Can Varicose Veins Come Back After Treatment?

What Factors Lead to the Reappearance of Treated Varicose Veins?

The recurrence of varicose veins after treatment is not uncommon, and understanding why this happens can help you manage expectations and plan for long-term vein health. Here are some of the factors that play into the likelihood of a post-treatment comeback.

Initial Cause of the Varicose Veins

The likelihood of varicose veins returning after treatment is influenced by the underlying causes that led to their development. These factors can persist or recur even after treatment. Here are some of the most common causes of varicose veins:

• Genetics: If varicose veins run in your family, you’re more likely to experience them, and they may reappear after treatment due to inherited tendencies toward venous insufficiency.
• Age: As you age, the valves in your veins may weaken, increasing the risk of varicose veins developing or returning after treatment.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations from pregnancy, menopause, contraceptives, or hormone therapy can impact vein elasticity and valve function, potentially causing varicose veins to recur.
• Lifestyle Factors: Standing or sitting for prolonged periods can increase pressure in the veins of your legs, contributing to the risk of varicose veins coming back after they’ve been treated.
• Obesity: Excess weight puts additional pressure on your veins, which can lead to recurrence by overwhelming the treated veins or affecting untreated veins.
• Activity Levels: Low physical activity can contribute to poor circulation, increasing the likelihood of varicose veins returning after treatment.

How The Varicose Veins Were Treated

Choosing the right treatment method profoundly affects whether your varicose veins come back or not. It’s not just about making them look better on the surface; the treatment needs to get at the root of your venous insufficiency problem. Techniques that fail to improve vein valve function may allow varicose veins to return. For example, if you choose a method that’s meant for smaller veins and use it on bigger ones, there’s a good chance those varicose veins could pop up again. That’s why it’s key to pick a treatment that’s right for your specific vein issues, aiming for a fix that lasts instead of a quick cosmetic touch-up.

What treatment is right for you? Here’s what each of these varicose vein treatments does and what kind of varicose veins they are best for:

• Ambulatory Phlebectomy: A minimally invasive procedure that removes large, bulging varicose veins through a small incision, significantly lowering the risk of recurrence and ideally suited for veins close to the skin’s surface.
• Varithena: A minimally invasive treatment using injectable foam to collapse and seal varicose veins, ideal for those from the Great Saphenous Vein, small to medium-sized veins, and veins that have recurred post-surgery.
• Venaseal: Uses medical adhesive to close diseased veins, redirecting blood to healthy ones. Ideal for small to medium-sized varicose veins near the skin’s surface.
• Venous Abaltion: Employs radio-frequency energy to collapse and absorb faulty veins, ideal for larger, straight varicose veins with significant reflux.

No matter which of these treatments you and your vein specialist choose, the likelihood of your varicose veins returning also depends on your individual venous health. After all, the varying states of each person’s venous system influence how they respond to vein treatments. This variability is rooted in factors like genetic predispositions, the extent of damage our veins have sustained over time, and our daily habits. Outcomes can differ significantly: while some may see their varicose veins completely disappear, others may not be as fortunate, potentially leading to a recurrence of the veins.

 

How to Prevent Varicose Veins from Coming Back

 

Is it safe to undergo additional rounds of treatment if your varicose vein reemerges? Absolutely. Multiple treatments are encouraged to secure their effective elimination. While this may initially seem inconvenient, it’s worth it to prevent future pain, discomfort, and potential health complications. 

Remember there’s no surefire way to stop varicose veins from coming back. That’s why taking a well-rounded approach, including lifestyle modifications and regular follow-ups with a vein specialist, is your best bet for achieving optimal result. You can help prevent the reoccurrence of varicose veins by:

• Losing excess weight
• Exercising daily 
• Moving around frequently throughout the day
• Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting
• Managing underlying health conditions
• Wearing compression stockings