Which Vein Treatment is Right for Me?

Which Vein Treatment is Right for Me?

If you have been living with varicose veins, isn’t it time to stop? With today’s medical technology there is no reason to continue to suffer the uncomfortable sensations or to deal with trying to dress to cover them up.

The West Florida Vein Center offers three main types of treatment for varicose veins. Those treatments are Sclerotherapy, Microphlebectomy, and Endovenous ablation therapy. Dr. Zuzga will carefully evaluate your personal condition and make recommendations as to which treatment, or combination of treatments, would be the best option for you to get a great result.

Let us review the options. It is important to note that insurance, for the vast majority, does cover vein treatment and medically necessary.

Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy uses micro needle injections to inject a chemical foam into damaged 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 because no pain relief or anesthetic is required and recovery for most patients is only a few days. Side effects are rare, but some may experience slight discoloration to the skin on their legs. Though 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. Though the treated veins can never return other damaged in the surrounding area can become an issue down the road. Make sure to follow all supportive treatment recommended.

Microphlebectomy
Microphlebectomy is a 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 Microphlebectomy site then 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 similar to sclerotherapy, however, instead of a chemical foam, heat is used with the source being of sealing agent is either lasers or radio frequencies. This method of vein closure and removal is the newest but has been producing 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 works most effectively on small straight veins. It is more challenging to perform on larger and twisted veins. Although recovery is usually quick the actual procedure requires about ten non painless anesthetic injections and can cost up to $5,000 per leg. Though it is the costliest 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. Mark Zuzga, D.O. 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, D.O., please call the West Florida Vein Center at (727) 712-3233. www.westfloridaveincenter.com.