Summer is quickly approaching, and that means it’s time for shorts, sandals, and lots of sun. For some, though, the thought of revealing varicose veins can put a damper on the season. Varicose veins pose not only a cosmetic concern but also discomfort and pain. Fortunately, several treatments are available to help you feel more confident and comfortable in your skin as you prepare for all things summer.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, twisted veins that usually appear blue or dark purple. They often occur in the legs and can be caused by weakened valves in the veins, which can lead to blood pooling and vein enlargement.

How to Treat Varicose Veins

Below are some of the most common treatments for varicose veins:

• Sclerotherapy – This treatment involves injecting an irritant chemical into a problematic vein to cause inflammation and scarring of the vein walls, making the vein disappear. The goal is to empty the blood vein, leading to its obliteration. Improvements can be seen as early as three weeks, with most veins requiring 2-3 months of healing. With Sclerotherapy, support stockings are necessary for two weeks post-treatment. Depending on the vein’s size and severity, multiple sessions may be needed. We use a foam version of the solution for larger veins to maintain longer contact with the vein wall, enhancing treatment success. It’s important to understand that there’s a recurrence risk due to the high pressure in lower extremity veins, necessitating annual follow-ups for minor additional treatments.

• VenaSeal™ — The VenaSeal™ system offers an innovative, FDA-approved way to treat symptomatic venous reflux, eliminating the need for tumescent anesthesia, thermal energy, or sclerosants. This less invasive approach employs a unique medical adhesive to close superficial veins, such as the great saphenous vein, in patients experiencing symptomatic venous reflux. Benefits of VenaSeal™ include reduced postoperative pain and bruising, no need for compression stockings post-procedure, and the ability for patients to resume daily activities by the next day. The procedure involves injecting a small quantity of medical adhesive into the affected vein, sealing it off, and diverting blood to healthy veins, thus significantly enhancing the patient’s quality of life with minimal discomfort.

• Venclose™–  Venclose™ Radiofrequency Ablation offers a minimally invasive solution for patients with varicose veins. It uses controlled heat to treat damaged veins, effectively restoring healthy blood flow. Initiating with a small incision below the knee, a disposable catheter is guided by ultrasound into the affected vein. Local anesthesia is administered for comfort and tissue protection. The catheter delivers targeted radiofrequency energy, heating the vein wall to prompt closure. This closure redirects blood flow to healthy veins while the body gradually absorbs the damaged veins. Radiofrequency Ablation entails minimal downtime and discomfort. Patients can resume normal activities on the same day and avoid strenuous activities for a week after the procedure.

• Microphlebectomy– This treatment involves removing large varicose veins near the skin’s surface. While standing, the legs are marked to identify the veins that will be removed. Local anesthetic is applied to the skin, and a small incision is made in the targeted area. A tiny hook is inserted into the incision to extract the vein. This procedure is often used in addition to other varicose vein treatments, such as sclerotherapy or radiofrequency ablation. Microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive technique that can be completed in the comfort of our office and yields great cosmetic results in addition to treating the underlying medical issues associated with varicose veins. Normal activities can be resumed after the procedure, but exercise should be avoided for 3-4 weeks post-procedure.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Manage Varicose Veins

In addition to medical treatments, you can also make lifestyle changes to help manage varicose veins and prevent them from worsening. To help improve circulation and reduce symptoms, try:

• Regular exercise
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Elevating your legs when resting
• Avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting
• Compression stockings (specially designed stockings that apply pressure to the legs, helping to improve blood flow and reduce swelling and discomfort)

As with any medical condition, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for you. They can evaluate your condition, discuss your options, and help you make informed decisions about your care.

Varicose Veins Treatment at CVT in Baton Rouge

Don’t let varicose veins hold you back this summer! With various treatments available, you can feel confident and comfortable showing off your legs all season.

At CVT Surgical Center, our local practice is committed entirely to providing the most advanced treatment and management of vascular issues, including varicose veins. CVT Surgical Center has been a leader in managing vascular disorders since 1957. Drs. Mike Davis, Michael Conners, James McNeil, Gulrez Mahmood, and Matthew Abate are board-certified in treating peripheral vascular disease and offer state-of-the-art treatments.