If you have swollen, unsightly varicose or spider veins on your legs, you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, about 55 percent of women are affected by some sort of vein problem. This means roughly half of women age 50 years and older suffer from the embarrassment of purple, twisting varicose and spider veins on their legs.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to prevent them. The most common cause of varicose and spider veins is genetics. So if your mom had them, there’s a good chance you’ll get them, too.
The good news is that several treatment options are available, many of which don’t require surgery. That’s right – you can permanently treat varicose and spider veins quickly, safely, and with little to no pain.
When it comes to getting rid of varicose and spider veins for good, there are two non-surgical options in particular that provide the best results.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy has been used to treat varicose and spider veins for decades. Though the practice is nearly a century old, it’s still regarded as one of the safest and effective methods for getting to the root of varicose and spider veins. In a nutshell, sclerotherapy involves injecting a highly concentrated saline solution into a patient’s varicose veins. This causes the veins to fade and eventually disappear over three to six weeks.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of sclerotherapy is that it’s a non-surgical procedure and doesn’t require any type of anesthesia. Because there isn’t a lot of preparation or a lengthy recovery, there’s minimal impact on a patient’s life. A single treatment can be over and done within less than an hour, and most patients find that they can return to their regular schedules right away.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that destroys varicose and spider veins by heating them with radiofrequency waves. This may sound painful, but it’s not. In fact, you shouldn’t feel much of anything. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area before a thin catheter is inserted into the vein. Then, a radiofrequency current is used to heat up and damage the vein walls. The body then re-routes blood flow through healthier veins.
A big advantage to using radiofrequency ablation is that it targets varicose and spider veins more accurately than laser treatment. This method also addresses the underlying cause of severe varicose veins, reducing the chance that they’ll reappear in the future. Like sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that can be completed in under an hour. While you can likely return to normal activities within 24 hours, you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for a week or so.
Banish varicose veins and spider veins for good!
When it comes to treating varicose and spider veins, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why at the San Diego Varicose Vein Treatment Center, Dr. Taghizadeh works with each individual patient to diagnose and uncover the source of superficial venous insufficiency. Doing so not only takes care of unsightly veins on a cosmetic level – it addresses the root cause, too. Ultimately, Dr. Taghizadeh will consult you on the best treatment option for your condition that will leave you with the beautiful smooth legs you desire.
Dr. Taghizadeh is highly specialized in varicose vein treatment, so when you come to us, you get the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re in good hands. Give us a call today or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
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