So you’ve explored all the options, and between you, your family, and the doctor, the consensus is surgery. A phlebectomy, to be precise. Phleb=vein, ectomy=removal. Either way you look at it, you’re a bit leery about the whole deal. How about a little description of the two surgeries used for this very thing? Thought you’d never ask.

The surgery that needs the least recovery time is the Ambulatory Phlebectomy. Ambulatory=you’ll walk in and out of the procedure. Phleb=well, we’ve already done that one. This is usually done at the doctor’s office or an outpatient surgical center. A local anesthesia is all that’s needed, so you will be awake the whole time. The Doctor

will make a series of small punctures or incisions, so small you won’t even need a stitch.

Through these incisions he will be removing the varicose veins that lie just below the surface of your skin. Don’t worry if your varicose vein seems larger than your incision, veins are so collapsible that they can be pulled through very tiny incisions.

When the doctor is finished with the procedure you’ll be set up with a compression bandage or compression stocking. The doc will tell you how long you should be wearing it. Then you’ll walk right out of the office. In fact, the doc will advise walking or biking after your procedure. This will reduce pressure in your vein, increase blood flow and reduces any clot risk.

The other procedure that is done is for larger vein involvement and goes by the less-fancy name of vein-stripping, and for once a medical procedure tells you exactly what’s going to happen. This procedure is usually done in the hospital under general anesthetic which means you’ll be asleep, or an epidural block which means you’ll be awake but the lower part of your body will be completely numb. The surgeon will make two small incisions, one near your groin (but not that near, don’t worry!) and one near your ankle. Then the offending vein will be removed with a long flexible wire that will go down the whole length of it and “strips” the whole vein out.

Many patients get to leave the same day of the procedure. Some docs like for their patient to stay overnight, which means you get jello! Either way, you’re back home soon. The whole recovery takes a bout two to six weeks, but most patients are back to work in one to two weeks after the operation. While recuperating, you’ll have your leg bandaged for a few weeks. You’ll be asked to take short walks and lay down with your leg resting higher than your heart several times a day.

So that’s the whole story in a nutshell, well, OK, quite a big nutshell. But, we hope it’s helpful. Good luck!

Common Treatments:

Mild cases: low salt high fiber diet, exercise, and rest for your legs.

Sclerotherapy:

Can be used for mild varicose and also spider veins, which are smaller varicose veins. This treatment involves an injection of a solution that will cause the vein to swell, and then stick together which will cause the flow of blood to cease and the vein to turn into scar tissue. Later the vein should fade. Multiple treatments may be necessary, as the vein will sometimes reoccur. Usually the treatment has a 50% to 90% success rate. There is no need for anesthesia and usually this is done in the office.

Simple things to do

It is important to elevate your legs so that they are above your heart and to do this 3 times a day for approximately 15 minutes. Wearing elastic support stockings can also help to allow the blood flow form legs to your heart.

Exercising such as walking, dancing or swimming can help maintain good blood flow, which will strengthen the cardiovascular body system. Absolutely avoid crossing your legs when you sit. When you cross your legs you cut off the blood flow to your legs.

Do all you can do to maintain a healthy weight.

Other procedures:

Surgical vein stripping – Removal of affected vein through small incisions. Usually an outpatient procedure.

Catheter-assisted surgical procedure where longer veins are removed. In hospital procedure.

Laser surgery makes the vein slowly fade and eventually disappears.

Ambulatory phlebectomy

Endoscopic Vein Surgery is used when the patient has leg ulcers. A video camera is inserted so that the doctor can view and visually close the varicose veins.

There are homemade remedies that you can use to help reduce swelling, relieve the soreness, reduce the pain and soothe the night cramps which are all symptoms of varicose veins.

One thing that may help these symptoms is to take a multivitamin that contains vitamins A, B complex and C & E vitamins. You can apply vitamin E oil directly on sores if you have them. This will help the healing process.

Witch Hazel has been used to help reduce the swelling and also to reduce the pain.

Teas:

There is a tea that you can drink up to 3 times a day that will help to allieviate the pain and help the blood to flow easier in your legs. The tea is made from Cayenne Pepper and water.

There is another tea that is made from Hawthorn Berries, Ginger, Yarrow and Horsechestnut. This tea helps to strengthen the blood vessels and is used to promote better circulation.

Juices:

There are several juices that can help to strengthen veins; they are cherry, blackberry and blueberry juices. Another juice that can benefit those with varicose veins by preventing blood clots and it tastes great, is pineapple juice.

The available surgeries and treatments are:

Sclerotherapy, electrodesiccation, laser surgery, closure technique, surgical ligation and stripping, and also ambulatory phlebectomy.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for both varicose vein and spider vein. A solution is injected into the vein that will make the vein wall swell, stick together and then seal shut. Then the flow of blood ceases and the vein eventually fades away. Other veins in the area will take over for this vein. There is an improved sclerotherapy called microsclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy can be done in the doctor’s office and does not require the use of anesthesia.

Electrodesiccation

Electrodesiccation is a treatment that is very similar to sclerotherapy except that instead of injecting solution into the vein; the vein is sealed off using an electrical current. This type of treatment may leave scars.

Laser surgery

Laser surgery can be effective on varicose veins in the legs because of new technology. Burst of light are sent onto the affected vein which causes the vein to fade and disappear. Lasers are very accurate and only affect the area being treated. This treatment is more comfortable for patients because there are no needles or incisions used. The skin is cooled before and after laser treatment and the patient will feel only a small pinch as the laser is applied to the skin. The skin may turn red and may swell but will only last a few days. Treatments last from 15 to 20 minutes. Usually 2 to 5 treatments are needed depending on the severity of the vein.

Closure Technique

Closure technique can be done in a doctor’s office and involves placing a special catheter, which is a small tube into the affected vein. The tube sends radio frequency energy into the vein wall that will shrink it and cause it to seal. There may be slight bruising.

Surgical Ligation and Stripping:

This surgery is done on an outpatient basis under either local or general anesthesia. The affected vein is tied and completely removed from the leg. Wound infection, swelling and redness or inflammation can occur. A common complication of this surgery is that nerve tissue surrounding the vein may be damaged. This may cause numbness, burning or a change in sensation around the area.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

This surgery is used on large veins and involves making small incisions in the vein and removing it using surgical hooks. This is done using local or regional anesthesia. It takes only one treatment to complete and leaves only very small scars.

First, what are we dealing with? Well, we know that veins are actually very thin-walled vessels that carry the spent or impure blood back to the heart to be replenished. Within the veins are tiny valves that help to regulate the flow of the blood. When these veins become enlarged, swollen, thickened, or dilated we say that they have become varicose veins. While varicose veins can appear just about anywhere on the body, we find them most common on the backs of legs. Leg veins are the largest in the body and they work against gravity to move blood from the lower legs back up to the heart. When the tiny valves within the veins begin to lose their ability to seal properly, we see evidence of varicose veins.

One of the serious dangers inherent in varicose veins is the real possibility of the formation of a blood clot. A blood clot that has formed within a swollen and enlarged vein can eventually and suddenly break away and head for the lungs or heart where it can cause serious mischief.

Then what are we looking for? You’ll probably first take notice of varicose veins when you observe a swelling. Often you’ll begin to experience leg cramps, especially at night, and you’ll feel a decided tiredness directly behind the knees. The area on the surface of the affected skin may become pigmented and develop into varicose eczema which causes intense itchiness, or even into varicose ulcers, where the patient has scratched the itchy area unto open sores. In either situation great discomfort may accompany the conditions.

Now that you’ve found it, how do you treat it? This is the area where we turn towards natural remedies to assist us in getting a handle on this varicose vein condition. Many naturalists suggest that a juice fast is in order, probably with a duration of four days, or a week of an all-fruit diet. Keep in mind that we are striving to avoid constipation, since it can complicate the condition.

Carrot juice in combination with spinach juice has shown itself to be beneficial in the treatment of varicose veins. In fact, most raw vegetable juices appear to be helpful. Alcoholic beverages, coffee, strong tea and white sugar are not helpful to a varicose vein-fighting diet and should be avoided whenever possible.

Don’t forget the importance of vitamins when you’re considering an all-natural treatment for varicose veins. Nutrients like vitamins C and E are effective in the treatment of varicose veins, with the vitamin E having the added value of relieving the leg cramps.

Lastly, try to sleep with your feet elevated slightly above the level of your heart. This will assist the blood flow away from the ankles. If you follow these all-natural remedies, you can treat your varicose veins using diet and common-sense. Speak with your doctor before you begin your treatment plan so that he can double-check any interactions with current medications.

Some Centres Offering Varicose Vein Treatment in Florida

The Vein Clinic of South Florida is a centre that offers specialist facilities for your varicose vein treatment in Florida. The doctors will be able to offer you professional advice and answer all of your questions so that you will feel comfortable with their treatment plan. They offer options in non-invasive surgery that will allow a patient to receive treatment without an anaesthetic, and offer quicker and less painful recovery times. They also treat spider veins, which are a vast network of tiny veins that appear red or blue on the legs, and are often found in women. These are a genetic condition that is not attributed to weight or diet, and may require several treatments to get rid of them completely.

The Mayo Clinic, which is located in Jacksonville, is another option for your varicose vein treatment in Florida. The Mayo Clinic is a particularly large organization that covers a wide range of medical diagnoses and treatments. They have specialists and facilities that can offer the latest information and technology for your varicose vein treatment. A team of the best will be available to you throughout your treatment, and a range of options varying from laser surgery to surgery performed under general anaesthesia are offered. Their professionalism and expertise will make you feel comfortable from your first visit to ensure you have the best treatment available to suit your needs.

Vein Centres for Excellence are available throughout the country, and there is such a centre for your varicose vein treatment in Florida. They have pristine offices which ensure hygienic and safe treatment for your varicose veins. The Vein Centres for Excellence is one of the biggest networks of facilities that offer this treatment in the country, so you will be sure to find your varicose vein treatment in Florida by having a look through their chain of clinics.

These are just a sampling of the facilities that you will find available in the Florida region for your treatment of your varicose veins. If you are interested in treating those unsightly lines, take a look through your yellow pages or on the Internet for a treatment facility in your area.

Must be Treated Early

Varicose veins cause a dull sensation of pain, cramps, and heaviness in the legs, and although it is generally believed that varicose veins are not serious, it is an unattractive condition. However, if the condition is not treated, varicose veins may lead to leg ulcers, blood clots, skin discoloration and other more serious medical conditions.

Varicose vein treatment will begin with its diagnosis, which may be a visual observation or an advanced medical procedure. Phlebography is a common medical procedure used for diagnosing varicose veins. There are three varicose vein treatments available, and the one used will depend on the severity of the condition diagnosed.

The simplest varicose vein treatment is the wearing of elastic compression stockings, which may often be the only treatment required. By compressing the veins, these stockings help improve blood circulation in the veins. This type of varicose vein treatment method is most effective when coupled with weight loss in the case of obesity. It is also helpful to perform increased activity and to avoid extended periods of standing or sitting.

Another varicose vein treatment that is used when stockings are not effective is called sclerotherapy. This procedure cuts off the blood flow through the affected veins by injecting slerosant, and may be repeated several times until the complete collapse of the faulty vein is achieved. This method of treating varicose veins has been found to be very effective with an almost 90% improvement rate. Side effects are known to occur including pain, bruising, skin sores and discoloration or appearance of brown lines along the site of the vein.

For a very serious and severe instance of varicose veins, surgery may be required for treating the condition. This last resort involves the surgical removal of the damaged part of the vein. This is a complex and somewhat invasive procedure, and is generally only employed when no other treatment option has proven to be effective.

Those who undergo sclerotherapy may experience allergic reactions or a burning on the skin from the needle if not inserted properly. A mark on the skin can result from the needle not being inserted correctly. Sometimes the brown stain marks fade over time and sometimes they remain. Rarely sclerotherapy can lead to the development of blood clots.

When trying to determine which treatment to use for your condition it is wise to seek the counsel of your healthcare provider who will refer you to either a dermatologist or a surgeon. Factors to take into consideration when deciding between surgical treatment or sclerotherapy are: the diagnosis, vein size, your treatment history, age of patient and history of allergies as well as your tolerance for pain and ability to handle anesthesia.

Usually vein surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Many insurance policies do not cover cosmetic surgery, so it is wise to check your particular insurance before consenting to the surgery.

Untreated varicose veins can lead to aching and discomfort and also ulceration of the legs. Treatment is not always necessary and is usually done so for cosmetic reasons.

The mild forms of varicose veins have very little consequence for the patient other than a mild discomfort. Severe cases are caused by venous disease which is when there is a insufficiency in function of the vein tissue causing pain, soreness, burning aching, throbbing, cramping, muscle fatigue and also restless legs. Varicose veins can progress in nature and over time may lead to chronic venous insufficiency which can lead to breakdown of the tissue and can lead to cellulitis, ulceration, discoloration, inflammatory dermatitis, disfigurement and can lead to loss of limb or life.

The existence of venous insufficiency can lead to non-healing leg ulcers, bleeding from the varicose veins, and also recurrent phlebitis (inflammation of the vein).

It is quite common to see varicose veins during pregnancy. These are caused by hormonal changes that make the walls of the veins pliable.

Any sudden appearance of dilated varicose veins should have the patient seeking medical advise; even those found during pregnancy.

In the United States studies have shown that women have a greater amount of various veins. Varicose veins occur in the Westernized and industrialized countries, most due most likely to changes in lifestyle and activity level.

Things to Know First

Before you get laser treatment for varicose veins, you should know that most of the time varicose veins alone aren’t going to cause you any other problems. However, if you have any other medical conditions, such as diabetes or other health issues, your varicose veins might actually contribute to your overall poor health. They can get inflamed, and they could end up causing you problems later in life. To avoid the potential for later medical problems as a result of your varicose veins, and to feel better about your physical appearance, getting laser treatment for varicose veins can be a good idea for many people.

For some, getting rid of unsightly varicose veins can be as simple as using the right combination of lotions and crèmes that will shrink the veins and toughen the skin surrounding them. However, this might not work for all people, especially if you have had the veins for a long time or if you have a particularly severe case of them. If this is your personal situation, you can consider getting laser treatment for varicose veins as an option for getting rid of them. This can be a great and effective treatment that poses little or no risk to you, and can save you a lot of worry about future health issues and improve your confidence over your physical appearance.

For most varicose vein sufferers, getting laser treatment for varicose veins is simply cosmetic in nature and purpose. However, because there are potential health problems that can result from varicose veins, the treatment is often covered by most insurance plans because it can be considered preventative medicine. You should check with your insurance company, and then check with your doctor, to see if laser treatment for varicose veins is the right solution for you.