Ready for Your Varicose Vein Treatment? Here Are Some Tips to Get You Prepped
Varicose vein treatment is minimally invasive, with typically short recovery times. Despite being minimally invasive, varicose vein treatments are still medical procedures, and there are things you can do to be prepared before, during, and after your procedure to ensure a successful recovery.
At Center for Vein Restoration, our board-certified vascular specialists will walk you through your varicose vein diagnosis, procedure, and recovery every step of the way.
Should I Get Varicose Vein Treatment?
We suggest you talk to your vascular specialist about the available treatment options for varicose veins and work with them to understand the underlying causes. Varicose veins cannot heal independently, and if left untreated, they may lead to various complications and discomfort. Some of the consequences of untreated varicose veins include:
Increased pain and discomfort
Skin changes
Bleeding
While varicose veins are treatable, early intervention is critical to avoiding complications, better understanding your vascular health, and improving overall health.
Understand Your Varicose Vein Treatment Options
Varicose veins can occur when the blood pressure inside your veins increases. Weak or malfunctioning valves in the veins can cause blood to pool and the veins to stretch and bulge, resulting in varicose veins.
Varicose veins are caused by various factors, including aging, pregnancy, obesity, sitting or standing for extended periods, or leading a sedentary lifestyle. If you have a family history of varicose veins, you may be more likely to develop them.
There are no over-the-counter treatments available to remove or improve varicose veins. Work with your vascular specialist to find the best treatment option for your varicose veins. Making lifestyle changes, such as adopting a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight, elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings can help relieve symptoms associated with varicose veins.
Because vein disease is a progressive condition, these interventions alone cannot eliminate them. Minimally invasive procedures are considered the most effective treatment for long-lasting improvement of varicose veins. These procedures aim to redirect blood flow from damaged to healthy surrounding veins. By treating the underlying cause of the varicose vein, these treatments can provide significant relief from uncomfortable symptoms and improve your vascular and overall health.
Center for Vein Restoration offers the following treatment for varicose veins:
Varithena: Varithena offers a minimally invasive approach to treating varicose veins. A non-surgical procedure, Varithena involves injecting a small amount of microfoam into the affected veins using a catheter or direct injection. The microfoam causes the vein to collapse, rerouting blood flow to healthier nearby veins.
VenaSeal: The VenaSeal procedure uses a minimally invasive approach to treat varicose veins. During the procedure, a doctor inserts a thin catheter into the vein. This catheter delivers medical adhesive that seals the vein shut, rerouting blood flow to healthier nearby vessels.
ClariVein: ClariVein offers a minimally invasive, in-office solution for varicose veins, ideal for those with anesthesia allergies or near-nerve veins sensitive to heat treatments. ClariVein is a quick and relatively painless procedure that uses a special catheter to inject a sclerosing agent to close the vein. At the same time, a tiny rotating tip disrupts the diseased tissue, effectively eliminating the varicose vein.
Laser Ablation: Similar to radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation uses a thin fiber inserted into the vein. This laser fiber heats and closes the vein. After removal and healing, the body reabsorbs the closed vein, rerouting blood flow to healthier ones.
Radiofrequency Ablation: Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. A catheter emits radio waves that heat and close the affected vein. After removing the catheter, the closed vein is reabsorbed, and blood flow redirects to healthier veins.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure done in an outpatient setting using local anesthesia. Tiny incisions are made, the varicose vein is removed, and the area is closed using only bandaids. These small incisions heal quickly and typically fade significantly within a year.
Our minimally invasive procedures offer enduring relief from varicose vein symptoms and let you return to your daily routine. Whether it's ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy or laser ablation, our cutting-edge treatments target the root cause of varicose veins, all while keeping your comfort and safety our highest priority.
Preparing for Your Varicose Vein Treatment
Preparing for your varicose vein treatment depends on the procedure. While these procedures are generally minimally invasive and cause minimal discomfort, we understand it can still be stressful for patients. Following all pre and postoperative instructions is important to minimize recovery time and improve outcomes.
Patients can often return to many of their usual activities on the same day or shortly after their varicose vein treatment.
Your vascular specialist will give you specific instructions on preparing for your varicose vein treatment, including dietary restrictions, medication adjustments, and other guidelines to ensure your safety and the procedure's effectiveness. Be sure to ask questions if anything isn't clear so you'll be prepared for the day of your procedure.
Medications
Your vascular specialist will advise you about your medications before your varicose vein treatment. They may recommend discontinuing certain medications, such as aspirin, blood thinners, or over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Before your procedure, the Center for Vein Restoration team will thoroughly review your medical history and all the medications you are currently taking. They will then provide instructions on which medications to take before your varicose vein treatment and which ones to stop.
Support and Transportation
While you can drive yourself to your vein treatment appointment, many people prefer to have the support of a family member or friend. While these treatments are minimally invasive and not done under anesthesia, it's not advisable to drive immediately afterward. While most patients should be able to resume driving for short distances 24 hours after surgery, discuss this with your vascular specialist. Having a friend or family member present for emotional support during recovery is also helpful.
Stay Hydrated and Rest Well Before Your Procedure
Follow your vascular specialist's recommendations regarding when and if you should stop eating and drinking before your varicose vein treatment. Try to limit caffeine and nicotine intake before your procedure and prioritize a good night's sleep the night before to ensure a smooth healing process.
Get Prepared The Night Before
Lay out everything you'll need for the next day's procedure, including your identification and insurance card and your compression stockings if prescribed by your vascular specialist. We recommend wearing clean, loose, comfortable clothing for varicose vein treatment. Some patients prefer wearing shorts during treatment, while others may be offered a hospital gown.
Laying out your clothing and belongings the night before your varicose vein treatment may help your procedure day run smoothly. Be prepared to leave valuables with your driver, including your wallet or purse.
Write down any questions you have ahead of time and bring them with you to your treatment appointment so you won't have to remember the day of your procedure.
Arrive at Your Scheduled Time
Arrive for your varicose vein treatment at your scheduled time to allow you to complete any required paperwork without feeling rushed or unprepared.
No Jewelry, Lotions, or Perfumes
Don't wear jewelry, including rings, earrings, or necklaces, or bring valuables to your procedure. Also, don't shave, exfoliate, or apply lotion, deodorant, or perfume to your legs or the treatment area on your varicose vein treatment day.
Follow Your Vascular Specialist's Instructions
Varicose vein treatment at Center for Vein Restoration is noninvasive and done on-site in our outpatient clinic. Every patient is different, so please follow your vascular specialist's pre- and post-procedure instructions with care, including when to resume medications and appropriate activity levels following your procedure.
Attending all follow-up appointments and adhering to the care team's recommendations after your varicose vein treatment is essential for a fast recovery. Follow-up appointments allow for assessing the veins' response to treatment and any necessary adjustments or recommendations.
Varicose Vein Treatment At Center for Vein Restoration
At the Center for Vein Restoration, our board-certified vascular specialists are dedicated to guiding you through every stage of your treatment journey.
Understanding your treatment options, following pre-procedure instructions, and arranging for support and transportation can help you approach varicose vein treatment confidently. Remember to stay hydrated, get adequate rest, and follow your vascular specialist's recommendations before the procedure.
After the procedure, adhering to the postoperative guidelines we will provide you and attending all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress is important. With proper preparation and guidance from our experienced team, you can take the first step towards improved vascular health and overall well-being.
For more information about varicose vein treatment, call 240-512-4759 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a Center for Vein Restoration near you.