#1. Conservative Treatments
If you have varicose veins, you may be looking for conservative treatments to help improve the appearance of your legs. There are a few things you can do at home to help improve the appearance of your veins and alleviate some of the discomfort they may cause. Before we describe the conservative treatments and lifestyle changes, it’s important to emphasize this: conservative treatments can only alleviate the worst symptoms of vein disease, not remove the varicose veins. The only way to remove varicose veins is through minimally invasive procedures.
The following are the best conservative treatments for varicose veins in Long Island:
- Compression Stockings: If you have varicose veins, one of the best things you can do is to wear compression stockings. These stockings apply gentle pressure to your legs, which can improve blood flow and reduce the appearance of your veins. You may need to wear them all day or just during times when you’re on your feet for long periods of time.
- Exercise: Exercise is a great way to improve blood flow in your legs and reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Walking, swimming, and biking are great exercises for improving blood flow because they also engage your calf muscles, thus pushing the accumulated blood to your heart. But please avoid high-impact activities that could put additional strain on your veins.
- Elevating Your Legs: Elevating your legs can reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Try to prop your legs up on a pillow when you’re sitting or lying down. This will improve blood flow and reduce the appearance of your veins.
- Diet: A healthy diet can also play a role in the appearance of your veins. Eating a diet that is low in salt and high in fiber can improve blood circulation and reduce constipation, thus taking pressure off your leg veins. Over time, a healthy diet can improve your symptoms.
#2. Endovenous Laser Ablation
Endovenous laser ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that uses lasers to seal off the problematic veins responsible for your vein problems. The procedure is done in a vein doctor’s office or outpatient center. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. A small incision will be made in the skin near the problematic vein. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is then inserted into the vein, following which a laser fiber is passed through the catheter and into the vein.
The laser is turned on, and the energy from the laser irritates the vein walls and makes them collapse. The accumulated blood reroutes into healthier leg veins, restoring blood circulation to the heart. Endovenous laser ablation is a quick procedure that takes less than an hour and involves a low risk of complications. The procedure involves less pain, fewer side effects, and no downtime. You can resume your daily activities and work immediately after the procedure.
#3. Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure for varicose veins. RFA uses heat to destroy the vein, which is then absorbed by the body. RFA is performed using a thin, flexible catheter that is inserted into the vein. The catheter is then heated to a temperature that destroys the vein. RFA is safe and effective and can be performed in a vein doctor’s office. RFA is minimally invasive, so there is no need for anesthesia or a hospital stay. RFA is also less likely to cause scarring or skin pigmentation than other treatments.
#4. VenaSeal Treatment
Venaseal is a new, minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins that’s quick, safe, and effective. It’s FDA-approved and recommended by the American College of Phlebology. Venaseal is a medical adhesive that seals the veins shut, made from the same subtable used in various medical-grade adhesives. When the adhesive is injected into the vein, it sticks to the vein walls and seals them shut. This stops the blood from flowing through the vein, which then shrivels up and is absorbed by the body.
The procedure is done in a doctor’s office or outpatient clinic. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to treat a single vein. First, the doctor will clean the skin over the vein, and numbing medicine will be injected into the skin. Then, a small needle will be used to inject the Venaseal adhesive into the vein. Venaseal has been shown to be effective in clinical trials. In one study, 97% of patients treated with Venaseal had no varicose veins after two years.
#5. Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a surgical procedure to remove varicose veins. It is also called microphlebectomy and mini-phlebectomy. This minimally invasive procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day. The vein doctor will make tiny incisions in the skin over the varicose vein, following which a special hook is inserted into the vein and pulled out through the incision. This is done until the entire vein is removed.
After varicose vein removal, the vein doctor will close the incisions with stitches or surgical tape. A dressing or compression stocking will be applied to the leg. Ambulatory phlebectomy is an effective treatment for varicose veins. It is often used to remove small veins that are not helped by other treatments. This procedure can be done on its own or along with other treatments, such as sclerotherapy or laser ablation.
Where can I get my varicose veins removed?
Long Island Vein Treatment is a group of state-of-the-art medical centers specializing in varicose vein treatments in Long Island. Our medical centers are located across Long Island, including West Islip, Jericho, and the Hamptons. If you have varicose veins or other vein problems, please visit your nearest medical center for varicose vein treatment in Long Island. Please schedule an appointment to explore your varicose vein treatment options.