Varicose veins are a condition that not only alters the appearance of the legs but can also lead to physical discomfort. At Venus Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE, we offer a comprehensive range of varicose vein treatments to alleviate both the cosmetic and physical aspects of this condition.
Founded by Dr. Schroeder, a veteran in treating vein and lymphatic disorders, our clinic serves the community with our specialized approach. With years of experience in her field, Dr. Schroeder established this clinic with the aim of tackling the myths surrounding these conditions while ensuring the comfort and care of her patients.
What Is a Varicose Vein?
A varicose vein is a condition where veins, typically in the legs, become enlarged, dilated, and overfilled with blood. These veins often appear swollen and raised, with a bluish-purple or red coloration, which can be visible through the skin.
This condition arises due to the malfunctioning of the valves within the veins. Veins have one-way valves that allow blood to flow toward the heart and prevent it from flowing backward due to gravity. However, in the case of varicose veins, these valves become weak and start to malfunction, preventing blood from flowing upwards in the way that it’s supposed to.
As a result, blood can build up in the veins, causing them to bulge, stretch, and eventually become varicose. This valve malfunction is the primary reason for the development and progression of varicose veins.
What Are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?
Bulging veins beneath the skin aren’t the only symptom of varicose veins. Patients often experience varicose vein pain, which is described as a heavy or aching sensation in the legs. Additional symptoms can include muscle cramping, swelling in the lower legs, and itchiness near the affected vein. In more severe cases, skin discoloration or skin ulcers near the ankle can occur and may indicate the need for immediate medical attention.
If you are concerned that your varicose veins may be progressing and/or causing complications due to worsening symptoms, consulting with our team at Venus Vein Clinic of Omaha can help shed light on the issue. We will carefully evaluate the appearance of the affected area, skin condition, and other factors to give you a more accurate understanding of your case and the best approach to take moving forward.
Is Every Case of Varicose Veins Treatable?
In the vast majority of cases, varicose veins are treatable. However, there are some confounding variables, including the patient’s health status, the location and severity of the concern, and others which can affect a patient’s eligibility for both invasive and non-invasive varicose vein treatment options. These factors can also determine which particular approach is most effective.
For example, patients with advanced arterial insufficiency, skin infections on or near the treatment area, or a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are typically not able to undergo varicose vein treatment unless these issues are resolved. In rare instances, severe varicose veins may cause significant swelling, pain, and skin problems, complicating treatment options. Finally, though this issue most commonly affects the legs, ankles, and feet, pelvic varicose veins can occur. These are more difficult, but not impossible to treat.
What Are Our Treatment Options for Varicose Veins?
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
A solution for varicose veins, ambulatory phlebectomy involves the removal of the veins through small, slit-like incisions in the skin. Your body will automatically redirect the blood to healthier veins. This relatively easy treatment, performed under local anesthesia, is an effective way to remove larger, bulging varicose veins, allowing patients to return to their daily activities shortly after the treatment.
Ambulatory phlebectomy is often utilized after a patient has failed to achieve significant results with compression stockings or other treatments, but it is a suitable first option as well. An added benefit to this approach is that, compared to several others, it reduces the risk of certain complications, including skin ulcers.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is another treatment option used for smaller varicose veins and spider veins. During this treatment, a solution is injected directly into the vein, causing it to collapse and eventually fade away. Over time, the treated vein gets absorbed by the body and disappears. The body then reroutes blood flow through other, healthy vessels, as the appearance of the treatment area dramatically improves.
This is a quick, convenient, and comfortable procedure, usually taking less than an hour, with minimal downtime. Some people benefit from multiple sclerotherapy treatments, while some can achieve full benefits from a single session.
Varithena
As part of our range of varicose vein treatments, Varithena, a microfoam treatment, is injected into the vein to improve symptoms. This foam displaces the blood within the vein, allowing the medication to shrink and collapse the varicose vein. Over time, the body naturally absorbs the treated vein.
While FDA-approved Varithena and sclerotherapy treatments are similar in several key aspects, understanding how they differ can help to choose the most accurately targeted treatment for a given patient’s presentation. For example, Varithena is typically better suited for larger veins, while sclerotherapy excels at treating smaller veins.
Venaseal Ablation
Venaseal ablation uses a medical adhesive to glue varicose veins together from the inside. During this treatment, a small catheter is guided into the vein, through which the adhesive is delivered, sealing the vein shut. The adhesive is delivered as the catheter is slowly and strategically removed from the vein, ensuring even distribution for more reliable closure. This treatment can provide relief from symptoms while allowing you to return to normal activities immediately.
Radiofrequency Ablation
An effective approach for treating varicose veins, radiofrequency ablation involves using heat generated by radio waves to damage the walls of the vein. This damage causes the vein to collapse, close off, and gradually disappear over time. This treatment is minimally invasive and has a short recovery time. Importantly, the radiofrequency energy is precisely calibrated to minimize heating of surrounding tissues as much as possible.
What Are the Benefits of Our Treatments?
- Minimally invasive: All the treatments mentioned are minimally invasive, resulting in shorter recovery times and less post-treatment discomfort.
- Immediate relief: Treatments such as Venaseal ablation can provide immediate relief from symptoms, helping patients quickly return to their normal routines.
- Personalized treatment plans: At Venus Vein Clinic, we can tailor the varicose vein treatment based on the severity and specifics of each individual case, ensuring optimal results.
- Outpatient procedures: These treatments are outpatient procedures, meaning they do not require an overnight hospital stay.
- Use of local anesthesia: Most treatments, such as ambulatory phlebectomy, are performed under local anesthesia, increasing patient comfort during the procedure while eliminating the need for general anesthesia.
Is Varicose Vein Treatment Covered by Insurance?
In many cases, varicose vein treatment is covered, but coverage is dependent on a set of individualized factors.
The key determinant to insurance coverage is medical necessity. In less severe cases of varicose veins, you may not experience much (if any) discomfort. Absent any discomfort, and absent any severe inflammation or swelling that may cause other issues, insurance may be less likely to provide coverage.
Conversely, many people with varicose veins experience aching and discomfort, which helps to build a case for medical necessity. As mentioned above, severe varicose veins can cause complications, creating another opportunity to medically justify a varicose vein treatment.
The second major factor that affects your eligibility is the nature of your particular insurance policy. Every policy is different, and it’s important not to seek out treatment assuming you will be covered. Always confirm with your policy and make sure to fulfill any pre-authorization or other requirements in order to be eligible for coverage.
Varicose Vein Removal FAQ
Can I Prevent Varicose Veins From Developing?
While you cannot completely prevent varicose veins, certain lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting can help reduce your risk. Opting as often as you can for flats or low heels (ideally, 2 inches or less) when it comes to footwear is also a helpful practice when looking to prevent varicose veins.
Is There a Hereditary Component to Varicose Vein Formation?
Yes, research indicates that people with a family history of varicose veins are at a higher risk for developing varicose veins themselves. This is because weakened vein valves and walls are a genetically inherited trait. However, varicose veins also occur in people without a family history of the issue. Other factors that can increase your risk include obesity, pregnancy, and standing for prolonged periods of time on a regular basis.
Once They Appear, Can I Treat Varicose Veins On My Own?
While this issue isn’t fully curable in either case (clinical or home-based intervention), there are several steps that anyone can take to decrease the severity and incidence of varicose-vein-related symptoms. Many of these steps mirror those listed above as preventive measures. Staying active, maintaining your optimal weight as much as possible, elevating your legs often, and wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing can all help to mitigate your symptoms. If, even despite these measures, you notice the discomfort worsening, seeking treatment may be the best option.
Does Pregnancy Always Cause Varicose Veins?
While varicose veins are a common effect of pregnancy, it is not a guaranteed effect. Most sources estimate that roughly 40% of pregnant women develop varicose veins. There are multiple mechanisms by which pregnancy increases the chance of varicose veins, including increased pressure on veins of the lower extremity due to greater blood volume, hormonal changes, and the pressure exerted on major blood vessels by the expanding uterus.
How Do I Know What the Right Treatment Is for Me?
The best varicose vein treatment for you will depend on a variety of factors, including the size, location, and severity of your varicose veins, as well as your overall health. At Venus Vein Clinic, we will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that best addresses your needs.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Varicose Vein Treatments?
The best practice when investigating the potential risks and side effects of varicose vein treatments is to consult with a reputable provider, as each treatment (and each person) can affect which risks may be present. Overall, the treatments listed above are safe and well-tolerated, but side effects are a possibility with any procedure. To list some examples of common varicose vein treatment side effects, a small portion of patients may
Will My Varicose Veins Reappear After Treatment?
While treatments are effective and offer lasting results, it is possible for new varicose veins to develop over time. The same practices that cause them in the first place (prolonged gravity-dependent positioning, weight gain, etc.) can hasten the return of varicose veins. Additional varicose vein treatments can be scheduled at this time with the direction of your doctor.
Learn More About Our Varicose Vein Removal
If you are in Omaha, NE, and struggling with the discomfort and appearance of varicose veins, many effective solutions are available. At Venus Vein Clinic, we are always committed to providing high-quality, personalized care for your varicose vein concerns. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (402) 922-8346 or fill out our online form — let’s work together to find the best varicose vein treatment for you.