I saw one of the local vein clinics to discuss removing/treating several varicose veins on both lower legs. The doctor recommended to remove all veins close to the surface, even the ones that are not varicose yet, because they would be very likely to become varicose in the next few years. Removing them all would be ok, because the deeper veins would still be effective as blood vessels. Is the removal of all surface veins a safe and recommended procedure?
June 7, 2017
Answer: Varicose veins A full venous reflux evaluation is recommended as an initial step before the treatment of varicose veins which regularly includes an ultrasound scan of the lower extremities to determine if venous insufficiency or reflux is present. Healthy leg veins contain valves that open and close to help the blood return back to the heart. Venous reflux disease develops when the valves that keep blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart no longer function, causing to pool in the legs and leading to signs and symptoms such as varicose veins, leg or ankle swelling, leg heaviness and fatigue, leg pain, aching or cramping, burning or itching of the skin, restless legs, skin changes or rashes, ulcers, open wounds, or sores. Factors that contribute to the presence of venous reflux is important to mention include age, gender, family history, heave lifting, multiple pregnancies, obesity, and prolonged standing. If venous reflux test is positive and symptoms are present without any other complication, it is recommended to treat underlying venous insufficiency of the superficial system saphenous system, accessory veins, and/or tributaries veins first. For that, thermal energy treatment options as well as more innovative treatment options are available in combination with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy and/or phlebectomy if necessary. Cosmetic sclerotherapy is one option that can also take care of spider veins for cosmetic reasons.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 7, 2017
Answer: Varicose veins A full venous reflux evaluation is recommended as an initial step before the treatment of varicose veins which regularly includes an ultrasound scan of the lower extremities to determine if venous insufficiency or reflux is present. Healthy leg veins contain valves that open and close to help the blood return back to the heart. Venous reflux disease develops when the valves that keep blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart no longer function, causing to pool in the legs and leading to signs and symptoms such as varicose veins, leg or ankle swelling, leg heaviness and fatigue, leg pain, aching or cramping, burning or itching of the skin, restless legs, skin changes or rashes, ulcers, open wounds, or sores. Factors that contribute to the presence of venous reflux is important to mention include age, gender, family history, heave lifting, multiple pregnancies, obesity, and prolonged standing. If venous reflux test is positive and symptoms are present without any other complication, it is recommended to treat underlying venous insufficiency of the superficial system saphenous system, accessory veins, and/or tributaries veins first. For that, thermal energy treatment options as well as more innovative treatment options are available in combination with ultrasound guided sclerotherapy and/or phlebectomy if necessary. Cosmetic sclerotherapy is one option that can also take care of spider veins for cosmetic reasons.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 6, 2017
Answer: Varicose Vein Removal It sounds like they are suggesting to remove all the superficial veins (not deep veins) of the legs even if they are working properly. I would recommend not to do this. Varicose veins can be removed via ambulatory phlebectomy (the bulging veins). However, as Dr. Landi suggested, not all veins on the surface of the skin can be removed. Most importantly, it is not standard of care to remove all veins -- especially ones that are working properly.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
June 6, 2017
Answer: Varicose Vein Removal It sounds like they are suggesting to remove all the superficial veins (not deep veins) of the legs even if they are working properly. I would recommend not to do this. Varicose veins can be removed via ambulatory phlebectomy (the bulging veins). However, as Dr. Landi suggested, not all veins on the surface of the skin can be removed. Most importantly, it is not standard of care to remove all veins -- especially ones that are working properly.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
