Looking Good - Varicose and Spider Vein Treatments�?/FONT>
"Tips To Help You Look & Feel Your Best"
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There are seven major forms of treatment for varicose veins
and spider veins...
Support Stockings...
The most conservative approach is simply to wear properly-fitting
support hose, especially when the veins cause painful or uncomfortable
symptoms. These stockings can generally be purchased at any surgical
supply store and at some pharmacies. They come in below-the-knee,
above-the-knee, and pantyhose styles...
Lifestyle changes...
Good skin hygiene, weight loss (if needed), and walking can help
treat varicose veins and spider veins...
Sclerotherapy...
This procedure, which has been available since the 1930s, is another
treatment option. This procedure uses a highly concentrated saline
(salt) solution or a specially made detergent that is injected
directly into the vein, causing the vein to disappear gradually
over 3 to 6 weeks. The procedure is simple, relatively inexpensive,
and can be performed in an outpatient setting...
Endovenous Laser Treatment is a procedure in which a small laser
fiber is inserted into the vein. Pulses of laser light are delivered
inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse. The procedure
is done as an outpatient under local anesthesia...
Radiofrequency Occlusion...
A small catheter is inserted into the vein. The catheter delivers
radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse,
and seal shut. The procedure is generally done in an outpatient or
in-office setting and may be done under local anesthesia...
Surgery...
Surgical techniques to treat varicose veins include ligation
(tying off of a vein) and stripping (removal of a long segment of
vein). Another procedure, ambulatory phlebectomy, allows for the
removal of large surface veins through very small incisions that
do not need stitches. Surgery may be performed using local, spinal,
or general anesthesia. Most patients return home the same day as
the procedure. Surgery is generally used to treat large varicose
veins...
Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light...
Surface laser or intense pulsed light treatments, such as Vasculight
and PhotoDerm, are other options. These devices use heat energy to
selectively damage or destroy abnormal veins. An advantage of these
treatments is that no needles or sclerosing solutions are required,
however there may be some minor discomfort. Side effects do occur,
including discoloration or staining and blister formation...
Not all patients need treatment for their varicose veins or spider
veins. Many people have no pain or other symptoms. For these
individuals, no treatment is necessary, unless they want the
veins removed for cosmetic reasons...
Many insurance companies do cover the cost of treating varicose
veins, but generally not spider veins. The best approach is to
check with your insurance company before considering treatment
options...
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