Meet Varithena, an FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment changing the game in varicose vein care. Today, we’re going to dive into the benefits of a Varithena procedure, understand how it works, and lay out what you should expect from undergoing this treatment. Let’s walk through the world of Varithena together, exploring its potential as the solution many have been seeking on their path to better vein health.
What You Should Know about the Varithena Procedure
What distinguishes Varithena from other varicose vein treatments it’s not just any medicine; it’s a prescription-only treatment. It’s performed in a clinical setting, requires a prescription, and is administered by a vein specialist. Pretty serious stuff, but for a good reason! A Varithena injection is like a targeted missile aimed at particularly tricky varicose veins caused by issues in the great saphenous vein (GSV) and other related veins in your legs’ GSV system.
Wondering what the great saphenous vein is? It’s the longest vein in the human body, running from the top of the foot to the upper thigh and groin area, lying just beneath the skin’s surface. The GSV plays a key part in helping blood move from the lower leg back to the heart, keeping our blood circulation running smoothly. However, its prominent location and size make it susceptible to issues like varicose veins, which disrupt normal blood flow.
A Varithena injection can tackle this problem using a polidocanol-based foam, administered directly into the affected vein by a physician. This foam irritates the inner lining of the vein, causing it to swell, stick together, and ultimately, collapse and close off the vein. The foam itself is transient; after its job is done, it gets diluted by the bloodstream and is safely eliminated from the body. By removing the problematic vein, blood is rerouted through healthier veins, improving blood flow, and reducing varicose vein symptoms and and their appearance.
Before proceeding with Varithena treatment, patients must discuss their medical history and current health status with their vein specialist. Specific conditions can influence the treatment plan or its suitability for a patient. These include the presence of arterial disease, reduced mobility, a history of blood clots, recent major surgery, a prolonged hospital stay, being pregnant, or having recently been pregnant. Sharing this information ensures the safest and most effective approach to using Varithena for varicose veins.
Why Varithena Stands Out
One of the major advantages of Varithena is its minimally invasive nature, usually requiring just one or two needles. Patients often report substantial improvements in both the symptoms and appearance of veins after just one treatment, underlining the effectiveness of Varithena. The procedure is nearly painless, with only about 4% of patients in clinical trials reporting pain at the injection site, highlighting its comfort and ease.
Another benefit is the treatment’s efficiency—it typically takes less than an hour to complete. This quick turnaround allows most people to return to their normal activities on the same day. Plus, Varithena is versatile enough to treat both legs simultaneously, offering a convenient solution for those with issues in multiple areas.
What to Expect After Treatment
When it comes to seeing improvements, everyone’s journey is a bit different. You might start seeing some big changes, like significantly reduced leg pain, swelling, and fatigue, along with better looking varicose veins, in just a few weeks. But for some, it could take a month or more to notice the full effects. Your treated varicose veins will slowly shrink down and get absorbed by your body, which means the area’s going to look better and better over time. Transforming your vein’s appearance and healing takes time, but the wait is truly worth the stunning results.
It’s very important to take it easy and skip any heavy workouts for a week after your treatment. This avoids putting too much pressure on the area you just treated. Make sure you keep your bandages dry for the first couple of days and sport compression stockings for two weeks. Try to get in a bit of movement, like a quick 10-minute walk each day. It doesn’t have to be much, but it’s good for keeping the blood flowing and helping everything heal over the next month.
Though the Varithena procedure is generally safe, you might experience some leg pain, discomfort, or bruising at the injection site. These are pretty standard side effects that usually resolve on their own. There are some bigger side effects to watch out for, like blood clots in your leg veins, but this is very unlikely to occur. Nonetheless, make sure you keep an eye on how you’re feeling and talk with your doctor if anything is off during your recovery.
Why Choose Varithena Procedure Over Other Varicose Vein Treatments?
Varithena has unique benefits that distinguish it from other treatments like sclerotherapy, VenaSeal, and venous ablation. While all these options boast minimal invasiveness and swift recovery periods, they each offer a distinct approach and subsequent aftercare. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with your vein specialist to identify the treatment best tailored to your specific needs. Here’s how Varithena differs from the rest of these treatments.
Varithena vs. Sclerotherapy
Both Varithena and sclerotherapy effectively use a chemical agent to induce vein collapse, each with its unique advantages. Varithena employs a foam formula that offers comprehensive coverage, treating every part of the affected vein thoroughly. This approach allows for extensive reach, potentially enhancing improved vein appearance and symptom relief. Sclerotherapy is also highly effective, with its own set of benefits, making both options valuable for those seeking relief from varicose veins.
Varithena vs. VenaSeal
Both VenaSeal and Varithena offer effective treatments for varicose veins, each with their own unique method of action. VenaSeal uses a medical adhesive to seal affected veins, providing a straightforward and efficient solution for certain types of veins. On the other hand, Varithena’s foam formula is designed to adapt to the unique contours of your veins, offering versatility in treating a diverse range of venous conditions. This adaptability enables Varithena to address a wider array of venous issues, in contrast to the more focused treatment strategy employed by VenaSeal.
Varithena vs. Venous Ablation
Venous ablation, which often involves the use of ultrasound equipment and local anesthesia, is particularly effective for straighter, larger veins and saphenous vein reflux issues, requiring a more equipment-intensive approach. Varithena simplifies the treatment process by using a foam injection that does not necessitate such extensive preparations, making it versatile enough to manage veins of all sizes and complexities.
Is Varithena Your Solution to Healthier Veins?
The Varithena procedure open up a world of benefits for anyone looking to tackle varicose veins head-on. Its minimally invasive nature, coupled with a quick procedure time, low pain levels, and minimal to no recovery time, make it a great option for many. But to figure out if a Varithena procedure is right for you, talk to a vein specialist. They can check if it’s the top treatment for your varicose veins and help steer you towards healthier veins, regardless of the method.