Varicose veins are a common concern, affecting up to one in four American adults. Although they’re often harmless, varicose veins can make you feel self-conscious, especially during the summer when shorts, skirts, and swimsuits are the norm.
At Zarcone Vein & Aesthetics, in Port Washington and Staten Island, New York, board-certified vascular surgeon John Zarcone, MD, FACS, FACPh, RVT, offers treatment for varicose veins and other vascular conditions.
This blog explains why varicose veins form, why early treatment makes sense, and the most common ways to treat them.
Varicose veins are bulging, rope-like blood vessels that form just beneath your skin.
They occur when the valve of the vein that helps pump blood back to your heart stops working properly. This causes blood to flow backward and pool, making your veins bulge and swell.
Because the valves in your lower body work harder to push blood upward against gravity, varicose veins commonly appear on the legs, thighs, and ankles.
Several factors can increase your risk of varicose veins, including aging, genetics, and weight challenges. Without treatment, they may cause symptoms such as swelling, itching, or heaviness.
Summer brings warmer weather and outdoor activities, such as barbecues, beach trips, and camping. At the same time, seasonal clothing often exposes your legs, since you’ll likely be wearing shorts, skirts, or swimsuits.
If you have varicose veins, this can be intimidating. You may feel self-conscious about your legs or how your veins appear to others. Scheduling treatment a few months in advance is a great way to reduce anxiety.
The treatments Dr. Zarcone offers are minimally invasive and require only a few weeks of healing. Taking prompt action now can ensure your legs are ready for the season ahead.
Dr. Zarcone offers several minimally invasive varicose vein treatment options. Depending on your symptoms and goals, he may suggest:
Sclerotherapy may be a good option if you have small varicose veins or spider veins.
During this procedure, Dr. Zarcone injects a solution, called a sclerosant, into the veins you want treated. Afterward, the solution causes your veins to collapse and fade so they’re less noticeable.
Sclerotherapy is a quick procedure that typically takes less than an hour. There’s no downtime, so you can return to work and other daily activities right away.
Dr. Zarcone may recommend endovenous thermal ablation if you have large varicose veins. This treatment uses targeted laser energy to seal the veins shut. This process reroutes your blood through healthier veins, allowing the varicose veins to fade.
Laser ablation is performed under local anesthesia. Because it takes an hour or two for the anesthesia to wear off, you need to have someone drive you home.
Ambulatory phlebectomy is the best option for bulging varicose veins that form just beneath the skin.
During treatment, Dr. Zarcone numbs your legs with a local anesthetic and then makes small incisions near each varicose vein. After making the incisions, he uses special surgical tools to hook and remove the veins, leaving your skin looking smoother and healthier.
Ambulatory phlebectomy takes longer to recover from than the other procedures, but most people can return to their daily routine within a few days.
Summer is still a few months away, but it will be here before you know it. If you’re worried about varicose veins, vein treatment with Dr. Zarcone can reduce their appearance and help you feel more confident in your skin.
To schedule an appointment, contact us. Call the nearest office in Port Washington or Staten Island, New York, or book online today.
