If you are bothered by varicose or spider veins, you have probably begun researching your vein treatment options. Even though you have some choices, there are still some key differences between the types of treatments that you should be aware of.
Varicose and Spider Veins
A vein is a type of blood vessel that transports blood back to your heart after it has made its rounds throughout your body. When a vein is functioning correctly, it prevents blood from returning back into it. A varicose vein is a vein that is not functioning properly because it cannot keep blood from pooling into it, which leads to its twisted and bulging appearance.
Spider veins are abnormal blood vessels that are quite a bit smaller than normal varicose veins. They tend to have a branched or spider web appearance and a red or purple color, in contrast varicose veins that are bulging and typically have a blue or green color.
Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment
A sclerotherapy vein treatment can help to remove your varicose veins through the use of an injected solution that collapses the vein walls. This results in the eventual destruction of the dysfunctional blood vessel, which is then absorbed by your body.
Sclerotherapy Aftercare
The leg that was treated will need to be fitted with a compression garment that should remain in place for a couple of days. This part of your aftercare is important because it ensures that your veins remain collapsed. This keeps blood from reentering the area.
Refrain from saunas, whirlpools, or hot baths for a couple of weeks after your treatment. This is because these activities dilate veins. Keep the treated area covered with a dressing when bathing.
Avoid vigorous physical activities for two or three days because this could enlarge your treated veins by forcing blood into them. Refrain from exposure to the sun for two or three weeks.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
EVLT is a type of procedure that relies upon the use of a laser to perform the same function of sclerotherapy: collapse the varicose vein walls to destroy the abnormal blood vessel. The laser transmits focused wavelengths of light into the vein that is transformed into thermal energy for the destruction of the varicose vein. It will now be absorbed by your body and its blood will be rerouted into other blood vessels.
EVLT Aftercare
You will be encouraged to walk some daily after your EVLT procedure to create good blood circulation in the treated leg. Like sclerotherapy, you may need to wear a compression garment to assist in your recovery.
Your Vein Treatment
If you are ready to say goodbye to varicose veins or spider veins, we invite you to learn more about your vein treatment options at O’Donnell Vein & Laser in Annapolis and Easton. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
