Varicose veins can be inherited and run in families. They can be exacerbated during or after pregnancy, as well as if you are overweight. While they can be painful and ugly, they rarely cause major health issues.

Blood is carried to the heart through veins. All veins contain valves that allow blood to flow in only one way. The valves in the legs must work harder to pump the blood that extra distance and issues arise when these valves weaken and fail to close properly. Blood rushes backward and collects in veins. This causes the valves to weaken under pressure and become swollen and bulging, resulting in varicose veins.

What happens during varicose vein removal?
There are several treatments available for varicose veins, but only surgery can completely remove troublesome veins. Don't worry; having a vein removed does not affect blood circulation because blood will pass through other veins instead. The valves that frequently create issues are located in the two big veins that run down the length of your leg, just beneath the skin.

Varicose vein surgery is typically conducted under general anesthesia, which means you will be sleeping throughout the procedure. Other types of anesthesia exist, and you should inquire about them during your pre-admission examination; otherwise, you can discuss them with the anesthesiologist when you meet on the day of surgery. Operating on one leg normally takes around an hour.

Before your procedure, the consultant may label the varicose veins with a waterproof pen to identify the problematic veins. The troublesome vein is removed during surgery via an incision in the groin or the back of the knee.

To completely remove the vein, numerous minor cuts along the length of the leg, where the consultant marked your legs, may be required. The cuts are then repaired (sutured) and covered with a dressing. Close the smaller cuts with adhesive paper strips or stitches. The bandage is then stretched around your leg, applying pressure to prevent bleeding and bruising. It is customary to return home the same day after the operation. You may be requested to stay overnight if your consultant believes it is essential. It's always a good idea to come prepared.

Other available treatments
Wearing support stockings and elevating your legs when resting can temporarily minimize the appearance of varicose veins. However, the following procedures are more effective since they seal off varicose veins, preventing them from carrying blood. These treatments are effective for certain forms of varicose veins but not all. Your consultant will advise you on the best treatment option for you.

Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical solution into the vein to shut it, preventing blood flow. This therapy is only effective on tiny veins. Although it can make your legs look better, they may still ache. You'll need to wear support stockings for three to six weeks after the injection.

Endovenous laser treatment
Through a small cut, a doctor inserts a thin tube (a laser thread) into the vein. The laser probe causes the vein to close by heating it from the inside. This is accomplished through the use of a local anesthetic, which numbs the area to be treated so that you do not feel any discomfort. This treatment on one leg takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. After the treatment, you will be admitted to the outpatient clinic for one to two hours and will be required to wear a support bandage for seven to ten days.

Radiofrequency ablation
A tiny tube is placed into a vein near or above the knee. The radiofrequency energy delivered by the tube causes the vein wall to collapse and seal shut. When a vein is blocked, other healthy veins take over. There may be some bruising, and you will need to wear support stockings for the next seven to ten days. These therapies are usually available as outpatients.

If you are looking for professional vein treatment in Brooklyn, you may go to Astra Vein and Endovascular Medical Care. Our team will provide you with the best course of action for you, based on your physical exam and medical history.