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Varicose Vein Surgery Options

Varicose veins refer to the large, sometimes bulbous, swollen veins that can be seen on your legs. Though they can occur elsewhere, you'll commonly see them on legs and feet because standing and sitting puts pressure on the lower body. Weakening in the valves of the vein and its walls causes these enlarged blood vessels to form and allows blood to pool. Because damaged veins no longer serve a purpose, removing them is safe. Typically just a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can cause swelling, aching and itching.

  1. Laser Surgery

    • Becoming increasingly popular, non-invasive laser surgery directs a beam of intense, pulsating light onto the dysfunctional veins. The laser causes the veins to close, forcing blood to circulate through healthy veins instead. There are no incisions or needles used for this procedure. However, laser surgery can only be performed on smaller veins. Once you see varicose veins developing in your legs, laser surgery can help eliminate them. Waiting may give the veins time to grow and disqualify your condition from this least invasive of all treatments.

    Sclerotherapy

    • Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which a chemical solution is injected into the vein to irritate the interior walls. When the vein becomes inflamed, the walls swell, stick together and seal shut. Over time, the vein turns into scar tissue, gets absorbed into the leg and fades from view. Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure performed on an outpatient basis. Depending on the size and number of varicose veins, you may require more than one treatment.

    Endovenous Ablation

    • Endovenous ablation directs a radio frequency or concentrated laser energy into the dysfunctional vein via a thin catheter through a small entry point. As a result, the vein closes. This minimally-invasive treatment requires no hospitalization. You'll be instructed to wear compression hose on your legs for about a week following this procedure.

    Surgical Ligation

    • Surgical ligation works by removing large varicose veins. Genetics, or having a sedentary lifestyle, typically causes this degree of damage. During surgical ligation, your doctor will make a small incision in your leg, dilate the damaged veins, tie them off and completely remove them. This is an outpatient treatment using a general anesthetic and performed by a vascular surgeon.

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