Varicose Vein Treatment at Suburban Vein Center
At Suburban Vein Center, our Michigan vein doctor Dr. Zmily provides various varicose vein treatment options. If you’re suffering from varicose veins, visit one of our four Michigan vein clinic locations to undergo a consultation. Dr. Zmily will evaluate your case and determine which treatment option will work best based on the severity of your varicose veins.
One of the most commonly used treatments is venous ablation therapy, also referred to as endovenous ablation, as it’s a minimally invasive procedure.
What Is Endovenous Ablation?
Endovenous ablation uses radiofrequency energy to heat enlarged veins and cause them to collapse and close. Venous ablation is an alternative to vein stripping, a surgical procedure traditionally performed to remove the main vein in the leg. Ablation is safe, minimally invasive, and leaves virtually no scars.
The introduction of endovenous ablation has given patients a viable option for a cosmetically superior procedure that doesn’t leave visible scars. It’s commonly utilized for the treatment of varicose veins, but can also be used for patients suffering from leg pain and other discomfort related to varicose veins or other venous conditions.
The Benefits of Venous Ablation Therapy
Using venous ablation therapy to treat varicose veins provides patients with numerous benefits, such as:
- No surgical incision is required — only a slight nick in the skin that won’t need stitches
- When compared to traditional vein stripping, ablation is more effective, has fewer complications, and less pain
- Safe and minimally invasive
- Less chance of scarring after the procedure
- Symptom relief
- Resume normal activities immediately after the procedure
- In most cases, venous ablation results in the permanent removal of varicose veins because it effectively removes the refluxing source of the disease
The Endovenous Ablation Procedure
The procedure is done by inserting a thin catheter into the vein to treat it with radiofrequency energy or a laser. To ensure that the laser is targeting the entire length of the vein, the physician performing the procedure uses an ultrasound monitor to track its path and visualize the veins. Once the vein’s wall is “injured” by the laser or radiofrequency electrode, it will shrink and eventually turn into scar tissue.
This safe procedure is useful for addressing the symptoms of varicose veins, and the cosmetic corners of patients suffering from the disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the risks of endovenous ablation are rare, they can occur. Some common risks include:
- Infection
- Post-procedure bruising or tenderness
- Pain over the vein
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Thrombophlebitis (swelling of the vein)
- Blood clots
While patients are encouraged to walk around immediately after the procedure, they should avoid strenuous activities involving the legs (such as weight training or running) for at least two to three weeks. This allows enough time for healing and for the treated veins to remain closed. It’s common to experience mild bruising and discomfort in the treated leg during the healing process.
The pain associated with venous ablation is minimal. Patients should expect to feel some tenderness or bruising in the area after their procedure. Some swelling, redness, and burning sensation may also occur but should resolve quickly. To help manage pain, we recommend over-the-counter pain medications.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you’re seeking treatment for varicose veins, look no further than Suburban Vein Center. As a vein doctor, Dr. Zmily will help put an end to any symptoms you may be experiencing and get you the vein care you need. To schedule your appointment, call us at (248) 480-0368. You can also request an appointment online.
For your convenience, we have four different locations throughout Michigan, including Troy, Detroit, Rochester, and Taylor.
