The large blue or greenish lines on the legs that tend to bulge are not ugly road maps, but varicose veins. When these occur, varicose vein removal can be the answer to rid oneself of the unsightly protuberances. The bulging varicosity occurs as a result of incompetent or damaged valves inside the veins. Competent valves within the veins work to compartmentalize the blood in the extremities, controlling blood flow to the various parts of the body. When valves become damaged, an increase in blood in a segmented area causes that area to expand. Over time the swelling continues causing the bulging and protruding seen on the surface of the skin as the veins move closer to the surface. The causes of can be related to a venous disorder, heredity, hormones, trauma or prolonged standing.
Removal of varicose veins can be done through a variety of methods depending upon the severity of the condition. Sclerotherapy, stripping, ligation, ambulatory phlebectomy and laser treatments alone or in combination can be very effective to remove or reduce the problem.
The sclerotherapy process injects the vein with an irritant solution, such as sotradecol. The solution causes irritation and inflammation within the lining of the vein. As the internal lining swells, the blood becomes thickened and sluggish. The body then begins to break down the clotted blood and the vein causing the vessel to disappear. Several treatments are generally required to eliminate the entire vein. Side effects include hyperpigmentation, scabbing, scarring, hematoma, skin ulceration and allergic reaction to the solutions.
Varicose vein removal surgery such as vein stripping and ligation are surgical procedures that can be done either in an outpatient setting or in the hospital. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision over the vein, ties off the upper end of the damaged vessel and the strips or removes the remainder of the vein. Side effects from this procedure can include scarring, bleeding, infection, anesthesia associated side effects and reoccurrence.
An ambulatory phlebectomy uses local anesthesia to remove the superficial varicosity with a surgical hook. The physician makes an incision in several spaces along the vein, and the vessel is the pulled out through the small openings.
Laser varicose vein removal can also be known as EVLT (endovenous laser treatment). EVLT uses ultrasound technology to map out the vein. The laser probe is inserted into the vein to treat from the inside, causing the vein to spasm and shut down. Treatments can be done in the office in under an hour with minimal anesthesia. Incision sites are small, leaving minimal chance of scarring. EVLT has a high success rate.
For varicose veins, removal can be as simple as an in- office procedure. Consult a qualified physician to determine which treatment is right for your own particular issue. |
