Under the expert guidance of our Board Certified Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Mark Zuzga, our team of Vein Specialists & Vascular Experts are committed to delivering top-tier outpatient vascular & vein evaluation and treatment throughout the greater Tampa & West Florida surrounding areas. Should you find yourself dealing with leg pain, swelling, ulcers, discoloration, or the appearance of spider and varicose veins, we invite you to request a screening todayHow to Know Which Varicose Vein Treatment is Right for You
If you’ve been diagnosed with varicose veins, then it is likely that your doctor has informed you of the various treatment options available to you. The three main types of treatment for varicose veins are sclerotherapy, microphlebectomy, and endovenous ablation therapy. Based on your condition and any recommendations from a vein specialist, you may even have a choice between the three options. But how does one determine the best option for each situation? It’s important to consider each treatment option individually, in terms of pros and cons.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy utilizes tiny needle injections to insert a chemical foam into problem veins, slowly dissolving and eventually disintegrating them completely.
Sclerotherapy is the least expensive option available at $1,000-2,000 per leg and is an excellent choice in that no pain relief or anesthetic is required and recovery for most patients is simply a matter of days. Later side effects of sclerotherapy can be unpleasant, however, in that some patients experience discoloration in their legs caused by blood leaking, and in extreme cases some have even reported mini-strokes after treatment. And although sclerotherapy is the least expensive treatment, it is the one most likely to be needed to be repeated, with a high recurrence rate in patients of up to 30% within 2 years of initial treatment.
Microphlebectomy
Microphlebectomy is an invasive surgical vein removal method, requiring a series of incisions to be placed across a problem vein. The vein is then tied off and removed in small increments, the wound is closed, and the leg bandaged for healing.
Microphlebectomy is the best option for patients who are afraid of needles, as well as being the most effective treatment for large varicose veins. However, patients must face the risks and complications associated with general anesthesia, potentially permanent damage to the small nerves around the problem vein, as well as a possibly very painful and lengthy recovery period of up to six weeks. At $2,000-3,000, microphlebectomy is your mid-price option.
Endovenous Ablation Therapy
Endovenous ablation therapy is somewhat similar to sclerotherapy, however, instead of a chemical foam, heat from either lasers or radio frequencies is used as the vein sealing agent. This method of vein removal and closure is the newest, but has shown great results for many patients.
Endovenous ablation therapy is a desirable choice for many because it takes less than an hour and has a very low recurrence rate of less than 5%. The procedure is best, however, on small straight veins and more difficult to perform on large and twisted varicose veins. Although recovery is usually quick the actual procedure requires about ten painful anesthetic injections and can cost up to $5,000 per leg. Though it is the most expensive procedure, it is the least likely to need to be repeated.
Even after taking all of the above information into consideration, you should always listen to the recommendations of your vein specialist. Dr. Zuzga of West Florida Vein Center specializes in the treatment of varicose veins and other venous disorders, and frequently performs all three methods of varicose vein treatment. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zuzga, please call the West Florida Vein Center at (727) 712-3233.