Let’s think about the new year, 2021. Varicose veins. Ick! Not only are they cosmetically unappealing, but they can also come with unpleasant symptoms. In the past, options for treatment were limited.
But, today, there are plenty of non-invasive treatment options available. Not only that, if you meet medical criteria, insurance covers these procedures.
Let’s Start With a Definition
Varicose veins are twisting swollen veins that bulge up under the surface of the skin. Because they contain deoxygenated blood, they are usually dark blue or purple.
They are caused when weak or damaged valves can’t keep the blood moving back towards the heart. When this happens, the blood begins to pool in the veins, and the veins get overloaded.
Risk Factors
You are at a higher risk for developing varicose veins if you:
- Are older
- Are pregnant
- Have been told you are obese
- Stand for long periods
- Sit for long periods
You are also at higher risk if you are a woman. Unless you got them when you were pregnant, they will not go away on their own.
You can take steps to get some relief from symptoms, but the veins will remain unless you opt for a vein removal treatment.
Let’s Review Some Vein Removal Facts
- Invasive surgery (stripping) is not the only solution.
- Recovery doesn’t have to take forever.
- Most non-invasive vein treatments are of low risk.
- There is usually little to no scarring.
- In most cases, insurance will cover vein treatments, as long as you meet specific criteria.
And, most importantly, it’s easy to find a safe, highly qualified treatment center! Not all vein centers are the same.
Dr. Norton and her staff have been focusing on vein treatment since 2005. They are:
- Highly trained
- Highly efficient
- Care deeply about patient outcomes
Let’s Go Over Three Vein Treatment Options
You’d be surprised at how many options are available to remove varicose and even spider veins. Here are our favorite three options.
1. Endovenous Laser Ablation of the Saphenous Vein (ELAS)
ELAS is a clinically proven, FDA approved technique that permanently eliminates varicose veins. We perform this treatment under a local anesthetic, so it is virtually pain-free. It causes no damage to the surrounding tissue and will immediately relieve symptoms associated with varicose veins.
Using an ultrasound, the provider will locate the vein and then insert a thin laser into the vein through a small hole. The laser’s heat causes the vein to collapse, forcing the blood flow to redirect to healthy veins.
2. Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory Phlebectomy removes very twisted varicose veins from the surface of the legs. We then remove the veins through tiny punctures we make in your skin.
The procedure is relatively painless because we perform it under local anesthetic. And, the incisions are so small they usually do not require stitches.
3. Ultrasound-Guided Medical Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy can be used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. This non-surgical procedure is painless, scar-free, and requires minimal downtime. The process is straightforward: we inject a solution into your problem veins, and, naturally, your veins shrink.
Your body forces the blood to move to healthy veins. And, the unhealthy veins eventually disappear altogether. If you meet particular medical criteria, insurance may cover this procedure.
Are You Ready to Get Rid of Varicose Veins?
One of our specialties at Evexias Medical Centers/Denver Vein Center is vein removal. So much so that we have an entire clinic devoted to it!
Contact us today for more information about how we can help you get rid of those nasty varicose veins!