Help for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, and swollen veins that typically appear on your legs and feet. While they aren’t always a cause for concern, they can cause discomfort, pain, and even more serious health problems.
At CA Heart and Vein Specialists, cardiovascular physician Dr. Majed Chane provides comprehensive varicose vein treatment. Several treatment options are available to help manage and treat varicose veins. Here are some of the most effective approaches to eliminating varicose veins.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins occur when the valves in your veins become weak or damaged, causing blood to flow backward and pool. This leads to the swelling, twisting, and enlargement of the blood vessels that are characteristic of varicose veins.
Several factors can contribute to the development of varicose veins, including age, genetics, obesity, pregnancy, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Treatment options for varicose veins
The good news is that it’s never been easier to eliminate varicose veins. The following are some of the most effective treatment options available.
VenaSeal™
VenaSeal is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a special medical adhesive to seal off the affected veins. Dr. Chane uses local anesthesia and inserts a small catheter into the vein to deliver the adhesive directly to the affected area. The adhesive seals the vein shut, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins.
VenaSeal is an excellent option for patients looking for a quick and relatively painless treatment option. Unlike other treatments that may require multiple sessions or longer recovery times, VenaSeal can often be completed in a single office visit with minimal downtime.
Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat energy to seal off the affected vein. The heat energy causes the vein to collapse and seal shut, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins.
RFA is a good option for patients who have large varicose veins or who have experienced symptoms such as pain, swelling, or skin changes due to their varicose veins.
Mechano-chemical ablation
Mechano-chemical ablation (MOCA) combines mechanical agitation and chemical injection to seal off the affected vein. Dr. Chane may recommend MOCA for patients who have larger varicose veins or who’ve previously undergone other treatments that haven’t been successful in eliminating their varicose veins.
Additionally, MOCA may be best for patients who aren’t good candidates for other minimally invasive treatment options due to the size or location of their varicose veins.
Microphlebectomy
Microphlebectomy involves removing the affected veins through small incisions in the skin. It’s often performed in conjunction with other treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation or mechano-chemical ablation, to achieve optimal results.
Microphlebectomy may be a better option for patients with larger varicose veins that aren’t well-suited for RFA or other minimally invasive treatments. RFA is typically recommended for smaller veins. Additionally, microphlebectomy may be a more effective option for patients with varicose veins that are close to the skin's surface.
Which treatment option is right for you?
The choice of treatment for varicose veins depends on several factors, including the size, location, and severity as well as your age, overall health, and personal preferences. Dr. Chane evaluates your individual case and recommends the most appropriate treatment option for you.
Minimally invasive procedures like the ones mentioned here offer several advantages over traditional surgical procedures. They’re performed on an outpatient basis so you can return home the same day, and they typically require only a short recovery time. They also involve less pain and scarring than traditional varicose vein treatments.
Preventing varicose veins
While treatment options for varicose veins are available, there are also steps you can take to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing varicose veins:
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Elevate your legs
- Wear compression stockings
If you have varicose veins, taking these steps can reduce the risk of them recurring after treatment.
Treating varicose veins, not only can improve the appearance of your legs and boost your confidence, but it also promotes vascular health. By seeking out one of these effective treatment options, you can successfully eliminate varicose veins.
If you're looking to transform your legs and enhance your overall well-being, discuss your options with Dr. Chane. Call our Huntington Beach, California, office to schedule a visit, or request an appointment online today.