Varicose Veins

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Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged visible veins that protrude from the skin and are immediately recognizable by their twisted, knotty appearance. Most often, they occur in the legs. But apart from their undesirable appearance, they are accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms that can greatly impact your quality of life. Varicose veins appear as a result of blood pooling in the vein, which can be a signal of larger vascular issues. And, if left untreated, their symptoms can worsen and progress, causing serious medical issues.

Don’t wait in vain! Today’s varicose vein treatments are minimally invasive, faster, less painful, and have shorter recovery times than ever before. At the Premier Vein Clinic, we offer patients relief from a wide array of vascular issues. Dr. David Naar is a highly respected surgeon with over 35 years of experience treating these troublesome veins. If you’re suffering from varicose veins, relief is in sight. Contact our office today to schedule a personal consultation. Call (440) 641-0433 and learn more about what your options are for eliminating your painful varicose veins.

Before and After Photos

About Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can be caused by a number of factors, including vein valve dysfunction, decreased vein elasticity, or damage from prior blood clots. Strain on a vein isn’t an isolated incident. Your circulatory system is a complex network. One compromised vein affects the surrounding veins. (1) As you ponder the vascular wonder that is the human body, also remember that it’s performing gravity-defying feats as you read this! Your circulatory system is constantly moving blood from the tip of your toes back up to your heart and lungs to become oxygenated.

Trouble starts when veins are unable to efficiently return blood from the limbs to the heart.

Oftentimes, this is due to a compromised valve system in the veins. It’s this valve system that allows blood to move upwards at a consistent rate. When the flow slows down, blood pools in the veins, which then enlarge and contort. This is what causes varicose veins. 
The faulty valves and blood pooling are the result of a condition called venous reflux, which can also be a symptom of a larger condition called venous insufficiency. Venous reflux and venous insufficiency can lead to further complications.

Varicose veins most commonly occur in the legs and feet. The affected veins are close to the surface of the skin, which is why they become so highly visible. (2)

Unfortunately, varicose veins are a common condition. Age and lifestyle can contribute to the chance that you’ll develop varicose veins, but genetics is the key indicator.

If just one of your parents had varicose veins, there’s a very good chance you’ll get them too. There’s a 90% chance that you’ll end up with varicose veins if both of your parents had them. But even if varicose veins don’t run in the family, there’s still a 20% chance in your adulthood that you’ll eventually deal with varicose veins. Luckily, today’s varicose vein treatments are easier than ever.

Treating Varicose Veins

In the past, surgeons performed vein ligation to treat varicose veins.  Also known as “vein stripping,” this involved a surgical procedure that required tying off each end of the offending vein and removing the entire length of the damaged vein. This involved multiple incisions, general anesthesia, and several days of recovery. Unfortunately, despite the risk of complications, it didn’t eliminate the possibility that a varicose vein could recur. However, patients today can treat their varicose veins with minimally invasive, quick procedures that allow them to return to their normal activities immediately after. (1)

Endovenous Ablation

It might sound complicated, but Endovenous Ablation is a simple solution for varicose veins that works from the inside out! Dr. Naar is able to locate the specific point in the vein that has failed. With one small incision, he can treat the faulty vein. After injecting a tumescent fluid to ease the process, he inserts a hair-like fiber into the vein. This fiber conveys laser or radiofrequency energy into the lining of the vein. It creates a thermal effect that coagulates the vein, which shuts it down. Blood is diverted to deeper, healthier veins, and over time, the body absorbs the now-defunct vein, which eventually vanishes from sight. Endovenous ablation only takes 30-60 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia. There’s no need for sutures or risk of scarring. Patients are able to return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.

healthy legs Westlake

Chemical Foam Ablation

Chemical foam ablation is another minimally invasive, fast treatment for varicose veins. Dr. Naar injects Varithena polidocanol microfoam into the vein. This FDA-approved prescription medication works by targeting the cells that line the walls of the vein. It precisely fills the compromised area of the vein, which results in the vein closing down. Chemical foam ablation is an effective solution and is generally recommended for those who have experienced recurring varicose veins. In about an hour, patients are able to continue their day while wearing a supportive pair of compression socks. (3)  

Benefits of Varicose Vein Treatment

Treating varicose veins relieves the bothersome symptoms that typically accompany venous insufficiency. But even if you’re not suffering from restless, itchy, or sore legs caused by varicose veins, it’s important to seek treatment for prominent, bulging veins.  Medical intervention is critical, as venous reflux tends to be progressive, ultimately leading to chronic venous insufficiency.

Untreated venous reflux can cause a number of unpleasant complications: 

  • Rupture and hemorrhages
  • Thrombophlebitis: painful blood clots due to poor blood flow

This can also lead to instances of deep vein thrombosis. When blood clots in the compromised veins break free, they can travel to the lungs, where they can cause a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.

If left untreated, chronic venous insufficiency can also lead to potentially dangerous changes in the skin. Our skin (as well as the rest of our tissues) depends on a healthy flow of blood to function normally. When veins don’t do their jobs, the surrounding area suffers. Stasis dermatitis is a condition that can develop as a result of chronic venous insufficiency. 

This condition has unpleasant and dangerous consequences, including:

  • Swelling 
  • Hyperpigmentation (a darkening in color) 
  • Eczema and other skin conditions
  • Inflammation of underlying fat, and hardening of the skin, also known as Lipodermatosclerosis
  • The development of painful venous ulcers on the surface of the skin that can risk infection and ultimately affect mobility (1)

Treating varicose veins and maintaining a healthy circulatory system can help you avoid these devastating conditions. Be proactive about your vein health and contact our office today! To learn more about vein health and the other services offered at Premier Vein Clinics, follow Dr. Naar’s blog.

Candidates

Candidates for varicose vein treatment are troubled by the symptoms that their venous insufficiency is causing them.  But besides looking to relieve the bothersome symptoms, they’re also looking for a way to restore a smooth, healthy appearance to the surface of their skin.

Treating varicose veins can relieve symptoms which include:

  • Throbbing, tired and achy legs 
  • Swelling 
  • Cramps 
  • Restless legs and fitful sleep
  • Itching and burning sensations 
  • Self-consciousness

Personal Consultation

There’s nothing subtle about varicose veins, and if you have them, you’re well aware. An experienced vascular specialist and today’s breakthrough treatments can eliminate their enlarged, contorted appearance and unpleasant physical symptoms. During your personal consultation, Dr. Naar will examine your varicose veins and may perform an ultrasound or additional testing. This allows him to pinpoint exactly where in the vein the problem lies, and determine the severity of your condition. He’ll perform a careful examination, and review your medical history. After listening to your personal experience and concerns, he’ll be able to recommend the best procedure to treat your varicose veins.

Removing varicose veins doesn’t just get rid of the vein, it also eliminates worry and discomfort! Endovenous Ablation and chemical foam ablation are fast and effective procedures. There’s no need to live with this bothersome and potentially dangerous condition, and there’s never a good reason to jeopardize your health. Once you’ve scheduled your varicose vein treatment at Premier Vein Clinic, you’ll receive tailored instructions on how to prepare for this fast, life-changing treatment.

Recovery and Results

Endovenous ablation and chemical foam ablation have little recovery time, so you’ll be able to get the relief you need and get back in the swing of things quickly. Depending on the best procedure for your varicose veins, and the extent of the treatment required, Dr. Naar will develop a personalized treatment plan that takes your unique concerns into account. After your treatment, you may need to wear compression stockings for one or more days. If you’ve had chemical foam ablation, you will need to keep your bandages in place and dry for the next 48 hours and continue to wear compression stockings on the treated leg for the next 2 weeks. Avoid heavy exercise for the next week. You may experience soreness and mild bruising, but this will quickly improve as you heal. The treated vein will naturally be reabsorbed by your body and will be faded from view in 2-3 weeks.

How Much Does Varicose Vein Treatment Cost in Westlake?

Your varicose vein treatment will be tailored to you. As a result, the cost of your varicose vein treatment will depend on the condition of your veins, and the procedure best suited to deliver relief. It will also depend on whether more than one vein needs treatment. Dr. Naar will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate for your varicose vein treatment during your personal consultation. Don’t wait until it’s too late – schedule your appointment by calling our Westlake offices at (440) 641-0433.

References

  1. Medical Advisory Secretariat. Endovascular Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins. Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series. 2011;11(1):1-93. Accessed May 4, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3377553/
  2. Guo L, Huang R, Zhao D, et al. Long-term efficacy of different procedures for treatment of varicose veins: A network meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(7):e14495. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000014495
  3. Lin F, Zhang S, Sun Y, Ren S, Liu P. The management of varicose veins. Int Surg. 2015;100(1):185-189. doi:10.9738/INTSURG-D-14-00084.1