ABOUT VARICOSE VEINS TREATMENT
Varicose vein treatments are designed to relieve symptoms and improve the appearance of unsightly veins, by removing or destroying them. Varicose veins are abnormal veins that have a weakened vein wall, causing the vein to become bigger. They are noticeable on the skin, are blue and purple in color, and appear as swollen or twisted. These abnormal veins are often accompanied by spider veins, which are red capillaries that may surround the varicose veins.
These type of veins commonly appear on the legs and tend to affect more women than men. Varicose veins are inclined to become more prominent with age and can cause itching, swollen legs, throbbing sensation in the legs, muscle cramps, and leg ulcers.
Treatment for varicose and spider veins has improved in recent years, with patients now having a variety of treatment options. Previously, patients looking to address unsightly veins would undergo stripping surgery. There are now numerous alternatives, and varicose veins can be performed without intrusive surgery, and without general anesthetic. Treatments include laser therapy, sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy, and endovenous ablation therapy.
Recommended for
- Varicose veins causing pain or complications
- Patients who are unhappy with the appearance varicose veins
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Number of days in hospital: 1.
Overnight stay not required.
- Average length of stay abroad: 2 – 3 days.
- Number of trips abroad needed: 1.
The number of trips abroad depends on the type of treatment being performed.
COMPARE VARICOSE VEINS TREATMENT PRICES AROUND THE WORLD
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE VARICOSE VEINS TREATMENT ABROAD
Patients will have a consultation with the doctor who will assess the extent of the varicose veins, before deciding on the appropriate course of treatment.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
There are different techniques used to treat varicose and spider veins.
Laser therapy is performed on the outside of the skin and is used to treat small varicose veins and spider veins. This type of treatment requires multiple sessions which are usually performed over the course of 6 to 12 weeks.
Endovenous ablation therapy is used for treating large varicose veins. It is a type of laser therapy that involves numbing the area surrounding the varicose vein with a local anesthetic and making a small cut in the skin. A catheter is then inserted into the vein and at the top of the catheter is a device which heats the vein and closes it off, diverting the blood flow to other healthy veins.
Sclerotherapy involves the injection of a special substance into the vein to block it. This means it no longer carries a blood supply, and over time will also break down and resorb.
Ligation and stripping (surgery) involves tying the vein closed so that it no longer carries a blood supply, before removing the vein completely. This involves two incisions, one at the top of the leg where the vein begins (so it can be sealed), and one close to the bottom, through which the vein is removed. This procedures is performed under a general anesthetic and has a longer recovery time.
Anesthesia
Local anesthetic is usually enough for minimally-invasive options. General anesthetic is used for stripping surgery.
Procedure duration
The Varicose Veins Treatment takes 30 to 60 minutes.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER VARICOSE VEINS TREATMENT
Post procedure care
Patients are required to wear support stockings for a time after the procedure.
Possible discomfort
Immediately after treatment, patients are likely to feel a little sore, and bruised, although this should pass quickly.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT VARICOSE VEINS TREATMENT
Not recommended for
- Patients will blood clotting issues
Potential risks
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Swelling
- Skin irritation
