If you're like many adults, varicose veins can often go hand in hand with the aging process (or with pregnancy). While these veins can sometimes become less noticeable after weight loss or after keeping your feet up all evening, once they've begun to bulge, they won't fix themselves -- yet you may be worried at the prospect of surgical vein removal for what you consider a primarily cosmetic issue. Fortunately, there are now some much less invasive options that can rid you of your varicose veins with just an office visit or two. Read on to learn more about the minimally invasive treatment options for these pesky and unattractive varicose veins.
What therapies are available to treat varicose veins without surgery?
One option, endovenous ablation (or vein ablation) utilizes a tiny catheter that is inserted into each varicose vein you'd like removed. This catheter then applies radioactive frequencies to the inside of the vein, causing it to seal closed for good. After a few hours, this vein will be completely drained of blood and minimally visible. This radioactive energy creates a permanent seal that will prevent the vein from refilling with blood, ensuring you no longer have to deal with that specific varicose vein ever again. Another benefit to this treatment is that the closing of the damaged vein can finally allow the surrounding veins to take over the work of cycling this blood to and from your heart, improving circulation and reducing the odds of developing additional varicose veins.
Laser vein therapy is performed very similarly to endovenous ablation, but utilizes a laser beam rather than radiation to seal off the damaged vein. As with radiation therapy, laser therapy is a quick outpatient procedure that can give you permanent relief from the varicose veins treated.
Are you a good candidate for radiology or laser vein treatment?
Although these procedures are a great way for many to regain normal blood flow and diminish the blue, lumpy appearance of these veins, they're not ideal for everyone. If you've already had multiple varicose veins treated, your doctor will need to examine you to ensure there are enough remaining veins to handle the blood flow if additional varicose veins are sealed shut. Treating too many veins at once could reduce blood flow to your extremities and cause some serious health problems.
You'll also want to make changes in your lifestyle to reduce your odds of developing additional varicose veins after surgery. Losing weight, quitting smoking, and increasing the amount of physical activity you get on a daily basis can help keep your veins healthy. For more information, contact a clinic such as DeSoto Memorial Hospital.
Share26 July 2016
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