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Do You Suffer From Varicose Veins?
Recent studies have shown that up to 40 million Americans suffer from varicose veins. Also referred to as spider veins, weakened or damaged valves cause varicose veins. The arteries carry blood out from the heart to the rest of the human body, which is then returned to the heart by the veins.
For blood to be returned to the heart, the veins in your legs are forced to work against gravity. To move blood upward through the legs, the leg muscles are forced to contract. This, in turn, causes tiny valves to open in the veins that prevent the returning blood from moving backward.
Over time, and especially as we age, the valves that keep the blood moving toward the heart can become twisted or damaged, causing the blood to flow backward and pool in the vein. This pooling effect is what causes the varicose veins to become visible on the human skin.
Vein Closure to Treat Varicose Veins
For many people, varicose veins are a cosmetic concern that doesn’t cause any real discomfort. But for others, varicose veins often come with uncomfortable or painful side effects such as:
- Heaviness or discomfort in the legs
- Cramping and swelling on the legs
- Pain after sitting or standing for extended periods of time
- Itching or burning around one or more veins
- Blood clots
- Ulcers
- Eczema
- Inflammation
- Skin damage
If you tried all of the standard self-care options recommended by your doctor, such as exercise, elevating your legs, and wearing compression socks. None of these measures have worked, then it may be time to consider vein closure to treat your varicose veins.
How Does Vein Closure Work?
Vein closure, also known as Endovenous, is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure. During the procedure, a trained specialist applies a small amount of local anesthetic to the vein. A small incision is then made in the anesthetized vein, and a catheter is inserted into the vein.
Then, a small laser is applied to the inside of the vein, which causes it to close. Once the damaged vein has been closed, other healthy veins can take over, and normal blood flow from the legs to the heart is re-established. The procedure takes about an hour, there are no stitches required and only minimal discomfort, with most patients resuming regular activity within a day.
Getting Ready for Your Vein Closure Surgery
While your doctor will communicate with you about preparing for your surgery beforehand, patients who are undergoing vein closure surgery to treat their varicose veins are instructed not to take aspirin, blood thinners, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) before surgery. It is strongly recommended that all patients wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing before the surgery and leave all jewelry at home.
If you would like to schedule vein closure surgery to treat your varicose veins, contact Metropolitan Vein & Aesthetic Center today to schedule a free consultation.
