YOUR LEGS
used to be a picture of health and beauty—but
lately, you have noticed varicose veins marring the image. These
swollen, often bluish blood vessels are more common in women
thanmen, and the tendency to develop themoften runs in families.
Not all varicose veins cause problems, or they might trigger
To learn more
about treatment
options for
varicose veins,
call Jackson Clinic
Vascular Surgery
at
334-293-8922
.
Sclerotherapy.
A
solution is injected into
the vein, causing it to
close off and fade from
view. Sclerotherapy may
be used to treat small
varicose veins and spider
veins, which can be a
cosmetic concern.
Endovenous ablation
therapy.
Varicose veins
deep in the legs can be
treated with radiofre-
quency or laser heat.
These procedures are
minimally invasive in
nature.
After the area is
numbed, a catheter—
guided by ultrasound
images—is inserted
through a small nick in
the skin. Then a laser
fiber or radiofrequency
electrode is inserted
into the catheter, and
heat is used to close off
the vein. No stitches are
needed, and scarring is
nearly impossible to see.
Most people go home
the same day.
Ambulatory phle-
bectomy.
In this
procedure, special
instruments are used
to remove varicose
veins in small sections
through tiny cuts in the
skin. Veins can be re-
moved with very little
scarring, and you can
return to your usual
activities the next day.
Only a local anesthetic
is needed.
Options may include:
Vein stripping and
ligation.
This is a
type of surgery—often
done on an outpatient
basis—that is typically
used for very large
veins that cause severe
problems. The vein is
tied off and removed
through small inci-
sions. General anes-
thesia is given, so you
won’t be awake during
the surgery. Recovery
time ranges from one
to four weeks—longer
than for other varicose
vein treatments—and
whenever possible,
radiofrequency or laser
ablation is preferable.
VARICOSE VEINS
How to make them
problems that are remedied by making lifestyle changes or by
wearing compression stockings.
But if your veins are causing severe pain or blood clots, for
example, your doctor might recommend a procedure to treat
them. Various methods are used to close off or sometimes
remove problem veins. Many are done in a doctor’s office as an
outpatient procedure, and the recovery is usually quick.
“The cosmetic procedure for varicose veins is performed to
enhance a person’s appearance, and in this case, the look of the
legs—similar to why women, and some men, have other types
of cosmetic surgery,” said Vladimir Zahradnik, MD, vascular
surgeon with Jackson Clinic. “However, larger varicosities can
lead to bleeding, development of clots and skin discoloration.
Procedures used to treat these conditions are not considered
cosmetic and are generally covered by insurance.”
Your doctor can tell you more about the risks and benefits of
treatments and which one may be appropriate for you.
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