Varicose Vein Treatments (Open and Laser)

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins that help blood flow back toward the heart become weakened or damaged. This causes blood to pool in the veins, making them swell and twist. Common symptoms include:

• Visible, bulging veins on the legs.
• Pain, heaviness, or discomfort in the legs.
• Swelling and itching around the veins.
• Cramps or a feeling of fatigue in the legs.

Varicose veins are often caused by factors like genetics, prolonged standing, pregnancy, and aging. If you’re suffering from varicose veins, there are several treatment options available to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.

Treatment Options for Varicose Veins

At AMVI Clinic, we offer both open surgery and laser treatments for varicose veins, each tailored to your individual needs and the severity of your condition.

Open Surgery for Varicose Veins

Open surgery, also known as stripping, is a traditional treatment option used for severe cases of varicose veins. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the affected vein through small incisions. This is typically done under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case.

Procedure Overview:

• Incisions are made along the vein path.
• The vein is carefully removed or tied off.
• The procedure can take 1-2 hours, depending on the extent of the condition.

Benefits:

• Effective for severe cases of varicose veins.
• Provides long-term relief from symptoms and complications.
• Can address multiple veins in one procedure.

Recovery:

• Most patients can return home on the same day.
• You may experience some discomfort and bruising for a few weeks.
• Compression stockings are typically worn to help with recovery.
• Full recovery may take several weeks.

Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins

Laser treatment, also known as Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT), is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery. It uses laser energy to close off the affected vein, allowing blood to reroute to healthier veins. This treatment is ideal for patients with mild to moderate varicose veins.

Procedure Overview:

• A small laser fiber is inserted into the vein through a tiny incision.
• Laser energy is applied to the vein, causing it to collapse and close.
• The procedure typically lasts about 30-60 minutes and is done under local anesthesia.

Benefits:

• Minimally invasive: No large incisions are made.
• Quick recovery: Most patients can resume normal activities within 24-48 hours.
• Effective for smaller veins and mild varicose veins.
• Minimal scarring: The small incisions typically heal without visible scarring.
• Lower risk of complications compared to open surgery.

Recovery:

• Some bruising or swelling may occur, but recovery time is much faster than open surgery.
• Compression stockings may be recommended for several weeks post-treatment to help with healing.
• Follow-up visits are usually scheduled to monitor progress and ensure the vein is properly sealed.