Introducing Varithena
If you have varicose veins that are a source of pain or embarrassment, you don’t have to live with them anymore. There are some wonderful minimally invasive treatments that can help you get rid of them that are safe, comfortable and have little to no downtime afterwards.
One of the newest and most exciting treatments for varicose veins is a treatment called chemical ablation with a substance called Varithena, a treatment that is available at Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center in El Segundo, California. 
What is Varithena?
Varithena is an FDA approved injectable medication that is used to treat insufficiency of the great saphenous and accessory saphenous veins, as well as varicose veins that form due to this condition. The actual medication is a combination 1% polidocanal (a sclerosing agent) and gases that are mixed together to create a foam. The foam is used to eliminate varicose veins by injecting it directly into the problematic veins, causing the veins to seal off and disappear.
Treatment with Varithena is actually a type of ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy, a method of treating varicose veins which has been around for many years. The advantage of Varithena over other types of foam is its slightly higher safety profile.
What is a Varithena treatment like?
Varithena treatment is very quick and easy to undergo, typically taking about a half hour to complete. After your veins are carefully mapped out with ultrasound while you are standing, you lie down comfortably in the treatment room. A small amount of local anesthetic is then placed on the skin and the problematic veins are entered with a tiny needle. The medication is then gently injected into the veins. The entire procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance to assure precise treatment of the affected veins.
What to expect after Varithena treatment
Immediately after Varithena injection, a compression garment or dressing will be placed on your leg. This will be kept on for one week after treatment. You will then be up on your feet and be free to leave the office. After treatment, you will be asked to walk for 30 minutes – this helps to distribute the medication throughout the treated veins and also helps clear any medication from the deep veins.
To help assure the best outcome, for the first two weeks after Varithena treatment you should avoid activities that dramatically increase blood flow in your legs, including high intensity workouts such as running, cycling and weightlifting. It is also best to avoid hot baths, spas and saunas during that period of time. After two weeks you can resume all activities, without restrictions.
While Varithena does have a high success rate in treating venous insufficiency, additional treatments are sometimes necessary to obtain the best results. These treatments might involve additional ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy or Microphlebectomies (removal of the varicose veins through tiny incisions in the skin).
Are you a good candidate for Varithena?
If you have varicose veins that bother you either symptomatically or aesthetically, you may be a good candidate for Varithena. There are, of course, other treatment options that may potentially be a better choice for you. To know for sure what treatment you may be best suited for, it is important to be seen by a vein expert who has a wide range of treatments at their disposal. After a careful examination and a thorough ultrasound, they should be able to help you sort through your options and come up with a customized treatment plan that meets your particular needs and goals.
To Learn More
If you would like to learn more about treatment of varicose veins with Varithena, call (310) 986-6500 and make an appointment to see Dr. Rayman at Beach Cities Vein and Laser Center today.
With over 25 years of experience, a gentle touch, and a wide range of treatment options at his disposal, Dr. Rayman will help you very best results in a comfortable fashion.