Varicose veins are a common condition where veins, usually in the legs, become swollen, twisted, and visible just under the surface of the skin.

For many people, varicose veins are not just a cosmetic concern but a medical one that requires attention.

If you’re suffering from varicose veins and live in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), you’re in luck!

The city offers advanced, minimally invasive treatments that can help alleviate the discomfort and improve the appearance of your veins with little downtime.

This blog by Mykare Health will explore the latest minimally invasive treatments available for varicose veins in Vizag, how they work, and what you need to know before choosing the right treatment option for you.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when the valves in your veins fail to function properly, causing blood to pool and the veins to swell.

This can result in blue or purple bulging veins, particularly in the legs. Symptoms of varicose veins include

• Aching or heavy legs

• Burning, throbbing, or cramping

• Swelling in the lower legs

• Itching around the affected veins

• Skin discoloration around the veins

While varicose veins are often harmless, they can cause significant discomfort and lead to complications if left untreated. In severe cases, they can cause leg ulcers, skin infections, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Why Minimally Invasive Treatments are the Best Option ?

Traditionally, varicose veins were treated using vein stripping surgery, a procedure that involved removing the affected veins. However, this surgery required a lengthy recovery period and was often associated with postoperative pain and scarring.

Fortunately, modern medicine has introduced minimally invasive treatments that offer several advantages over traditional surgery. These treatments are less painful, involve fewer risks, and typically require less recovery time.

Most procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day.

The primary benefits of minimally invasive varicose vein treatments include

• Reduced Pain: These treatments involve less trauma to the body, leading to less postprocedure discomfort.

• Faster Recovery: Patients can resume normal activities within days rather than weeks.

• Minimal Scarring: Minimally invasive treatments often result in little to no scarring compared to traditional surgery.

• High Success Rates: The effectiveness of minimally invasive treatments is high, with a lower chance of recurrence compared to older surgical methods.

Now, let’s explore the different minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins available in Vizag.

Minimally Invasive Varicose Vein Treatments Available in Vizag

Several state of the art medical facilities in Vizag offer cutting edge treatments for varicose veins. The most popular minimally invasive procedures include endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), sclerotherapy, and ambulatory phlebectomy.

Let’s take a closer look at these options

1. Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is one of the most common and effective procedures for treating varicose veins. This technique uses laser energy to close off the affected veins, allowing blood to be redirected to healthier veins.

During the procedure, a small laser fibre is inserted into the varicose vein through a tiny incision. Laser energy is then delivered inside the vein, causing it to collapse and eventually fade away. The body naturally absorbs the closed vein over time.

Benefits of EVLT

• Minimally invasive, with only a small incision needed

• Performed under local anaesthesia

• Quick recovery, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few days

• High success rate with long term results

Who is it for?
EVLT is suitable for patients with moderate to severe varicose veins, particularly those caused by venous insufficiency.

2. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Similar to EVLT, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat energy to close off varicose veins. Instead of laser energy, RFA uses radiofrequency waves to heat the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut.

A catheter is inserted into the vein, and radiofrequency energy is applied, which heats the vein and causes it to shrink. Over time, the body naturally reroutes blood flow to healthier veins.

Benefits of RFA

• Minimally invasive, with only local anaesthesia required

• Quick and virtually painless procedure

• Minimal downtime, allowing for a faster return to daily activities

• Proven effectiveness in treating large varicose veins

Who is it for?
RFA is ideal for patients with large or severely damaged veins. It’s often recommended for those who cannot undergo laser treatment due to certain medical conditions.

3. Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a popular treatment option for smaller varicose veins and spider veins. This procedure involves injecting a special solution, called a sclerosant, directly into the affected veins. The solution irritates the vein walls, causing them to collapse and stick together. Over time, the veins fade away as the body absorbs them.

Benefits of Sclerotherapy

• No surgery or incisions required

• Can be performed quickly, often in less than 30 minutes

• Minimal discomfort, with most patients only experiencing mild cramping

• Excellent for treating smaller varicose veins and spider veins

Who is it for?
Sclerotherapy is best suited for patients with smaller, superficial varicose veins or spider veins that don’t require more invasive treatments. It’s often used as a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of veins.

4. Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a slightly more invasive procedure compared to EVLT or RFA but still considered minimally invasive. It involves making small incisions near the varicose veins and removing them using specialised surgical tools. Despite the use of incisions, the procedure is done on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia.

Benefits of Ambulatory Phlebectomy

• Immediate removal of large, visible varicose veins

• Performed under local anaesthesia, minimising risks

• Short recovery period, typically within a week

• Minimal scarring due to tiny incisions

Who is it for?
Ambulatory phlebectomy is suitable for patients with larger, bulging varicose veins that are close to the skin’s surface. It’s often used in conjunction with other treatments like EVLT or RFA.

How to Choose the Right Treatment ?

Choosing the right treatment for varicose veins in Vizag depends on several factors, including the severity of your condition, the size and location of your veins, and your overall health. Here’s how to decide which treatment is best for you

• Consult with a Specialist: The first step in determining the right treatment is to consult with a vascular specialist or a general surgeon who specialises in vein treatments. They will perform a thorough examination, including a Doppler ultrasound, to assess the condition of your veins.

• Consider Your Symptoms: If you have severe pain, large veins, or complications like ulcers, a more advanced treatment like EVLT or RFA may be necessary. For cosmetic concerns, sclerotherapy may be a better option.

• Recovery Time: Consider how much downtime you can afford. Minimally invasive treatments like EVLT, RFA, and sclerotherapy typically require minimal downtime, while ambulatory phlebectomy may involve a slightly longer recovery.

• Costs and Insurance: The cost of treatment can vary depending on the procedure and the healthcare provider. It’s important to check whether your insurance covers the procedure and what out of pocket expenses you may incur.

• Patient Reviews and Clinic Reputation: Look for a reputable clinic in Vizag with positive reviews from past patients. Check whether the facility uses advanced technology and if the doctors are experienced in performing minimally invasive vein treatments.