For decades, the most common treatments for varicose veins were painful and took weeks to recover from. That is no longer the case. With the advent of minimally invasive treatments like Venaseal, the average patient can now return to work the very next day with nearly zero pain. But is it really that convenient and easy? With a success rate of nearly 99% 6 months after treatment, many people are confident in claiming that it really is one of the most convenient ways to treat varicose veins.
When performing a Venaseal treatment, the specialist will create a small incision (typically a few millimeters in size) and then insert a catheter into the vein. Then a small amount of medical adhesive is applied in very controlled amounts along the length of the vein. This adhesive causes the vein to close up and no longer allow the reflux that creates varicose veins.
Upon completion of the procedure which usually takes under 45 minutes, the specialist will clean the incision and place a bandage over the incision which will typically heal itself quickly.
The vein clinic will typically provide a one-time prescription for an anti-anxiety medication to help reduce any nervousness and to increase comfort during the procedure.
While every case is different, many patients are encouraged to return to their regular activities the very next day. Ibuprofen is usually recommended by your care team to help ease any discomfort. But overall it is a relatively pain-free experience.
High levels of physical exertion are discouraged immediately following the treatment. However, circulation is important for proper healing. So walking and regular exercise are encouraged. The specialist will consult with their patient to help recommend the proper level of activity during the recovery process.
Some folks may experience discomfort for a few days following a Venaseal treatment. But if pain becomes present, many people report their level on the pain scale to be less than that of a headache.
It's popular for many people to plan treatment before a special occasion such as vacation or a wedding to help their legs look as good as possible. Within roughly 3 weeks many patients will experience a fading of their old bulging veins. It's important to give your body enough time to heal itself prior to any big plans. You may also want to consult with your specialist if you plan to visit a hot climate (the beach, or a tropical getaway) where you'll be subjecting your legs to long periods of sun exposure.
It's advised to avoid the following for 1-2 weeks after a Venaseal treatment:
Venaseal has helped improve the health and appearance of thousands of people's legs without even missing a day of work. Many folks who once had too much swelling and pain to even enjoy an afternoon walk are now able to live life again. While it may not be the correct choice for everyone, it is certainly worth discussing with your local vein specialist.
One of our patients, Ben, who was 31 at the time of treatment had this to say about it when we asked how his life has improved: "I'm 34 now and I feel great. I don't have unnatural fatigue in my left leg anymore and it looks so much better. I used to be really self conscious about people seeing the back of my leg. I can still do all the things I did in my 20's and I'm even stronger now."
If you're in the Kenai, Wasilla, Juneau, or Anchorage area and have questions, feel free to click the "call us" button or send us an email. We'll be happy to help in any way we can as you work towards a healthier life!
The contents of this article are for educational purposes only. Consult with your specialist or primary care provider if you have questions about any medical issues.