Veins are blood vessels and carry blood from body tissues to the heart. Veins have one-way valves that help keep blood flowing toward the heart. If the valves are weak or damaged, blood can back up and pool in your veins. This causes the veins to swell, which can lead to varicose veins or spider veins.
Varicose veins are large and swollen blood vessels that can twist and turn and usually appears on legs. While spider veins are smaller and red, purple or blue in color and as well can twist and turn. Spider veins are easily visible on skin and they usually appears on legs, face and hands as well.
The following procedures for varicose and spider veins can be done in doctors clinic. You will receive local anesthesia to numb the leg you will be awake but will not feel pain.
Medical procedures
Medical procedures are done either to remove the varicose and spider vein or to close them depending in the patients condition and severity. Removing and closing of the veins doesn’t cause any problem with the blood flow.
A patient suffering from varicose and spider vein can be treated with one of the procedure mentioned below. Some common side effects are swelling, discoloration, bruising and slight pain.
The surgical procedure like stripping and vein ligation have most severe side effects like severe pain, blood clot and scarring.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy uses a liquid to close varicose and spider vein. The liquid is injected into the vein which resulted the vein collapse or fades away.
This procedure is often to use to treat the small varicose and spider vein. A patient may need several treatments to completely close off the vein.
Laser surgery
this procedure applies a light energy from a laser onto a varicose vein. This laser light will fade away the varicose vein or spider vein. Laser surgery is mostly used to treat small varicose and spider veins. No cutting and injection are involved.
Phlebectomy
This procedure treats surface varicose veins. A very small cut made near the damaged vein and then vein is removed.
Endovenous ablation therapy
this therapy uses lasers or radio-waves to create heat to close off the damaged vein. The doctor makes a tiny in the skin near the damaged vein. A small tube called catheter is inserted into the vein and heats up inside the vein and closes it off.
Endoscopic vein surgery
In this procedure a doctor will make a small cut in the skin near varicose vein and a tiny camera at the end of the thin tube to move through the vein then a surgical device at the end of the camera will used to remove the vein. Endoscopic procedure is used to only for severe cases when damaged vein are causing skin ulcers.
Vein stripping and ligation
vein stripping and ligation is done for severe cases and are more hard and pain full rather than other medical procedures with lasers. This procedure involves the tying shut and removing the vein through a cut. The patient will be given anesthesia so he don’t feel pain during the procedure. The recovery time from procedure is 1 to 4 weeks.
The cosmetic treatmenst rather than surgical are more safe and with shorter time, less postoperative, discomfort and resulted in more rapid recovery compared to stripping or vein ligation. Sclerotherapy is accepted treatment for both acute and definitive management of damaged vein. Sclerotherapy is a safe procedure with low rate of adverse reaction it is more efficient and easy treatment with satisfactory result. Sclerotherapy is inexpensive and simple method. The advantages are that it is less invasive and multiple attempts can be tried.
John W. Dr. Chang, MD, serves as the Partner and Medical Director at Miami Vein Institute, a premier center specializing in vein treatment in South Florida. With a focus on providing high-quality care and ensuring patient safety and satisfaction, Dr. Chang has helped establish Miami Vein Institute as a leading destination for minimally invasive vein treatments. At Miami Vein Institute, Dr. Chang offers a comprehensive range of minimally invasive procedures, including Endovenous Laser Treatments (EVLT) and Sclerotherapy, to address various vein-related concerns. His expertise in both general and cosmetic surgery, combined with specialized training in vein treatments, allows him to tailor treatment plans to meet each patient’s individual needs. Dr. Chang’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his meticulous attention to detail and dedication to staying updated with the latest advancements in vein care technologies. He is certified in a wide array of cosmetic surgery procedures and is a certified trainer for various advanced techniques. Dr. Chang’s affiliations with prestigious medical associations underscore his commitment to upholding the highest standards of medical excellence. With a focus on patient well-being and personalized care, Dr. Chang ensures that every patient receives honest, expert guidance throughout their treatment journey. His passion for providing the best possible care is evident in his commitment to patient satisfaction and achieving optimal outcomes.
