. These two procedures are both performed in an office setting and have minimal downtime.
Postoperative Instructions:
1. Walking is encouraged following any varicose vein procedure. Walk as much as you feel comfortable, but do not overdue any strenuous type activity.
2. Keep the operated leg elevated whenever sitting. This will passively reroute blood away from the previous varicose vein sites.
3. A clear dressing or a specialized tape may be placed on the micro-incisions on the leg. Leave these dressings intact. Once you return to the Vein Center, we will remove the dressings for you.
4. An elastic bandage will be placed on the operated leg. Again, this bandage will help reroute blood away from the site of previous varicose veins. You can remove the elastic bandage if it feels tight or constricting, otherwise leave it on for about six hours after your varicose vein procedure.
5. Pain medications: Although most people do not need pain medications after varicose vein procedures, you may elect to take one to two tablets of Tylenol every 6 hours.
6. After VNUS Closure or EVLT procedures, you must return to clinic to have a follow-up examination.
7. In some patients, the numbing medication that we inject into the leg may ooze out of the small needle stick sites. This is absolutely normal and will subside several hours after the varicose vein procedure.
8. Call the Santa Monica Vein Center if you experience any problems or are experiencing excessive pain or swelling of the leg or thigh.
Santa Monica Vein Center is a National Center Excellence for Varicose Vein Disorders.
VNUS Closure Procedure. EVLT Varicose Veins. Sclerotherapy. Microphlebectomy. Varicose Vein Stripping. Varicose Vein Surgery. Laser Spider Vein Removal. Telangiectasia Removal.
