Summary
Read the full fact sheet- Varicose veins are knobbly, twisted and darkish-blue in appearance, and are most commonly found on people’s legs.
- Varicose veins are caused by faulty valves within veins, that allow blood to pool.
- Treatment options for varicose and spider veins include sclerotherapy and surgery.
- Sclerotherapy is the injection of a solution into the vein.
- Most people can expect an improvement in the appearance of treated veins.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
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Wondering how to get rid of varicose veins? Learn more about two effective treatment options.
Are your varicose veins getting in the way of your style? Or worse, are your veins causing pain that’s getting in the way of your life? If you are suffering from vein problems, such as spider veins, varicose veins, or venous disease, you’re not alone.
More than 80 million Americans suffer from vein disease, a medical condition that can lead to further health problems. Varicose veins form in the layer of fat between the muscle and skin; as we age or experience hormone changes, the valves in our leg veins weaken, and may allow blood to leak backward. When the blood pools like that, it can cause the veins to dilate and bulge.
Varicose veins can be painful and embarrassing. If you are looking for a treatment to disguise your veins or ease troublesome symptoms, Vein Clinics of America has the solution for you.
Learn about our minimally-invasive approach to vein treatment.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are gnarled enlarged veins. Any vein may become varicose, but the veins most commonly affected are those in your legs and feet. That is because standing and walking upright increases the pressure in the veins of your lower body.
For many people, varicose veins and spider veins — a common, mild variation of varicose veins — are simply a cosmetic concern. For other people, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes varicose veins lead to more serious problems.
What Are Some Common Myths About Varicose Veins?
One of the most frequent misconceptions is that varicose veins are only a cosmetic problem. They may affect an individual’s quality of life by causing:
- Aching
- Throbbing
- Heaviness
- Itching
- Cramps
Another myth is that varicose veins only occur in women or only in people who are overweight. In reality, they can appear in all body types and in men too. Varicose veins tend to be hereditary and are influenced by hormones, often appearing for the first time during pregnancy.
Another misconception is that varicose veins require invasive surgery to treat. At Vein Clinics of America, we offer the most advanced non-surgical treatments performed right in the doctor’s office.
Our Vein Treatment Options
Our comprehensive, minimally invasive approach includes endovenous laser therapy (ELT) and sclerotherapy. Our sophisticated use of sclerotherapy, combined with ELT, lets us treat patients with the smallest spider vein to the largest ropelike varicose vein.
Neither option requires hospitalization or surgery. Patients can be back on their feet doing their day-to-day activities the same day.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (ELT)
With endovenous laser treatment (ELT, or sometimes referred to as EVLT), a small optic fiber is inserted through a needle into the varicose vein under ultrasound guidance. The laser is activated, and as the optic fiber is removed from the vein, it heats and closes the vein. Once the vein is closed, the blood that was circulating through the vein is naturally rerouted to other healthy veins. Over time, the closed vein is absorbed by the body.
A local anesthetic is used to numb the area where the physician is working. The entire process, from start to finish, takes about an hour, and there is very little or no pain. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after the procedure and can resume normal activities the same day. Another advantage of treating varicose veins with ELT is that most insurance plans and Medicare cover it.
ELT cannot treat veins that are too small, too twisted, or too close to the surface of the skin. This means the average ELT patient will require sclerotherapy in conjunction with ELT to treat the smaller veins.
Sclerotherapy
During sclerotherapy, a solution is injected into your varicose or spider veins. This causes the vein to seal off from the other veins in your leg. The vein closes over time and is eventually absorbed into your body.
Sclerotherapy does not require anesthesia and the procedure takes only about 15 to 30 minutes. The exact length of time depends on the size of the area and the number of veins being treated.
For larger varicose veins our physicians utilize ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. The ultrasound provides a live view of the veins, allowing the physician to inject the sclerosant into the precise location for the best treatment results. For spider veins and other small veins closer to the skin’s surface, ultrasound guidance is usually not necessary.
Vein Clinics of America is the nation’s oldest and largest network of physicians specializing exclusively in vein disease treatment. Established in 1981, VCA is fully committed to pursuing excellence in the treatment of vein disorders.
Interested in reading more about how to get rid of varicose veins? Explore our collection of topics.
- When To Be Concerned About Your Varicose Veins
- How To Exercise Safely with Varicose Veins
- How to Improve Blood Circulation In Your Legs Naturally
- How to Strengthen the Veins in Your Legs
- The Best Diet and Foods for Varicose Veins
- Walking Exercises for Varicose Veins
- How to Prevent Varicose Veins
- Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?
Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Satish Vayuvegula
Dr. Satish Vayuvegula is the National Medical Director at Vein Clinics of America. Certified by the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, Dr. Satish Vayuvegula is recognized as a physician who has met rigorous standards of knowledge and extensive training in phlebology, the diagnosis and treatment of varicose vein disease and related disorders. Dr. Satish also shares his passion and expertise by serving as a board member of the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, the predominant national organization for venous and lymphatic disease.