A vein specialist can discuss multiple treatment options with you. Your ideal treatment may be based on your age, medical history, overall health, and the seriousness of your vein condition. Your doctor may explore several potential treatments, each of which is intended to improve blood flow through the veins in your lower extremities (the area most commonly affected by venous insufficiency). One example is to prescribe anticoagulant medication to be taken daily. Some of the treatments for the condition caused by chronic venous insufficiency include:
Sclerotherapy. This injectable treatment focuses on closing a distended vein or veins using a special medication. This procedure is performed in the office and may take under an hour.
Endovenous laser ablation. This minimally-invasive vein treatment closes affected veins by heating them. The controlled heat creates inflammation that causes the vein to collapse, similar to sclerotherapy.
Ambulatory phlebectomy. This office procedure is performed through tiny incisions made at various points along the leg near the affected vein. For comfort, the doctor first administers a local anesthetic. Small sections of the vein are removed using a special instrument. The incisions are so small that there is usually no need for stitches, only small bandages to prevent leakage and infection.