Medically reviewed by H. Andrew Hansen II, MD, MD, MBA, FACS, FSVS, FACC, FAVLS, on April 22, 2025
Many people struggle with bulging veins, leg pain, or swelling but aren’t sure what’s causing the problem—or how to fix it. These symptoms are often signs of vein disease, a common condition where the valves in your leg veins stop working correctly. When blood flows backward and pools, it can lead to discomfort, swelling, skin changes, and visible varicose veins.
One treatment option gaining attention for its safety, speed, and effectiveness is Varithena® sclerotherapy, a minimally invasive, FDA-approved foam treatment used to close off diseased veins and reroute blood to healthier ones.
To explain how Varithena works and who it can help, we spoke with Dr. H. Andrew Hansen, a board-certified vein specialist and lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) in Houston, Texas. Dr. Hansen offers expert vein care for patients with varicose veins, spider veins, and other signs of venous insufficiency, using advanced, patient-centered treatments like Varithena to improve both symptoms and appearance.
According to its website, Varithena is a prescription medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat varicose veins caused by problems in the great saphenous vein (GSV) system and its related branches.
“Varathena is an injectable foam comprised of a liquid phase and a gas phase, which is about 65 percent oxygen and 35 percent carbon dioxide. The nice thing about it is that you get a uniform foam or bubble size, which makes it highly effective. And the other thing I've been impressed with is that it travels very well in the diseased vein to close it. Once the vein is closed, your body naturally reroutes blood flow to nearby healthy veins.” – Dr. H Andrew Hansen
Unlike other treatments that use heat or surgery, Varithena uses microfoam to gently collapse the unhealthy vein. This microfoam combines polidocanol (a vein-damaging agent) and tiny bubbles of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Varithena improves both the appearance of varicose veins and common symptoms like leg heaviness, achiness, swelling, throbbing, and itching—often after just one treatment. The treatment is done in a vein clinic and typically requires only one or two needle sticks.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how Varithena works:
The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour. Most patients return to regular daily activities the same day, though you’ll be advised to avoid heavy lifting or intense workouts for a week.
Dr. Hansen explains:
“The treatment is fast, effective, and well tolerated. Most patients feel nothing more than a slight pinch and maybe a little pressure. After the procedure, your leg will be wrapped with a bandage, and you’ll be asked to wear compression stockings for two weeks. You’ll also be encouraged to walk daily to support blood flow and healing.”
Varithena is designed to treat:
Schedule a consultation at your local Center for Vein Restoration clinic. Your vein doctor will perform an ultrasound and create a customized treatment plan that’s right for you. Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
Many modern vein treatments are minimally invasive, but Varithena offers several unique benefits:
✓ No incisions or heat – meaning less risk of nerve damage
✓ Quick procedure time – typically 10 to 15 minutes
✓ Minimal discomfort – just one or two needle sticks
✓ Versatility – It works on both large and small veins
✓ Fast recovery – back to walking the same day
Dr. Hansen often uses Varithena alone or alongside radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or laser treatments to complete a patient’s customized care plan, adding:
“Varithena is one of the most exciting and effective tools we have in the office.” – Dr. H Andrew Hansen
✅Don’t live near Houston, Texas? Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
Most patients notice symptom relief within days to weeks, with visible veins starting to fade shortly after treatment. Full results typically take 3 to 6 months, depending on the size and severity of the vein. Follow-up ultrasound appointments ensure the treated vein remains closed and no new issues have developed.
Varithena has a strong safety record backed by clinical trials and years of real-world use.
“The biggest risk with any injectable is an anaphylactic reaction, and I've not read of one or seen one regarding Varithena. In my experience, you might have a little redness or tenderness, but that goes away, so it's highly safe. And because it uses oxygen and carbon dioxide, there’s no risk of serious complications like a gas embolism.” – Dr. H Andrew Hansen
Common side effects include:
Yes, however, coverage may vary depending on your plan. The team at CVR can help you check your benefits and submit the necessary paperwork for approval.
Most Medicare and private insurance plans cover Varithena when specific criteria are met, such as:
Dr. Hansen adds that each insurance company has its own rules about what qualifies for coverage:
“Insurance companies often require the vein to be a certain size and show that blood is flowing the wrong way for a specific amount of time. At CVR, we make sure we meet those criteria to get approval.” – Dr. H Andrew Hansen
1. What is Varithena, and how does it work?
Varithena® is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive foam treatment for varicose veins caused by problems in the great saphenous vein (GSV) system. It’s made of polidocanol (a medicine that treats the vein) mixed with oxygen and carbon dioxide to create a microfoam.
During treatment, your vein specialist uses ultrasound guidance to inject a small amount of Varithena foam into the diseased vein. The foam fills the vein, causing it to collapse. Your body then reroutes blood to nearby healthy veins, and the closed vein is absorbed over time.
2. How is Varithena different from other vein treatments?
Varithena is:
Unlike laser or radiofrequency ablation, which use heat to close the vein, Varithena uses a foam that travels easily through the vein system, making it especially helpful for treating multiple branches simultaneously.
3. Is Varithena safe? What are the side effects?
Yes, Varithena is considered very safe. According to Dr. Hansen, “I’ve never seen a serious reaction. Patients might feel a little redness or tenderness at the injection site, but that goes away quickly.”
Common side effects may include:
Because Varithena uses oxygen and carbon dioxide, there’s no risk of serious complications like gas embolism, which can be a concern with older sclerotherapy techniques.
4. When will I see results, and how long do they last?
Most people begin to feel relief from symptoms like heaviness, aching, and swelling within a few days or weeks. You may also notice your varicose veins start to fade soon after treatment. However, full results—including complete disappearance of the treated vein—can take three to six months, depending on how fast your body heals.
Dr. Hansen notes:
“The bigger the vein, the longer it takes to go away completely. But the results are long-lasting and highly effective.”
5. Does insurance cover Varithena?
Yes—most Medicare and private insurance plans cover Varithena, but the specific criteria for approval can vary. To qualify, patients usually need:
“Each insurer has different size and reflux time requirements,” says Dr. Hansen. “At CVR, we ensure we meet those requirements to help our patients get approved.”
Center for Vein Restoration team can assist you in checking your coverage and handling the paperwork.
If you’re dealing with leg pain, swelling, or varicose veins, Varithena may be the safe, minimally invasive treatment you’ve been waiting for. Contact Center for Vein Restoration to learn more about this treatment and how CVR has helped thousands of people feel better and look better, often in just one session.
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