FAQs On Varicose Veins Treatment
To address some of the most commonly asked questions about varicose veins treatment, our team of experts has compiled a list of frequently asked questions and provided detailed answers to help patients better understand the process.
7026200200
No, they are not. There are 3 main venous systems in our body - deep, superficial and perforators. Varicose veins can occur on any of these. The treatment is decided based on which area it has affected.
No, they are not. There are 3 main venous systems in our body - deep, superficial and perforators. Varicose veins can occur on any of these. The treatment is decided based on which area it has affected.
You can do so if the condition is in its initial stages. This can be done with conservative or medical management. However, stages 3 and 4 of the condition require you to have a minimally invasive procedure done, and surgery, in some cases. You’ll need to consult your doctor to know better.
In most cases, any Varicose veins that had appeared after the start of pregnancy will disappear post childbirth. You need to consult your doctor to know if surgery is required, and if it is, should it be performed before or after childbirth. Complications are rare as it’s an outpatient procedure, however consulting your doctor is required.
Since the affected vein gets removed, chances of recurrence are very low. But if the same lifestyle is maintained, chances of varicose veins appearing in a different vein increase. The doctor will suggest some lifestyle changes to prevent this.
These stockings prevent varicose veins by building up pressure in the legs by, basically, squeezing it. Due to this pressure, it restricts the blood from pooling in the veins and increasing the blood circulation. Stockings must be used only if prescribed by a doctor.
Compression stockings should be worn as much as possible, both during day and night, without folds. Correctly and effectively wearing them is necessary. Also, one should consult his/her doctor before using the stockings.
Physical therapy is an integral part of your recovery after varicose vein surgery. It helps relieve post-surgery pain and discomfort by reducing the pressure on your operated leg. It also aids in minimizing post-op swelling by improving blood circulation.
Recovery after varicose veins may take up to 3 to 4 weeks (average); however, this depends on several factors:
- Type of surgery (invasive surgery may take 4 to 6 weeks to recover, while laser surgeries may take around 3 weeks).
- The number of veins removed (healing differs for unilateral and bilateral vein surgery).
- The severity of varicose veins (stage 5 and 6 varicose veins take a long time to heal).
No, there are several veins in the legs. When one faulty vein is closed, the blood flow re-routes itself through the normal veins, hence improving the overall blood flow.
Most insurances cover this kind of treatment. Also, at Medfin we accept all insurances. You may talk to our medical coordinator to know more.
The treatment involved destroying or removing the affected veins. Therefore these veins do not exist in your body anymore. However, the condition can develop on new veins. Post treatment, the doctor will suggest lifestyle changes to reduce chances of new varicose veins from developing.
Low-intensity exercises can effectively help reduce your chances of preventing varicose veins by strengthening your leg muscles and improving blood circulation. These include:
- Brisk walking for 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times daily.
- Jogging for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Cycling may include stationary or motion cycles for 20 to 30 minutes daily.
- Leg lifts and calf raises 2 to 3 times daily.
There are several myths which suggest that varicose veins are an inevitable sign of aging, and they occur only to old people. There are other myths suggesting that running can cause varicose veins and that surgery is the only cure.
The following post-op instructions help prompt healing and quick recovery after varicose veins surgery:
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods.
- Elevate your operated leg above your heart level using 2 to 3 pillows to promote proper blood circulation.
- Indulge in regular light-intensity exercise like walking to prevent blood clots.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects for 3 to 4 weeks.
- Use compression stockings until your surgeon advises.
Left untreated, they can worsen over time, increasing pain, swelling, skin discoloration and breakdown. They may cause inflamed veins and chronic wounds or ulcers, and cause heaviness in the legs.
- A vascular surgeon (a doctor specializing in treating diseases associated with blood vessels) is the preferred specialist to treat varicose veins.
After varicose vein surgery, you must sleep in your best position. However, surgeons often recommend sleeping on your left side because this helps to distribute pressure evenly on your hips and legs. If sleeping on your back is more comfortable for you, elevate your operated leg with 2 to 3 pillows to improve blood circulation.
Laser ablation is considered the best choice of surgical treatment for varicose veins when conservative methods fail to provide relief. Laser surgery involves a beam of laser that targets the affected vein and generates heat energy to seal it. It is gaining momentum since it is a stitchless and bloodless procedure with minimal pain and discomfort.
Vascular surgeons are specialists, trained to treat the diseases of vascular system. They perform surgeries and prescribe medications and exercises for the patients’ better health.
No. Closing dysfunctional veins will actually improve blood flow. The body will adapt and the blood that was previously pumped up through the dysfunctional vein will now be redirected through other veins. The body will even develop new veins.
