Vein Removal
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Vein removal procedures either minimize or remove spider and varicose veins, improving the appearance of the affected areas. Spider and varicose vein removal includes a range of techniques such as laser treatment, surgery, and the use of natural creams and herbal remedies. The spider or varicose vein removal procedure most appropriate for you depends on the type and severity of your vein condition.
Vein Removal Surgery
Vein removal surgery is generally reserved for people with more severe varicose veins. In vein removal surgery, varicose veins are either ligated or removed from the affected area. Most varicose vein removal surgery requires small incisions and a local anesthetic. A type of vein removal surgery called ambulatory phlebectomy removes unwanted varicose veins from the legs. Done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, your plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist will make tiny incisions in the skin and remove the veins in small segments. No stitches are required and, with the exception of wearing a compression bandage for seven days, patients can return to their normal activities within 24 hours of treatment.
Candidates
Individuals who are in good health and who have reasonable expectations are candidates for vein removal surgery. Ambulatory phlebectomy should not be performed on patients who are allergic to local anesthesia, who are not able to walk on their own, or who cannot wear the compression bandages. If you want to remove your varicose veins in a quick and minimally invasive outpatient procedure, talk to your plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist about ambulatory phlebectomy vein removal surgery and its costs.
Procedure
Vein removal surgery (ambulatory phlebectomy) begins by numbing the area with a local anesthetic, thus the procedure is virtually pain free. Small incisions (as small as 1mm) are made on the outside of the vein. A tiny hook is then inserted into the incision, and a small portion of the varicose vein is removed. This is repeated until the entire vein is removed. Ambulatory phlebectomy is a quick procedure, and because the incisions are so tiny, no stitches are required.
Recovery
Following vein removal surgery, patients will be required to wear a compression bandage for about a week. The compression bandage will ensure proper healing, as well as alleviate discomfort and swelling in the area. Mild swelling and discomfort should subside within the first few days following ambulatory phlebectomy. Additional side effects include swelling, bruising, and bleeding at the site of the procedure but these should subside within 24 hours of vein removal surgery. Patients can resume their normal activities the day after the procedure, though strenuous physical exercise is prohibited for two weeks following the surgery.
Side Effects
There are some potential side effects and complications that may occur after vein removal surgery, including:
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Infection
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Pain
- Thrombophlebitis
- Numbness result from injury to the sensory nerve
Results
Vein removal surgery yields excellent results, both short and long-term. Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn't require stitches, and scarring is minimal to nonexistent. Since the varicose veins are manually removed, they should not come back, although patients with a family history of varicose veins may see them return in time. When the compression bandage is worn for the first week, as directed, healing from vein removal surgery is quick and involves very little, if any, pain.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a popular non-surgical treatment for spider vein removal. Minimally invasive, sclerotherapy entails the injection of a solution introduced directly into the veins that causes them to turn white or fade, and eventually disappear. Learn more about sclerotherapy and how it works to improve the appearance of spider veins.
Laser Vein Removal
Laser vein removal is a technologically advanced procedure designed to diminish both spider and varicose veins using a highly concentrated beam of light energy. Laser spider vein removal and laser varicose vein removal are popular because they are minimally invasive, virtually pain free, and require no general anesthesia.
Natural Vein Removal
Natural vein removal is a popular alternative to vein removal surgery, sclerotherapy, and laser vein removal. Though ideal results are not always achieved with natural vein removal, many patients are willing to devote time to using vein removal creams and herbal remedies in order to get rid of unattractive spider and varicose veins. However, patients should be aware that many natural remedies are not proven effective, especially for patients with moderate to severe aesthetic issues. If you are unhappy with the appearance of veins on your legs, arms, or another area of your body, it is best to consult a medical specialist about your options.
Vein Removal Costs
Spider and varicose vein removal costs depend on the treatment type. Sclerotherapy and laser vein removal range from $100 to $3,000. Surgical vein removal can cost upwards of $2,000. For creams and herbal remedies, the cost can be as low as $5.
Consult a Vein Removal Specialist for More Information
To learn more about spider and varicose vein removal treatments, contact a vein removal specialist. You can locate a qualified vein removal specialist on DocShop and have all of your questions answered.
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