The best technique for varicose vein removal depends on a number of factors. There is no one method that is right for every person and in every case. To determine what the best removal method will be in a particular case, a patient typically needs to visit a doctor for a medical exam, medical history and consultation. The doctor can then assess which removal method is likely to be the safest and most effective, taking into account any underlying medical conditions.
Often, people opt for varicose vein removal because the veins in their legs are causing them to experience pain and swelling. Sometimes blood clots appear near the surface of the leg, and bleeding may also occur. In some cases, varicose veins cause the patients' legs to feel heavy and achy, and patients may become very self-conscious about showing their bare legs. They may decide to pursue treatment for any combination of these reasons.
There are many methods used to treat and remove varicose veins. Some patients will opt for conservative methods of treating varicose veins. This can include wearing compression stockings and using herbal remedies to help treat the condition. Corrective treatment options include thermal ablation laser treatment and surgery. Chemical ablation and sclerotherapy also fall under this heading.
Laser light therapy is one of the commonly used methods of varicose vein removal. With this method, a medical practitioner identifies veins that should be treated, starting with the largest veins first. Then, each vein is exposed to high-intensity laser light. The blood vessels in turn absorb the light energy, causing the blood inside to coagulate and ultimately close each treated vein. This method is said to produce only a mild burning sensation.
Injection sclerotherapy starts with the cleansing of the area to be treated, after which a medical professional stretches the skin around the veins, keeping it taught. He then injects a sclerosing agent, a chemical irritant, into the affected veins; each vein receives an injection. This causes the treated veins to seal themselves and collapse. This method of varicose vein removal is said to cause only a small amount of discomfort--just the feel of the needle pricking the skin, so anesthesia is considered unnecessary.
Sometimes outpatient surgery turns out to be the best method of varicose vein removal for some patients. Some of the surgical method used to treat varicose veins include tying the veins shut, which is referred to as ligation, stripping the veins from the leg using a special piece of surgical equipment, and using very small incisions to remove veins. Local, general, or spinal anesthesia is typically used for this type of varicose vein removal.
