Vein Removal Guide for Patients Are you experiencing discoloration or discomfort in your legs? Varicose veins are the result of faulty valves in the veins that cause the blood to flow in the wrong direction.  A bothersome condition, varicose veins often cause patients to experience swelling in the veins of their legs and feet due to the pooling of blood within them. It can be uncomfortable but is rarely dangerous.  One in four adults in the United States has experienced related symptoms such as painful, achy legs, swollen ankles, and spider veins.  Luckily, there is a varicose vein treatment. Patients can undergo a vein removal procedure, otherwise known as an ambulatory phlebectomy.  To help you in your search for relief, we have put together an easy to follow guide for patients who are candidates for varicose veins treatments.  If you do not find all of your answers in this guide, or you wish to further your research,  please visit our page on managing symptoms.  What Causes Varicose Veins? Veins are the highways used by our blood, which travels through our bodies through one-way valves. If the vein becomes stretched, it loses flexibility, weakening those valves.  When it is stressed, blood can leak backward and flow in the opposite direction, also called venous stasis. When this happens, blood accumulates in the vein or veins, which causes them to become enlarged and swollen. This can also lead to blood clots or superficial venous thrombosis. The most vulnerable veins are those furthest away from the power source; the heart. Legs and feet are most affected because gravity makes for a more difficult and obstructed blood flow.  Who Is Likely to Get Varicose Veins? Weight, gender, hormones, genetics, and lifestyle are all determinants for who will develop varicose veins. People who are overweight tend to have a higher risk. If a person has a condition that causes a heavy pressure on the abdomen, it can cause varicose veins as it would affect the blood flow.  Women are more likely than men to get varicose veins because of hormone factors. Using birth control pills, postmenopausal hormone replacement, or the stages of puberty or menopause can increase your risk. Pregnant women are also likely to acquire this condition as there is a lot of pressure placed on the abdominal region. Pregnancy also increases the amount of blood in the body, which causes increased pressure on the circulatory system.  Changes in hormone levels can also lead to the relaxation of the blood vessels. Typically, they will go away after the pregnancy is over.  Varicose veins can be genetic, causing individuals to be more prone to the condition. Those over the age of fifty are also more likely to get varicose veins, especially if there is a family history.  Also, lifestyle can play a role in causing varicose veins as well, such as working a job that requires a lot of standing, being on your feet, or sitting. Is There a Way to Prevent Varicose Veins? Sometimes, varicose veins are genetic, and there is no proven way to prevent their occurrence completely.  You can decrease your risk by taking measures to improve your circulation. Exercise, eating a high fiber, low-salt diet, elevating your legs, and changing your position from sitting or standing are some daily habits that we recommend.  If there is concern for getting this condition, a varicose vein treatment for prevention could be to wear compression stockings to increase the blood flow in the legs and decrease swelling. What Do I Do If I Have Varicose Veins? Varicose veins are typically not dangerous. They can be unsightly though which leads many patients to feel subconscious and wish to pursue treatment for varicose veins for cosmetic reasons.  If veins become too large, painful or troublesome, there are vein treatment options to reduce their appearance or for complete removal. Keep reading to learn your options for the best vein treatment options available. Laser Vein Removal: Highly Effective, Minimally Invasive Laser vein treatment has been used for over 20 years and is quite safe and effective. The rate of success is 94%.  Preparation: Before your visit to the medical office, you should drink plenty of water. Make sure that you do not shave the treated area on the day of the appointment, or apply makeup or lotion. If prescribed a sedative medication, take it one hour before and make sure that you have someone to drive you to and from the hospital or vein care center.  For your comfort, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing. You should also make sure you’re not wearing your favorite underwear, as the doctor will prep the entire leg, including the groin area.  What to Expect: A laser, or a highly focused beam of light, will be used to heat the affected varicose vein or veins, causing scar tissue to form.  For cautionary reasons, you will be given protective eyewear during treatment. The laser only targets the unwanted varicose vein or veins, leaving the surrounding skin untouched. Healing and Recovery: Recovery is typically short, and you will be able to walk right away following the procedure. You will be told to wear compression stockings for about a week after.  After laser treatment, the veins will gradually change from a dark blue to light red color, and will eventually disappear. This healing process takes anywhere from two to six weeks. Larger veins can sometimes take up to three months. You may need to undergo multiple sessions to obtain your desired results.  Vein Stripping: Traditional Outpatient Procedure Preparation: Before your vein stripping procedure, tell your provider what drugs you are taking. Also inform them if you might be pregnant, or if you have been drinking more than 1 or 2 alcoholic beverages per day. On the day of the procedure, you cannot drink or eat anything for 6-8 hours before the vein stripping. If you have medicine to take, drink only a tiny sip of water.  What to Expect: The vein stripping procedure, also known as an ambulatory phlebectomy, typically takes from 1 to 1 ½ hours.  If you are not allergic to anesthesia, your healthcare professional will administer either a general or spinal anesthesia through injection. With general anesthesia, you will be asleep and unable to feel any pain. With spinal anesthesia, the lower half of your body will go numb. Your doctor may also use a local anesthesia at the site of where the incisions will be made. During the surgery, there will be 2 to 3 small incisions in your leg, near the top, middle, and bottom of the vein. One will be in your groin, the other in the middle, and the last on your calf or ankle.  A wire is tied to the vein and is used to pull it out through the lower cut. The thread is thin and flexible. Your surgeon will close the incisions with stitches.  Healing and Recovery: For a few days (3-5) after the procedure, you will have to wear bandages and compression stockings to control bleeding and swelling.  Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment: a Simple Cosmetic Procedure One of the most common varicose vein treatments for spider veins is sclerotherapy. Since the 1930s, this has been a proven and efficient procedure.  It is not a viable solution for pregnant women. Your eligibility depends on the health of that area of your skin.  Preparation: You should avoid taking certain medications before sclerotherapy. Talk to your doctor about your prescriptions or any herbs or dietary supplements that you are taking.  You should not shave, wear makeup, or put lotion on your legs before the procedure.  What to Expect: This is a quick procedure that lasts from 15 to 30 minutes performed by a dermatologist or a surgeon. The doctor will inject a fine needle full of a salt solution directly into the vein.  You may experience some mild discomfort for a couple of minutes.  Healing and Recovery: After sclerotherapy, walking is encouraged. You will be able to resume your daily activities and even drive yourself home.  You should avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medication for at least 48 hours as well as hot baths, compresses, saunas, or direct sunlight exposure.  You may experience mild itching, raised, red areas, or bruising at the injection site. These side effects should disappear within a few days.  Radiofrequency Vein Ablation: Minimally Invasive and Very Successful Another solution to treat a varicose vein or veins and similar to the laser treatment is the radiofrequency vein ablation. A doctor uses heat to damage the vein, causing scar tissue to form, only using radiofrequency energy. It typically closes off the varicose vein in the leg.  Preparation: There is no special preparation necessary, though, like all procedures, you must let your doctor know if you are allergic to anesthetics. Your skin will be sterilized, and local anesthesia will be administered to the area for numbing.  What to Expect: Radiofrequency energy enters the vein through a catheter that is inserted through a tiny incision in the leg. The cut will be either above or below your knee.  The procedure typically takes place in a medical office setting. You will be administered a local anesthesia or a mild sedative to help you relax.  Healing and Recovery: Most of the time, the recovery from radiofrequency ablation is easy and fast. You may feel a tightening sensation for a couple of days or maybe some bruising or swelling. Veins may take a few months to disappear completely.  Varicose Veins Treatment Cost Are you seeking a vein treatment, but fear that the price tag for relief is just too high? Let us talk about the cost of these various procedures and what considerations to take before choosing the best method for you.  There are a few factors that will impact how much you pay. Do you have an underlying venous disease and/or at risk for blood clots? Is the treatment medically necessary, or is it only cosmetic? If you have venous insufficiency, a known vein disease, treatment will be covered by most insurance companies.  If the procedure is only cosmetic, it may cost over $1000. Home remedies can be useful for reducing the appearance of varicose veins and provide pain relief. Changes in diet, exercise, and taking plant extracts such as horse chestnut can relieve related discomfort. Get the Best Help and Relief from Varicose Veins No matter your reason for pursuing vein treatment, there are options available to you. Speak to your vascular specialist or visit an advanced vein center. Varicose veins affect approximately 35% of the American population, are you considering a vein removal treatment for your varicose veins? We would love to hear from you to know if this guide was helpful for you, or if you have more questions we can answer. Leave a comment or question below.

7 Tips for Healthier Veins (2020 Update) Your veins don’t get enough attention. You might only think of them when you see them bulging after a tough workout or when you find a varicose vein forming on your leg. We think your veins deserve more attention. After all, veins are the “highway” through which blood flows back to your heart! Did you know that you have about 60,000 miles of vasculature? That’s arteries, veins, and capillaries carrying blood and nutrients to every corner of your being! Like a highway, when there’s a blockage, its traffic can slow to a crawl or even stop – which can be catastrophic! Fortunately, you’re in the driver’s seat. You have the power to follow these 7 easy tips we have compiled to help keep your blood flowing and your veins healthy. Drive on! 1. Learn to love cardio You don’t have to train for the Whiskey Row Marathon, but we do recommend that you find something you enjoy that will help you stay moving. Not only does cardiovascular exercise promote healthy blood flow and strong veins, but it can help you avoid weight gain, which can strain the vessels in your lower body.  Try these basic exercises: Go on a brisk walk – Walking can boost your overall health and help prevent vein disease. Walking is a great place to start. Run or hike at an even pace with supportive shoes – These workouts get your heart rate up as they build your muscles. Go swimming – Swimming is a great resistance exercise that works out multiple muscle groups at once. Go on a bike ride – Biking is another good choice for lower body strengthening. Any exercise that will get your heart rate up for about 30 minutes a day 5 days out of the week will give you the most benefit – This can help keep blood from pooling and prevent spider veins. 2. Drink plenty of water When your body is properly hydrated, it not only works more efficiently, but your blood becomes thinner and flows more easily through your veins.  Add these steps to your daily routine: Drink water throughout the day – Buy a water bottle and keep it with you wherever you go. Set a timer to remind you to drink if you have trouble remembering to drink. Drink water before you go to sleep at night and when you wake up – the amount of time you sleep is time without water intake. Drink extra water when you exercise or when you sweat to replenish your body – adequate hydration can greatly improve the effectiveness of your workout and recovery. 3. Eat the rainbow It is tempting to eat pre-packaged meals or fast food when we are in a hurry. The strain these foods put on our vascular system is enormous and not worth the convenience in the long run. On the other hand, fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamins C and K, can contribute to the health of your vein walls, improve vein diameter and circulation. They provide nutrients like vitamins and dietary fiber that help your body stay healthy and heal quicker from injuries! The brighter the fruits and vegetables, the better for your veins. These delicious additions to your diet are full of antioxidants that provide wonderful benefits. Prevent vein disease and strengthen your vein walls by eating these: Vegetables high in vitamins C and K – These include red peppers, collard greens, asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, avocado, broccoli, kale, and tomatoes to name a few. Fresh fruits rich in vitamins C and K –  Kiwis, strawberries, oranges, blueberries, prunes, blackberries, and pomegranates. Certain foods such as avocados, for example, can be added to your diet to treat varicose veins. 4. Consider compression socks If you’re susceptible to venous insufficiency, due to a hereditary condition, pregnancy, a chronic condition or lifestyle, compression socks can help our veins. Compression socks are specially designed to apply pressure on the muscles around the veins to help blood flow more easily back up toward the heart. Improve your vein health now: Take a look online at medical-grade compression socks or “stockings” – You might be surprised at the popularity and the wide variety of stylish compression socks available. Take a cue from professional athletes who have begun to use these to aid them in recovery after or during sporting events – Share the success they experience while keeping your veins healthy. Work these tools into your regular wardrobe to get the full benefit of proper circulation and increased vein health! 5. Cut back on sugar Sugar is delicious, addictive, and as it turns out, quite dangerous. Sugar-rich food and drinks, like soda, juice, cookies, and cereals taste good, but that’s not the whole story. Once the food is digested, your body produces low-density lipoprotein, which can become oxidized and stuck to the walls of your blood vessels – forming what’s commonly called plaque. As plaque builds up over time, it can lead to clotting, as well as high cholesterol – both of which can lead to problems with your veins, arteries, and heart. Extra sugar also causes high blood pressure which is another common cause of varicose veins. Make these simple adjustments to create a healthy diet: Cut out sugary drinks like soda and juice – The quickest way to cut down on this dangerous sugar intake for many is to stop drinking soda. Eat more whole foods – When you trade processed and pre-packaged meals for fresh food the natural effect is a decrease in the unhealthy things you consume, including excess sugar. 6. Leave the heat behind A long hot bath after a long hard day. A dip in the jacuzzi or a stay in the sauna. These might feel great and reduce pain for sore muscles, but over time, prolonged exposure to heat can actually increase vein swelling. Vein swelling often leads to blood pooling which can cause varicose veins and spider veins to appear. Ultimately this can lead to venous insufficiency and blood clots.  Steps for healthy veins: Spend less time in high-heat showers or baths – Trade the hot for cool water for an even greater benefit as it can decrease inflammation to improve vein health. Limit how long or how often you spend in the jacuzzi or sauna – Remember that heat makes things swell. 7. Kick the (smoking) habit Smoking isn’t good for you, you’ve heard that before, but it’s especially hard on your cardiovascular system. The chemicals in tobacco smoke deoxygenate and thicken the blood. They also cause your blood flow to slow down. Nicotine also has the destructive effect of causing vascular hardening and narrowing. This greatly increases your risk of clotting – which can be deadly. Opt for a healthy cardiovascular system and longer life: If you need help quitting, find a local or national program – Share the support of many who have quit before you. Make the decision to live better, longer, healthier! Finally, if you notice symptoms of venous insufficiency, including swelling or heaviness in the lower leg or ankle, varicose veins, pain or itchiness, seek help from a vascular specialist who can provide the care you need. For information on the services available at Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Prescott, visit vispdocs.com or call 928.771.8477.