Do you find yourself wearing jeans even during the summer because you are self-conscious about your varicose veins? Varicose veins are common and often harmless, but many people feel embarrassed by them. The good news is that there are many different treatments for varicose veins to choose from, They are all effective at removing varicose veins and can help give you the flawless and summer-ready legs that you are looking for. At Beach Cities Vein & Laser Center, we specialize in the removal of varicose veins, so all of these treatments are available at our clinic.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
One of the main jobs of the veins in the body is to bring blood that has been depleted of oxygen back to the heart. The veins in your legs have an especially difficult job because they need to work against gravity.
To help with this process, the veins in your legs are equipped with tiny valves. When the muscles in your legs move and the blood is forced upwards, these valves open and allow the blood to pass. Between contractions, however, these valves close to keep the blood from flowing backward toward your feet.
In some veins near the surface of the skin, the valves stop working effectively. This causes blood to pool in the legs rather than move upwards. The pooling of blood can cause veins to expand and weaken. When this happens, the damaged veins can often be seen on the surface of your skin.
Varicose veins can sometimes be triggered by pregnancy, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, standing on your feet for many hours per day, or even just genetics. While they can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as swelling and itchy skin, they are not typically dangerous. However, varicose veins could point to more serious medical conditions so you should always make a visit to your doctor before seeking cosmetic treatments.
How to Get Rid of Varicose Veins
If you have visited your doctor and you want to know how to get rid of varicose veins, there are several different treatment options that we can go over in our office. Some of these treatments can be performed by themselves or we may recommend combining methods. We offer these services and more at our office.
Endovenous Laser Varicose Vein Treatment
Endovenous laser treatments, sometimes called EVLT, EVLA, or EVLeS, provide a minimally invasive treatment that is effective and provides a way for us to treat varicose veins without surgery. During the laser varicose vein treatment, we insert a small laser fiber into the vein that we want to treat. The laser then delivers light energy along the entirety of the affected vein. When this energy goes into the vein, the unhealthy vein will close allowing the blood to flow into healthier veins. The treatment is fast and easy, and you’ll be able to see results immediately afterward as well as improving results in the following days and weeks.
Radiofrequency Ablation
During radiofrequency ablation, we insert a catheter into the vein using ultrasound technology to guide us. After the catheter has been inserted, it is used to apply radiofrequency heat energy to the vein that you are having problems with. This heat will cause the vein to be damaged and to close, allowing your healthy veins to take over. This is an in-and-out procedure that requires very little downtime. We just ask that you wear compression stockings for several weeks after treatment.
ClariVein Treatments
This fast treatment can be done using only local anesthesia. After viewing the problem veins with an ultrasound to help identify the root cause, we insert a catheter into the vein. This treatment for varicose veins uses a unique catheter with a tip that can spin 360°. We use this tip to first irritate the inner lining of the vein, and then to evenly distribute a chemical solution into the unhealthy vein. As with other treatments, the vein closes.
Varithena Treatments
During Varithena treatments for varicose veins, a foam-type substance is injected into the veins while guided by ultrasound. The foam moves along the vein, displacing the blood and destroying the endothelial lining. Once this is destroyed, the vein will close and eventually disappear while any remaining foam will be safely dispersed throughout your blood. Varithena can often be used on larger veins, making it the right solution for many cases.
VenaSeal™ Procedure
VenaSeal is a good choice for those who want a shorter recovery time without having to wear compression stockings. Most patients find that they can return to normal activities, including driving, right after the treatment.
VenaSeal is an adhesive material that is inserted at key locations inside the affected vein. Once we insert the droplets of adhesive using a catheter, we compress that section of vein to close the vein and help that section to seal using the glue. We repeat the process throughout the rest of the vein.
Additional Treatments
Often, as we treat larger varicose veins, there may be smaller varicose veins that are left over after treatment. You may need follow-up treatments using additional methods. We may recommend microphlebectomies (removal of the affected veins), ultrasound sclerotherapy (insertion of a saline solution or other medication into the vein), the use of compression stockings, or more conservative options to help treat the remaining veins.
Treatments for Varicose Veins in Los Angeles
If you have varicose veins that are causing problems such as swelling, itching, or a loss of confidence while wearing shorts, we can help. We develop customized treatments for varicose veins at Beach Cities Vein & Laser Center. Contact us today to set up a consultation at our office near Los Angeles.