If you’ve become frustrated or concerned over your varicose veins, it may be time to start looking at your treatment options. At Commonwealth Vein Center in Colonial Heights and Richmond, VA, VenaSeal is one of the treatments we offer to treat problem veins.
Varicose veins are veins that aren’t able to function correctly, so blood begins to pool in them. VenaSeal seals off the dysfunctional vein, which encourages blood to flow through healthy veins instead.
Before starting treatment, an ultrasound imaging examination will help us get a better understanding of the problem vein so we can accurately plan out and execute your treatment.
We will use a small catheter to guide the adhesive to the right place, then we’ll apply gentle pressure to the vein. Think of sealing a sandwich bag; the concept is pretty much the same. After that, we’ll remove the catheter and put a bandage over the catheter’s entry point.
Once this minimally invasive treatment is finished, the vein will disappear as blood is rerouted to different veins throughout the leg. Since closing the vein resolves the painful symptoms associated with varicose veins, many patients report relief soon after their treatment.
While this is a great way to treat your problem veins, it won’t prevent any new varicose veins from forming. Our team would be happy to give you advice on what preventative measures you can take to avoid or delay the formation of new varicose veins.
Many patients seek out this treatment as a way to address the appearance of varicose veins, but varicose veins can be a health concern as well. They can cause a burning and aching sensation throughout the affected leg, and the pooled blood within the vein could even clot.
By using a medical adhesive to safely close your varicose veins, you can improve the appearance of your legs and help protect your health at the same time.
There are several treatments out there for varicose veins. Many of the effective treatments are surgical, but this treatment offers our patients a non-surgical alternative that can still get the job done.
Since VenaSeal doesn’t use heat treatment, it doesn’t require tumescent anesthesia. That means less pokes with a needle for you to go through.
If you’re bothered by the appearance of your varicose veins, this treatment can resolve that so you can regain your confidence.
We recognize that finding the right treatment isn’t always a “one size fits all” scenario. When you come in for a consultation, we’d be happy to go over your different options with you in person and help you settle on the best option for your needs and goals.
Sclerotherapy involves introducing a solution to the varicose veins that makes them close up. As with our other treatments, the ultimate goal is to force your blood to use healthy veins so you no longer have to deal with blood getting stuck in veins that aren’t able to function correctly. Once closed, these veins will gradually fade and disappear as they are converted into scar tissue.
After treatment, compression garments may help the veins close even faster.
This treatment uses radiofrequency to apply heat to the varicose vein. A tube will be inserted through a tiny incision. This tube will carry the heat directly to the vein that needs treatment. In response to this targeted heat, the problem vein will eventually collapse and close.
Verithena is another one of our minimally-invasive options that don’t require any incisions. This is a microfoam that is delivered to the vein through injection. This leads to the vein collapsing. Benefits of this treatment include:
This hybrid treatment uses two methods to treat varicose veins. The device used for treatment has a tip that rotates. This tip achieves a thorough axial vein ablation, but it also distributes a sclerosant solution at the same time. The rotation is able to remove the cellular lining from the vein as it delivers the sclerosant, which helps the sclerosant be even more effective.
Lidocaine is not necessary for this treatment, so if you have a lidocaine allergy this is one of several treatment options that could be a good fit for you.
We carry out this treatment in-office and will use very small incisions and a hook to carefully remove the problematic veins. The incisions used for this treatment are so small, in fact, that you shouldn’t need any stitches. A phlebectomy is often paired with other treatments to increase effectiveness. It’s a good way to treat veins that are just under the surface of the skin and easily accessible.
Our blood depends on the venous system to return to the heart. Veins have valves that keep the blood moving in the right direction and stop it from pooling or backing up. When the valves are dysfunctional, the blood could become trapped or flow in the wrong direction, which causes the veins to enlarge. Venous insufficiency or venous reflux may be used to describe this problem.
Varicose veins can develop in anyone, but it becomes increasingly common with age. The normal wear-and-tear that comes with the passage of time can cause some veins to stop working properly. If you have a family history of varicose veins, you may be more likely to develop them.
Hormone changes, especially pregnancy, may also contribute to developing varicose veins. Obesity can increase your risk, as can standing for prolonged periods of time. Patients who have suffered deep venous thrombosis may also be more likely to develop varicose veins.
The right diet may be able to prevent or reduce the severity of varicose veins. Salty food tends to encourage water retention, which can put additional pressure on your veins. Eating food that encourages healthy circulation can help prevent varicose veins, but it may also help patients currently dealing with varicose veins be more comfortable.
While there are ways to improve your comfort when it comes to managing varicose veins, such as exercise, elevating your legs, or wearing compression socks, if your symptoms are starting to affect your wellbeing, or you’re concerned about developing a clot, it might be time to set up a consultation and take a look at your options.
You may have seen the two terms used interchangeably before, but they’re actually very different. Varicose veins are larger, they tend to be swollen and can be felt under the skin. If they’re partially hidden, the visible parts of the vein may appear as blue bumps on the legs. They are more likely to cause discomfort and a heavy sensation in the legs.
On the other hand, spider veins are primarily a cosmetic concern. These veins are small. If you think of the small strands of a spider web, that’s where spider veins got their name. These can develop on the legs and other areas of the body as well.
Our team offers even more treatment options than the ones listed here. If you’re suffering with varicose veins, the best way to know the right course of action is to come in for a consultation. We can take a look at your overall health and your needs to help you make the best decision for you. Reach out to our team at Commonwealth Vein Center in Colonial Heights or Richmond, VA, today to set up that consultation!
