How Does Varicose Vein Treatment Work?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins which may appear to be twisted or bulging. They are usually a dark blue or purple colour, and are caused when the small valves in the veins that keep the blood flowing normally towards the heart become weakened. The blood then flows backwards and accumulates in the vein, causing them to become varicose. Many people find their varicose veins unsightly or uncomfortable and wish to get them removed through varicose vein treatment. Sclerotherapy is a common form of thread or varicose vein treatment, suitable for small to medium sized veins. During the treatment, a specially formulated chemical is injected into the affected area using an ultra-fine needle. This causes the veins to ’stick’ together and gradually break up. For larger varicose veins a variation of this treatment is commonly used – foam sclerotherapy. In this procedure surgeons inject a special foam into the vein, guided by ultrasound technology, so that blood cannot return to the vein. There are numerous other treatments for thread veins. High intensity light treatment works by emitting high intensity pulses of light onto the skin to diminish the appearance of spider veins. Veinwave treatment is another option for thread veins on the legs and face, and uses a very fine needle to disperse the vein; sometimes instantaneously and without bruising. If the varicose vein is larger in size these treatments may be ineffective and surgery may be required to remove them. This involved the veins being tied off and surgically removed. Stronger veins in your legs then take over the transportation of blood, meaning your circulation is unaffected.
