Are you bothered by unattractive varicose veins or spider veins? If so, you have probably started seeking out professional vein care treatment options. Although varicose veins are not pretty to look at, they do not usually lead to symptoms or represent any danger in and of themselves. However, their appearance alone may prompt you to have them removed for cosmetic purposes.
What Are Varicose Veins and Spider Veins?
Varicose veins are dysfunctional blood vessels that cannot keep blood flowing in one direction as they are intended. A vein is a blood vessel that transports blood to your heart. A varicose vein is a type of vein that has a faulty one-way valve that leads to blood pooling in the affected vein and distorting its appearance. Spider veins are smaller versions of varicose veins that tend to have a spiderweb appearance, in contrast to varicose veins that usually appear twisted and bulging.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is an older professional vein care treatment for varicose veins that is still in use today because it is still extremely effective and safe. It involves the injection of a special solution that irritates the vein walls, leading to the collapse of the walls and destruction of the dysfunctional vein. The blood that once flowed through the destroyed vein will find its way into nearby blood vessels for transportation back to the heart.
After your sclerotherapy procedure, you’ll be encouraged to walk some each day. This will help to promote blood circulation and speed up the healing process. You will also need to wear some form of compression garment to prevent blood from flowing back into the treated vein.
What Is Endovenous Ablation?
Endovenous ablation is a more modern technique for removing spider veins with the same goal as sclerotherapy: Destroy the dysfunctional vain by collapsing its walls. Instead of using a chemical solution, this procedure takes advantage of radiofrequency energy. As with sclerotherapy, the blood once contained in the destroyed blood vessel will now be taken up by neighboring veins with a healthy function.
What Happens After My EVLT procedure?
Be sure to walk some each day for a minimum of 30 minutes. You can also use a recumbent bike, elliptical cycle, or walk on a treadmill. Raise your leg using pillows above the level of your heart whenever you are seated to minimize soreness. Avoid vigorous physical activity like heavy weight training and high impact aerobics.
Professional Vein Care Consultation
If you are ready to eliminate your varicose veins or spider veins with sclerotherapy or endovenous ablation, or if you would like to request more information about our treatments, visit Pacific Vein Care in McHenry. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!