Our Varicose Vein Treatments Explained
Are you ready to say goodbye to your varicose veins, but you’re not sure which treatment is right for you? There are several treatments that provide relief for both the physical and aesthetic complaints that come with these enlarged, bulging veins.
Here at Vascular Specialists, our experienced team diagnoses and treats varicose veins at our Vein Care Institute. After a comprehensive exam, we can recommend the right treatment for you. We offer both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, including sclerotherapy, VenaSeal™, and venous ablation.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to eliminate both varicose veins and spider veins. During sclerotherapy, we inject a sclerosant — typically a salt solution — directly into the affected vein via a thin needle.
At our Vein Care Institute, we use Varithena™, a type of liquid sclerosant that turns into foam after it’s injected. The sclerosant irritates the lining of the blood vessel, which then causes it to collapse and stick together. Because Varithena is a foam, it can fully seal off even larger varicose veins.
Between the foam and the irritation, it essentially shuts down the varicose vein, which eventually turns into scar tissue and fades from view. Your body simply routes blood through a healthier vein.
VenaSeal
VenaSeal closes off varicose veins with an adhesive. It’s a good heat-free alternative to venous ablation. When using VenaSeal, your provider:
- Inserts a thin catheter into your vein
- Adds the medical adhesive through the catheter to the affected area
- Applies pressure externally to help seal the vein
- Removes the catheter and applies a bandage
VenaSeal is clinically shown to leave less bruising and discomfort than varicose vein treatments that utilize heat. Additionally, compression stockings aren’t required after VenaSeal treatments.
Venous ablation
Venous ablation relies on a similar process as VenaSeal. Both procedures use a thin catheter inserted into your vein. The difference is that while VenaSeal uses medical adhesive, venous ablation relies on thermal energy to close off and seal varicose veins. Both laser and radiofrequency energy can provide the thermal energy required for treating varicose veins.
After venous ablation, you can expect to wear compression garments. You should avoid strenuous exercise until your doctor clears you to resume your normal activities.
Surgery for varicose veins
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove varicose veins. Surgical treatment is beneficial for larger varicose veins as well as symptomatic varicose veins. Here’s how it works:
- Your doctor identifies and marks each varicose vein that requires removal
- Your team administers local anesthesia
- Your surgeon makes small incisions to remove the problematic veins through the skin
Wearing compression garments is essential during your recovery period following this surgical procedure.
Which treatment is right for you?
Regardless of whether you’re seeking treatment for cosmetic concerns or to get relief from the heavy aches associated with varicose veins, we have a solution for you. During your consultation, we thoroughly examine your veins and explain each of your options in detail. You also have the opportunity to ask any questions you have regarding varicose veins and your treatment options.
If you’re ready to get started, give us a call at 815-824-4406 to schedule an appointment at either location: in Evergreen or Tinley Park, Illinois. You can also request a consultation directly through our website.