Vein Removal Information

Whether varicose or spider, there are a number of elements common to all types of vein removal.

Veins in the lower extremities have a tendency to become enlarged and painful as we age. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that these blood vessels do not pump blood in the same way arteries do and have one-way valves that become weak after fighting gravity for so many years. As more blood pools in the lower legs, the veins expand and have a harder time pushing blood back to the heart. This can result in unsightly discolored bulges along veins in calves and even thighs. Most people tend to experience this more as they age, but some of us are more susceptible than others. Pregnancy is an especially difficult time for enlarged and painful veins because the mother’s blood supply increases dramatically during those nine months. 

If you suffer from painful or unsightly veins in your legs, you may be considering vein removal treatment options. There are a number of options available and each has their own set of pros, cons, side effects and risks. It is important to keep in mind that painful and swollen veins developed during pregnancy usually resolve on their own after the baby is delivered and the blood supply to the placenta decreases. 

Vein removal is not the only way to treat painful varicose and spider veins. You can also inject the vein with a solution that causes it to disappear. This non-surgical intervention is called sclerotherapy and works well on smaller veins. Laser treatment works by heating the inside of the vein and causing it to seal shut. Once a vein can no longer transport blood, it disappears. This type of endoscopic treatment is often used on damaged veins. Radiofrequency and pulsed light can also be used to seal off veins with heat. Some of the treatments work better than others and some require more return visits to the doctor. 

The actual process of vein removal involves very small incisions in the skin. The veins are then removed through these tiny incisions. No stitches are required in this procedure because even though it is invasive, the incisions are so small, they heal quickly on their own. Vein removal may also utilize transillumination to help the surgeon see exactly what veins they are working on and removing. Lastly, your physician may recommend vein ligation or vein stripping in order to help alleviate the painful swelling of the lower extremity blood vessels. 

If you are considering one of the above procedures, it is probably in your best interest to meet with your doctor. He or she can help answer any questions you may have and address your concerns about painful veins and vein removal.

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