Varicose Vein Laser Removal, Sclerotherapy And Surgery Techniques Overview

This articles gives an overview of varicose vein laser removal, sclerotherapy and surgery options. You and your doctor should thoroughly discuss your case and weigh the risks and benefits of each option to gain relief from your varicose veins. Doctors can take x-rays or ultrasound images of the vein to better see what the severity of the case is. A specialist in vein diseases or phlebology may be recommended.

Sclerotherapy

The most common remedy for both varicose and spider veins is sclerotherapy. This is when a doctor injects a solution into the vein which basically makes the vein swell, seal shut and turn into scar tissue over a few weeks time.

Spider Vein Laser Removal

There are two new treatments utilizing a laser. Laser surgery is for treating spider veins and uses very strong bursts of light which are sent into the vein in a very controlled and accurate manner. It just causes the veins to fade and disappear, however, it usually takes two to five treatments to get rid of them. Veins over 3mm in size, laser surgery is not recommended.

Varicose Vein Laser Removal

The other treatment involving a laser is the endo venous therapy, known as EVLT, which uses radio frequency and laser. This is done in a doctor's office, in about an hour. This technique is like a high-tech version of sclerotherapy. The doctor inserts a tiny catheter or laser fiber into the affected vein and sends a radio frequency or laser energy ablation into the vein, which shrinks and seals the vein shut. This is known as the "no-surgery, no-scar" way of removing painful varicose veins. EVLT is becoming the "gold standard" method of varicose vein removal.

Surgical Removal of Varicose Veins

There are three types of actual surgeries that can be done on very severe varicose veins. One is surgical ligation and stripping, which means the vein is sealed off and completely removed. Ambulatory phlebectomy is the second type of surgery. Here, a special light source marks the location of the vein, small incisions are made in the skin and surgical hooks remove the vein. Last is endoscopic vein surgery, where a small camera is used to see inside the vein and then the vein is removed through small incisions.

Review all of your information with your doctor to make an informed decision regarding which remedy is best for you. Source: Simplevaricoseveinsguide dot com, James Liow