Non-Surgical Treatments For Varicose Veins
Medically Reviewed by Pavan Khurana, MD
A lot of people think that their varicose veins are just something they have to live with once they appear, or that they can only be treated with expensive, invasive surgeries that might even be more annoying than the veins themselves. Thankfully, this is not actually the case. While we now know that completely non-invasive approaches, like compression stockings, are ineffective in varicose vein treatment, there are still a variety of minimally invasive medical treatments for varicose veins that can completely eliminate them without surgery. Whether your concerns about varicose veins are cosmetic, due to discomfort or pain, or both, you have options.
At the University Radiology Vascular and Interventional Center, our expert varicose vein physicians offer a variety of minimally invasive, outpatient treatments for varicose veins.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
EVLT is often the primary treatment recommended for varicose veins. During EVLT, ultrasound imaging is used to guide a specialized catheter, equipped with a small laser, through the body to treat the root cause of varicose veins. The laser applies heat to the vein walls, sealing them off and allowing blood to reroute through healthy veins. Over time, the sealed veins will be reabsorbed by the body.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a procedure that removes varicose veins through tiny incisions made in the skin under local anesthetic. The veins are detached in small segments using specialized tools.
Microfoam Ablation
Microfoam ablation, like EVLT, seals off varicose veins, allowing them to be absorbed. Unlike EVLT, instead of heat, microfoam ablation uses a foam medication to irritate and close off varicose veins.
The best treatments for varicose veins will often depend on your specific varicose veins and concerns, and sometimes multiple treatments can even be used in conjunction to achieve the best results.
If varicose veins are in any way impacting your quality of life, consider making an appointment to find out which treatment for varicose veins may be right for you. You don’t just need to take our word for it either. University Radiology Vascular and Interventional Center patients have previously said:
“After seeing multiple specialists, Dr. Khurana finally gave me minimally invasive options nobody else discussed.”
“I had protruding veins on my legs, but after the minimally invasive procedure performed by Dr. Khurana, I can wear shorts again!”
If you’re struggling with varicose veins, now is the time to learn more about minimally invasive options! Please reach out to our team at: https://urvascular.com/contact/
References
- Mark, W. S. (2022, April 6). Current Best Practice in the Management of Varicose Veins. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 15, 567-583. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S294990
- Fayyaz F, Vaghani V, Ekhator C, et al. (January 10, 2024) Advancements in Varicose Vein Treatment: Anatomy, Pathophysiology, Minimally Invasive Techniques, Sclerotherapy, Patient Satisfaction, and Future Directions. Cureus, 16(1): e51990. doi:10.7759/cureus.51990
