Treatments & Services – Learn How to Get Rid of Varicose Veins

How do I get rid of varicose veins?

Veins have one-way valves which prevent blood from backing up into the legs when we stand or sit. When the valves become incompetent (or begin to have reflux), blood pools and causes an increase in pressure in the leg veins. This may contribute to varicose veins and causes symptoms of fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping, swelling and restlessness of the legs. Severe varicose veins can compromise the nutrition of the skin, leading to eczema, inflammation or even ulceration of the lower leg.

The primary predisposing factor for varicose veins is heredity. Other causes of varicose veins include aging, prolonged standing, obesity, leg injury or prior deep or superficial vein thrombosis. Women are more likely than men to suffer from varicose and spider veins and have a 50 percent chance of developing them in their lifetime. Varicose veins may result from increased hormone levels, blood volume and pressure from the enlarged uterus during pregnancy. While these generally improve after delivery, abnormal veins worsen with each successive pregnancy.

For more information on treatments to get rid of varicose veins or to schedule an appointment at the Emory Vein Center, please call 404-778-8346 (VEIN).

At the Emory Vein Center, our physicians will work with you to determine the best course of treatment to get rid of your varicose veins.

Podcast

Dr. Anuj Mahajan MD, from Emory Vein Center, spoke about varicose veins on the Weekly Check-Up on 95.5 WSB radio.

Lifestyle changes such as exercise, weight loss and leg elevation may help reduce the occurrence of varicose veins. Compression stockings often improve symptoms and reduce swelling, though they will not treat the underlying vein abnormality.

We offer Varicose Vein Ablation as an alternative to the surgical stripping of the saphenous vein.  These minimally invasive outpatient procedures using only local anesthesia, seal off the diseased varicose vein and direct blood flow to nearby healthy veins which reduces the swelling.

Radiofrequency ablation (VNUS Closure) Using ultrasound technology, a small, radiofrequency-powered catheter is guided into the affected vein through a small puncture in the skin. The catheter delivers short pulses of heat to the walls of the vein, causing the collagen in the vein walls to shrink. The vein eventually collapses and seals shut.

Similar procedures include:

Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) A small laser fiber delivers heat to collapse and seal the vein.

VenaSeal™ Closure System  A specially-formulated medical adhesive is delivered along the diseased vein.

Varithena® - A small amount of foam is injected into the diseased vein, causing it to collapse.

 

Endovenousr Laser Treatment

Radiofrequency Ablation (VNUS Closure)

A catheter delivers short pulses of heat causing the collagen in the vein walls to shrink.  The vein eventually collapses, and seals shut.

Using local anesthesia, this outpatient surgical varicose vein treatment removes surface varicose veins through tiny punctures that typically leave nearly imperceptible marks. Following the procedure, a bandage and/or compression stocking is worn for a short period of time.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Varicose Veins Before and After Ambulatory Phlebectomy
(Individual Results May Vary)

Sclerotherapy involves injections through a tiny needle. A needle is used to inject the veins with a solution that irritates the vein lining, causing the veins to collapse and ultimately be reabsorbed so that they are no longer visible. Depending on the type and number of veins being treated, one to several sclerotherapy sessions may be needed.

Sclerotherapy causes only minimal discomfort. While bruising typically disappears within one to two weeks, any pigmentation that occurs can persist for several months before fading. Normal activities can be resumed immediately, though medically prescribed support hose may have to be worn for several days or up to several weeks to assist in resolution of the veins. Other complications such as scarring are rare.

Sclerotherapy

Spider Veins Before and After Sclerotherapy
(Individual Results May Vary)

How Can We Help You Today?

Need help? We will be delighted to assist you today, so please call us at the Emory Vein Center at 404-778-7777. We look forward to hearing from you.