Your veins carry blood from the capillaries to the heart. In your legs, this means the blood has to flow upwards against gravity. These veins have one-way valves to prevent the blood from flowing backwards. Over time, these valves can fail to close tightly, allowing blood to pool and causing the bulging, twisting appearance of varicose veins. Some people present with leg swelling and pain before the veins are visible. Varicose vein disease tends to run in families. Pregnancy, obesity, age, birth control pills and hormone therapy can increase your risk for varicose vein disease.
We offer two non-surgical treatments to address varicose vein disease in our center. The treatment recommendations depend on the size and location of the veins. For the largest vein (greater saphenous vein), we offer our VenaCure procedure which closes the vein internally under local anesthesia using laser technology. Once you have healed from the laser closure procedure, we can close the remaining veins with injections of a chemical solution designed to safely close smaller varicose veins. This treatment is known as Sclerotherapy. The treatment of varicose vein disease is a process not a single procedure. It will usually require several visits, but you remain active throughout the treatments. Some people will only require Sclerotherapy. However, a full physician evaluation, along with a diagnostic ultrasound will determine the best treatment option for you.
If you have bulging veins you can see, leg swelling, leg pain, tiredness, heaviness, or venous stasis ulcers, you should be evaluated for vein disease. Many people may have other diseases which complicate their varicose vein disease, so it is important to have a physician evaluation before beginning any treatments. If you have severe cardiac disease, arterial vascular disease, blood clots, congestive heart failure, are pregnant, or severely obese, you may not be a candidate for these procedures. Our physicians can assist you in addressing these conditions. When properly controlled, you may return for a reevaluation of your venous disease.
VenaCure: This procedure involves inserting a thin, fiberoptic device into the vein through a guide sheath. Laser energy is emitted through the fiberoptic catheter. This device is about the size of an IV. The delivery of laser energy to the internal lining of the vein causes the vein to collapse on itself. Your body automatically routes the blood to other healthy veins.
Sclerotherapy: This procedure uses Sotradecol, a chemical irritant, to cause the vein to collapse on itself. Tiny needles are used to inject the solution into the varicose veins. This procedure is usually performed for veins less that 10mm and larger than 1mm. The veins will slowly fade over several months.
VenaCure: The night before your procedure you will need to shower, as you will not be permitted to get your leg wet for 24 hours. You will also need to shave the entire leg being treated. Be sure not to apply any type of moisturizers to your leg.
We will prescribe a mild sedative for you. You will need to fill the prescription before coming to the center so you may take the medication upon arrival. You will also need to bring your compression stockings with you. If you did not receive a prescription for them at your consultation, please call us before your treatment.
The day of the procedure, be sure to drink 16-24 ounces of water before arriving and avoid caffeine 2 hours prior to your arrival. Avoid alcohol for a minimum of 24 hours. You may have a light meal prior to your procedure and take your daily medications as prescribed. You will be most comfortable if you wear loose fitting clothes. Don’t forget to arrange a ride to and from the clinic as you will not be able to drive due to the sedation you receive.
Sclerotherapy: On the day of your procedure, do not apply any type of moisturizer, sun block or oil to your legs. You should wear or bring in a pair of loose shorts and compression stockings.
VenaCure: This procedure takes about one hour and is performed with local anesthesia. Your physician inserts a thin fiberoptic catheter into the vein through a guide sheath and the laser energy is emitted through the fiber. You may feel some occasional strange sensations, but no significant pain is expected. You will be given protective glasses to wear while the laser is being used. Our medical staff will be available throughout the procedure to aide with your comfort. A compression bandage will be applied once the procedure is completed.
Sclerotherapy: This is a convenient method to eliminate varicose veins. Small needles will be injected into the diseased veins. This will feel like a pinprick, with the majority of people experiencing little to no pain. Treatment times vary depending on how many veins you have and there is a limit to the amount of sclerosing solution that may be used at each session. In our center, this treatment is performed exclusively by the physician.
VenaCure: Usually only one treatment per leg is necessary. In rare circumstances, the vein may not fully close and may require retreatment.
Sclerotherapy: Most people require multiple sessions per leg depending on how many veins are varicose.
VenaCure: You will leave the center with your leg wrapped in an Ace bandage. This will need to remain in place for 24 hours. It is recommended that you wear compression stockings for 1 month post-procedure. We ask that you not participate in active sports or heavy lifting for one week. Walking twice daily for twenty minutes is encouraged and promotes speedy healing. For the first week avoid prolonged sitting or standing in the same place and elevate the leg at least three times a day for 5-10 minutes. Significant bruising of the area may occur and this is normal. You may also experience a “pulling or tight feeling” 5-7 days after the procedure. This discomfort is an effect of the healing process of the treated leg. You will be able to perform all other daily activities. Your follow-up appointment will be scheduled in approximately one week. If you have any concerns, please call the center.
Sclerotherapy: After your procedure a medicated cotton ball will be applied to the injection site. This will need to remain intact for 48 hours. Support hose are recommended for at least 72 hours. You may experience some cramping a day or two after injections. This can be relieved with Tylenol. We encourage you to walk daily to help prevent the formation of blood clots. Other activities such as prolonged sitting and /or standing, heavy lifting, or pounding exercises should be avoided for at least two weeks. After one month has passed you may need to come in for a second set of injections.
Typically your legs will look worse before they look better. You may notice some bruising and swelling. This should diminish in approximately one month. You may also notice some brown pigmentation at the injection site. This can take up to a year to fade.
The VenaCure procedure is a permanent closure of the greater saphenous vein. Sclerotherapy permanently closes the treated veins. As you age, more veins may become noticeable. Maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and regular exercise can help reduce the formation of new varicose veins in the future.
Our office staff will submit a request for coverage to your insurance company. The majority of vein treatments are covered by insurance. Look under
payment options for more detailed information.
I can only thank Dr. Prasad and his wonderful staff for a new lease on life. Until I had my varicose vein treatments, my ankles were swelling, knees aching and legs hurting all the time. The treatments went so smoothly that I went back to work the next day. I have more energy and am doing what I want when I want to PAINFREE. Dr. Prasad and his staff are very knowledgeable and always explain everything clearly.
~ Kathy Reinkemeyer
Gardening is my passion and I noticed my ankles were swelling with a long day in my flower gardens. Knowing that my mother’s varicose veins had caused swelling of her legs and ankles in later years, I checked out the VenaCure procedure at the JCMG Laser & Vein Center. I told my daughters and they decided to get their legs done also. We received such competent care and attention at JCMG Laser & Vein Center and now we can all enjoy wearing shorts and swimsuits this summer!
~ Carol Buck
What are Varicose Veins?
