Varicose Vein Treatment Options

Considering a varicose vein treatment is a common process for many women at some stage or another. But before committing to a treatment, you should have a good understanding of all the available methods so you can choose one that is right for you. Some women prefer more natural solutions while others would rather go straight for surgical. However, the most important factor is that you’re comfortable with the procedure and have trust in the person administering it.  

Natural  

There are several techniques for naturally hiding varicose veins beyond wearing long clothes. The primary choice is a selection of beauty products. Using make up and purpose made concealers can disguise the veins and make them far less obvious to others. This is an excellent short term solution, but won’t prevent them from developing further.   A secondary natural option for varicose vein treatment is to wear compression stockings. These can help relieve swelling and aching while helping blood flow. This can reduce the veins’ ability to develop further, but is unable to undo their progress so far. It can also be a hassle in summer when you may not want to be wearing skin tight clothing due to discomfort. Ensure you are measured correctly for the right size to maximise the potential this varicose vein treatment has.  

Non-Surgical

If you decide you need further varicose vein treatment, it’s time to look at non surgical options. Radiofrequency methods use a high frequency electric current. This brings heat to the veins and causes them to close due to the damage. This can cause some pain, however, so it’s recommended you go under a general anaesthesia for the procedure.   Sclerotherapy is another non surgical treatment that can be used. This involves injecting a chemical into the vein to damage the interior lining, which results in a clot that stops the blood from travelling down the vein. The vein then collapses in on itself and in time, fades from view. This is a relatively fast procedure that has been practiced since the 1930s.  

Surgical  

There are a few surgical varicose vein treatment options available. Stripping is the process of removing the largest troublesome vein and repairing the area to eliminate the problem. After the procedure, you will be required to wear compression stockings. This is usually an extreme method and you should ask your doctor if there are less invasive options you can try first. Consider trying sclerotherapy and radiofrequency before resorting to this surgical option.   Similarly, vein ligation involves the surgical tying of veins. This is performed through a small incision and will prevent blood from pooling. Always make sure you understand all the risks and the recovery process that comes with these varicose vein treatments.   Speak to a medical professional before proceeding with your varicose vein treatment. Understanding the severity of your varicose condition is key to knowing which treatment plan is best for you. A consultation will also help you evaluate the various risks and costs of each option.