Varicose veins affect more women than men, especially those over 35. Nearly 23% of adults experience varicose veins, with women making up the majority due to factors like pregnancy, hormonal changes, and genetics.
These bulging, twisted veins often cause discomfort and swelling. Beyond cosmetic dissatisfaction, if left untreated, they can lead to leg ulcers, blood clots, and chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that disrupts blood flow in the legs.
Self-care and compression stockings can help alleviate some of these symptoms. Modern treatments offer minimally invasive procedures with high success rates and fast recovery.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
Varicose veins do not always need treatment. Mild symptoms can be managed with compression stockings, exercise, and leg elevation. Seeking medical intervention becomes necessary if you notice:
- Skin discoloration or thickening near the affected veins
- Swelling around your ankles or calves
- Persistent pain, heaviness, or throbbing in your legs
- Ulcers or open sores on your legs
- Bleeding from veins close to the skin surface
At York Vascular, we evaluate your vein health and build a customised varicose veins treatment plan that fits your needs and goals.
Best Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
The choice of treatment usually depends on vein size and symptom severity. Here are some your minimally invasive options:
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
EVLT treats larger varicose veins by using laser heat to seal the affected vein. A doctor inserts a thin fiber into the vein under ultrasound guidance, that releases a laser causing the vein walls to collapse and seal shut. It has a long-term success rate of 94% (over 5 years) and helps reduce leg pain and swelling in patients with venous insufficiency.
VenaSeal Glue Closure
In this procedure, the doctor inserts a small catheter into the vein and seals it with a medical adhesive. Unlike thermal treatments like EVLA or RFA, VenaSeal does not require heat, tumescent anesthesia, or compression stockings post-procedure. It is suggested to patients seeking a treatment option with less pain and fewer post-procedure restrictions.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is used to specifically treat smaller varicose veins and spider veins through chemical injection. A sclerosing agent, typically polidocanol or sodium tetradecyl sulfate, is injected into the vein, which irritates its lining, causing it to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body.
Multiple sessions may be needed for extensive vein networks, with up to 80% of treated veins disappearing within the first few weeks.
Microphlebectomy
In Microphlebectomy, the doctor makes tiny cuts over the vein and uses a specialized hook to extract it. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. Recovery typically takes one to two weeks, with mild bruising and swelling. It is often combined with EVLA or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to address both superficial and deeper veins.
Saphenectomy
Also known as vein stripping, Saphenectomy is a type of traditional surgery used to the great or small saphenous vein by making incisions at the groin and ankle and passing a wire through the vein. It is also suggested to patients with extensive venous disease and other treatments won’t be as effective.
Discuss your goals with your doctor, whether physical relief or cosmetic, so they can offer you an appropriate solution. If you live in Newmarket, Markham, Thornhill, or the Greater Toronto Area, York Vascular offers expert care in varicose vein treatment. Schedule your consultation today.
