Do you have enlarged, twisted, blue, or purple veins in your legs? Varicose veins are not uncommon, and many adults have them. Although they’re not necessarily dangerous, they can have a negative impact on the appearance of skin and may even be painful. Many people who have them seek professional help in treating them.
When it comes to treating varicose veins, VENUS Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE, is proud to offer Varithena as a treatment option. By choosing us for your Varithena treatment, you benefit from our dedication to advanced, patient-friendly approaches to vein care.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are bulging veins caused by the valves in the veins being weakened or damaged, causing blood to pool up inside them. This condition is more common in the legs due to the pressure of standing and walking upright. Varicose veins can cause discomfort and lead to more serious health problems, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). They may also be a cosmetic concern for many people.
Who Is At Risk for Varicose Veins?
Several factors determine who is at risk for varicose veins. These can be related to genetics or to lifestyle decisions. Understanding these risk factors can help patients adopt preventative measures and seek early intervention, if needed.
- Age: As you get older, the lining of the veins weakens, making it more likely for the veins to bulge. Typically, varicose veins affect those ages 30 to 70.
- Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins due to hormonal changes from pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal birth control.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on the veins in the body, particularly the legs. Losing weight, even a small amount, can reduce your risk.
- Lifestyle Factors: Leading a sedentary or non-active lifestyle increases pressure in the veins. Additionally, smoking and wearing high heels impede the blood flow in the legs, potentially leading to bulging veins.
- Family History: Genetics plays a part in the likelihood of developing varicose veins. If there is a family history of weakened veins, it is likely to pass through to future generations.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy includes hormonal changes and excess weight around the midsection, potentially leading to the development of varicose veins.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Symptoms of varicose veins may appear very mild to severe. By addressing them early, complications may be prevented and quality of life preserved. Common symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Dark purple or blue veins
- Veins that appear twisted or bulging
- Aches or heaviness in legs
- Swelling, burning, or cramping in the calves
- Pain in legs after sitting or standing for extended periods of time
- Itching or irritated skin around veins
- Discolored or thickened skin around veins
What Are Patients Looking for in Varicose Vein Treatments?
If you are looking for treatments for your varicose veins, you likely have the following goals or concerns.
- Pain Relief: Varicose veins are uncomfortable. They can cause discomfort, swelling, and achiness. Achieving immediate and long-lasting pain relief is ideal.
- Improved Physical Appearance: While varicose veins themselves are not life-threatening, they can cause issues with self-confidence. Patients often look for treatments that can restore their previously smooth and even-toned skin.
- Minimally Invasive: Patients in the modern world are busy with many tasks on their plate. Having a minimally invasive treatment without the need for general anesthesia or extended downtime is preferred.
- Effective, Long-Lasting Results: Instead of covering up the problem, patients want a solution for the problem that lasts an extended period.
- Safety and Comfort: Modern medicine has evolved to include multiple options to safely and effectively treat varicose veins. Having an FDA-approved treatment in a comfortable setting is preferred.
What Is Varithena?
Varithena is a minimally invasive foam treatment for varicose veins that uses a microfoam injection to reduce and eliminate the appearance and discomfort of varicose veins. It is an FDA-approved vein removal treatment that does not require surgical measures, and it is minimally invasive in nature. This versatile treatment can be used to treat most types of varicose veins, including veins that are:
- Above and below the knee
- Previously treated with a different method
- Small, medium, or large in diameter
- Twisted (tortuous)
To determine if Varithena is a good treatment for you and your varicose veins, we recommend a consultation with our professionals in Omaha.
Benefits of Varithena
Undergoing a Varithena treatment at our Omaha, NE office provides a number of benefits suited to meet your treatment goals.
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- Minimally Invasive Treatment
One of the primary benefits of Varithena is its minimally invasive nature. Unlike traditional surgeries that may require incisions and lengthy recovery times, Varithena is administered through a small injection. This method significantly reduces recovery time and lowers the risk of complications, making it an ideal option for patients seeking a simpler, less invasive treatment. - Reduced Pain and Discomfort
Varithena treatment effectively reduces the pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins. By collapsing the problematic veins, the treatment alleviates the aching and heaviness often felt in the legs, providing patients with immediate relief and a noticeable improvement in their daily comfort. - Quick and Convenient
The Varithena treatment typically takes less than an hour to complete, with many treatments lasting only 30 minutes. This quick turnaround time allows patients to quickly return to their daily activities, with minimal disruption to their schedules. - No General Anesthesia Required
Unlike more invasive vein surgeries, Varithena does not require general anesthesia. Patients undergo the treatment under local anesthesia, which is safer and results in quicker post-treatment recovery. - Effective on Varicose Veins of Various Sizes: Varithena is versatile in treating both large and small varicose veins. This makes the treatment a suitable option for patients with varying degrees of vein visibility and discomfort.
- Improved Appearance
This treatment significantly reduces the visibility of varicose veins, leading to clearer, more even-toned skin. Patients often report not only feeling better but also having more confidence in the appearance of their legs. - Long-Lasting Results
- Minimally Invasive Treatment
The results of a Varithena vein treatment are long-lasting. Patients can enjoy the benefits for years, which is a significant advantage over some other temporary treatments.
What to Expect During a Varithena Treatment
Initial Consultation
Your journey to be free of varicose veins begins with a consultation at VENUS Vein Clinic. During this appointment, we will assess your veins to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for this treatment.
The Procedure
Varithena microfoam can be delivered to the vein via a catheter or an injection. The foam fills up the vein in the targeted treatment area, pushing the blood out. The foam forces the vein to collapse, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins. This effectively encourages better blood flow and reduces the appearance of varicose veins. Varithena is administered on an outpatient basis in the comfort of our Nebraska office. The process generally requires less than an hour, and there is no downtime associated with treatment.
Aftercare
Our professional staff will provide you with all the information you need to care for your Varithena treatment area. It is important to wear compression stockings for the first two weeks after receiving treatment. Patients should also walk for at least 10 minutes per day. However, avoid prolonged or strenuous physical activity for at least one week.
Results and Recovery
Patients are often able to immediately see their varicose veins fading away. The vein itself does not disappear, but since it is no longer filled with blood, it does not bulge or appear dark in color. Any leg pain is also quickly alleviated. However, results will vary for each person and their veins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Varithena
How long does it take to see results?
Many patients notice an improvement in symptoms and appearance within a few weeks following the treatment. However, the full benefits of the Varithena treatment may take several months to become fully apparent as the treated veins gradually fade.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients require only one Varithena treatment session to achieve significant results. However, the number of treatments necessary can vary depending on the severity and extent of the varicose veins. Some patients might need additional sessions to fully address all affected veins.
Does insurance cover Varithena?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare usually cover Varithena, but coverage amounts typically depend on the severity of your varicose veins and associated symptoms. Contact us, or your insurance provider, for more information.
Will my varicose veins come back?
No, the removed diseased vein cannot grow back after treatment. However, Varithena does not prevent new varicose veins from forming in the same area or elsewhere on the leg. So technically, varicose veins can come back, but they would be new veins as opposed to the treated ones.
Can Varithena treat spider veins?
While Varithena can be used for some smaller varicose veins, it is not the best treatment for spider veins. Varithena is designed to target more prominent veins. If you suffer from spider veins, contact us to discuss the best treatment option for you.
Why Choose VENUS Vein Clinic?
At VENUS Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE, we specialize in advanced and minimally invasive treatments like Varithena to treat varicose veins. Founder Dr. Kelly Schroeder is a native Omahan Board Certified in Emergency Medicine. Dr. Schroeder is certified with the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and is the only female Board Certified vein doctor in the area. Combined with personalized care in a comfortable setting, we ensure every patient receives the best possible outcomes.
Schedule Your Consultation for Varithena in Omaha, NE!
Varicose veins can be uncomfortable and painful. They can also affect a person’s self-esteem and confidence. Varicose vein treatment may help you feel rejuvenated and like the best version of yourself again. VENUS Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE, is renowned for our commitment to providing cutting-edge treatments in the field of vein care. We specialize in using the latest technologies and treatments, such as Varithena, to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Contact us online or call (402) 922-8346 today and schedule your consultation to learn more about Varithena! Dr. Kelly Schroeder and our professional staff proudly serve you from Omaha, Nebraska, and we look forward to helping discover the best vein treatment for you!