4 Types Of Noninvasive Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose veins are blood-filled, twisted, swollen, and painful veins. They commonly appear on the legs and rise above the skin's surface. They are not life-threatening, although they can be uncomfortable.

To remove varicose veins, a procedure known as "vein stripping" was traditionally used. Small incisions were made, and the veins were physically pulled out of the body.

Recent methods, on the other hand, use minimum or noninvasive techniques to eliminate varicose veins. A noninvasive procedure is not surgical and does not use tools or equipment that cut the skin or physically enter the body. Tiny incisions in the skin are used to undertake minimally invasive operations.

There are at least four minimally invasive or noninvasive techniques for varicose vein treatment:

1. Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy aims to eliminate varicose veins by injecting them with a sclerosant solution. The sclerosant scars and collapses the vein, forcing blood to redirect to healthier veins.

The veins are gradually destroyed by your body and disappear over time. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate is a typical sclerosant solution. This treatment is primarily used to treat tiny varicose veins near the skin's surface, known as "spider veins," to improve the appearance of the leg.

Foam sclerotherapy involves converting the sclerosant into foam before injecting it into the vein. Because foam may cover a wider surface area than liquid, it is employed for bigger veins.

2. Radiofrequency ablation

Radio waves, also known as radiofrequency radiation, are sent through the vein wall during this operation. Your doctor will numb the vein, then use an ultrasound to examine the leg before passing a wire catheter along the vein to deliver radiofrequency energy to its wall.

The vein wall will heat up, thicken, and shrink before being reabsorbed by the body and disappearing. The full effects of this surgery may take several weeks or months to become apparent.

3. Endovenous laser ablation

Laser ablation is identical to radiofrequency ablation, except that laser energy is used instead of radiofrequency radiation.

The laser fiber is placed into the catheter and moved to the required position, where laser energy forces the vessel to close via heat. Over time, the vein will diminish and be reabsorbed by your body. Deeper veins in the leg are frequently treated with radiofrequency and laser therapy.

4. Phlebectomy

Another minimally invasive surgery used to treat varicose veins is phlebectomy. The surgeon makes a small incision near the vein and uses a special hook to remove it via the incision.

You will be awake during this outpatient surgery because it is performed with a local anesthetic. It usually takes between 30 to  60 minutes to finish. Some may require repeat surgery to achieve the best outcomes.

Who should receive noninvasive treatment for varicose veins?

Not all varicose veins require medical attention. On your own, you might want to try the following lifestyle changes to manage your varicose veins:

- elevating your legs while sitting

- managing your weight

- avoiding long periods while standing or seated

- exercising

- wearing compression stockings

Your doctor may recommend noninvasive treatment if:

- self-care treatment is ineffective

- your leg's appearance is causing you concern

- you may feel any pain or cramping

- blood clots occur regularly

- phlebitis (vein inflammation) develops

- ulcers or sores develop

- lipodermatosclerosis occurs when the fatty tissue beneath your skin hardens due to blood pressure from a vein.

Conclusion

Noninvasive techniques are often extremely successful, with a low risk of consequences. These operations usually improve the appearance of the skin on the legs or other regions. In most situations, there is no scarring or bruising, although there is a slight chance that the varicose veins may return.