Your varicose veins may be both ugly and painful, but you are hesitant to treat them because you have heard the treatment is worse than the condition. While this may have been true in the past, there are vein procedures today that eradicate varicose veins and the symptoms of vein disease with minimal pain and recovery involved. Dr. Draughn at Vein Specialists of the Carolinas believes that any time a less invasive procedure can be used to treat a medical condition, it marks an improvement in patient care. He offers one of the latest vein treatments to give his patients satisfying results and a positive experience overall.
The Evolution of Vein Treatments
Until somewhat recently, the only way to eliminate varicose veins was to treat them with surgery. Known as vein stripping, this procedure involved incisions at the top and bottom of the leg, which allowed the surgeon to remove the vein from the leg. Vein stripping was performed in a hospital and usually involved at least one night there. The recovery from the surgery tended to be long and uncomfortable, although the procedure was relatively efficient in removing the veins and their symptoms.
Introducing Venefit
Today, we can get similar, if not better, results with procedures that are less invasive and much less disruptive to your daily life. One of the best options for this purpose is VNUS Closure, also known as Venefit. Using the latest technology, Venefit eradicates troublesome varicose veins without the need for anesthesia or extended incisions. Dr. Draughn performs Venefit for patients bothered by the appearance and uncomfortable symptoms of varicose veins.
Candidates for Venefit
Venefit is an appropriate procedure for men and women with varicose veins caused by superficial venous reflux. This disorder is characterized by the damage of small valves inside the veins that are responsible for maintaining a consistent blood flow to the heart. When the damage occurs, blood can reflux back into the vessel, resulting in swelling, weakening and the development of a varicose vein over time.
How it Works
Venefit works on superficial venous reflux by ablating the damaged veins so they can be eliminated by natural body processes. The secret behind Venefit’s success is radiofrequency energy, which heats the inside of the vein to seal it closed. The collapsed vein collapses so it can be reabsorbed by the body over time. Blood reroutes naturally to healthy veins nearby, so elimination of the damaged vein does not negatively affect your blood flow in any way.
Procedure Details
Venefit is an office procedure performed using local anesthesia. Tiny incisions are made to allow for insertion of a narrow tube called a catheter. This catheter delivers the RF energy into the vein, heating the interior of the vessel to seal it closed. After the RF energy is emitted, the catheter is withdrawn from the leg, and a bandage is placed over the incision. Incisions are too small to require sutures, and they leave little visible scarring afterward.
After Your Procedure
You will be able to return to regular activities within a day or two. There is minimal discomfort after Venefit to keep you from your daily tasks. While walking is encouraged soon after your procedure, it is best to avoid strenuous activity for about two weeks.
If you experienced symptoms with your varicose veins like aching, swelling, and cramping, those symptoms might be relieved as soon as your procedure is over. Cosmetic results will become apparent as the treated veins are reabsorbed by the body. Because the problem veins are eliminated, the results of your procedure should be permanent. If additional varicose veins appear in the future, treatments can be repeated to maintain your positive results.
Treatment for varicose veins is easier today than ever before. If you want more information about Venefit or other treatments Dr. Draughn offers, contact Vein Specialists of the Carolinas today at 704-861-2072 or 704-544-5245.