Cosmetic Surgeon's Message

Varicose Vein Treatment

Tired of always having to cover up your legs due to unsightly varicose veins? As many as 40% of women and 25% of men suffer from varicose veins. Each year over 1 million people undergo surgery for their removal.

Surgical techniques include ligation or tying off of a vein and stripping or removal of a long segment of vein by pulling it out with a special instrument. It has been the treatment of choice for larger veins. The surgery may be performed using local, spinal or general anesthesia. Most patients return home the same day as the procedure.

VNUS Closure is a minimally-invasive alternative to traditional vein stripping surgery. The procedure utilizes radio frequency (RF) energy to heat the inside of the greater saphenous vein (GSV), causing it to collapse. After collapse, a tiny catheter, with an electrode tip is inserted into the affected vein. Once in place, RF energy is delivered to the vein wall. Gradually, the catheter is withdrawn, sealing the vein along the way. Since Closure occludes veins it virtually eliminates reflux and unsightly varicose veins. The complete procedure takes about 30-45 minutes. After treatment, most patients can return to normal activities immediately.

Varicose Vein Information

Varicose veins occur in as many as 40% of women and 25% of men. There are a variety of surgical techniques that can be used to treat varicose veins. Surgical treatments, which are preferred for the treatment of large veins, include ligation or tying off a vein and stripping or removal of a long segment of vein by pulling it out with a special treatment. There is also VNUS Closure, a minimally-invasive treatment which utilizes radio frequency (RF) energy. Good candidates for varicose vein treatment include physically healthy men and women who are realistic in their expectations and looking to improve the appearance of varicose veins.

Varicose vein treatment may be performed in a surgeon's office-based facility, an outpatient surgical center or a hospital. Local, spinal or general anesthesia may be used during surgery, while local anesthesia may be used for VNUS Closure. VNUS Closure can take about thirty to forty-five minutes to perform while surgery generally takes longer. Recovery after VNUS Closure is minimal and patients can typically return to their normal activities with a day. After surgical treatment, some inflammation and skin discoloration can occur and last for several months and patients will require several days to recover. After either treatment, the treated areas are often wrapped tightly in bandages or patients may be required to wear compression stockings.

The potential complications associated with VNUS Closure may include hematoma, infection, parasthesia, phlebitis, pulmonary embolism, skin burns, thrombosis, and vessel perforation. The potential complications associated with surgical treatment of varicose veins may include adverse anesthesia reactions, bleeding, blood clots, infection, nerve injury, and return of the varicose veins.