Which Option for Treatment of Varicose Veins?

If you are keen to explore non-surgical options for the treatment of varicose veins, there are a number of less invasive treatments available, which will be explained to you at your appointment at the Vein Clinic. These include injection sclerotherapy, where a chemical is inserted into the problem veins in an attempt to close them, and laser of leg veins. In endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), insertion of a fine wire, by way of ultrasound placement, is used to fire laser pulses to close the varicose veins. VNUS closure uses a similar procedure, but rather than making use of a laser wire, pulses are generated through radiofrequency, which heat the vein causing its fibers to shrink.

TREATMENT OPTION INFORMED THROUGH ASSESSMENT

When you attend the Vein Clinic, Dr. John Tan will carry out a thorough assessment to determine which procedure best suits your requirements. His decision is guided by the results of both clinical examination and an ultrasound scan of your problem veins. This procedure provides a map of all the veins, not just those ugly leg veins that are visible, as it is often the case that one or two varicose veins below the surface are the cause of your troubles; the leaking valves can be easily identified through this scan. Only by treating these deeper abnormal veins can a successful outcome be achieved; this is why seeking the help of a specialist vein doctor like Dr. John Tan is always advised when you have problematic varicose veins.

A COMBINATION APPROACH

Usually you will receive a combination of treatments; the EVLT or VNUS procedure will frequently be used in conjunction with injection sclerotherapy or ambulatory phlebectomy. Using laser of leg veins is a good way to ensure long-lasting removal of venous problems, particularly when larger abnormal veins are involved. Both sclerotherapy and phlebectomy can be performed to remove varicose veins near the surface of the skin; the former tends to be preferred for smaller varicose veins or spider veins, while the latter can also be used to remove larger veins. All of these treatment options are available on an outpatient basis, are quick to perform, relatively painless and scarring is not an issue. As you can be back on your feet straight away, that is yet another reason why these options offer a more convenient approach.