No, varicose veins are chronic and do not regress to normal veins.
Treat varicose veins
I have varicose veins and am ready for treatment. What do I have to do now?
Step 1: You have read our page on varicose veins in detail and now know how varicose veins can develop. If you suspect you have any, you should make an initial appointment with a specialist as soon as possible. You know: If left untreated, varicose veins can worsen and lead to open ulcers on the leg or, in rare cases, even life-threatening pulmonary embolisms. In principle, any type of varicose veins should be treated quickly to avoid chronic and irreversible damage and long-term consequences.
Step 2: The specialist will examine you and determine what type of varicose veins it is. Current complaints, the medical history, and a physical examination focusing on the legs usually provide the doctor with solid indications of varicose veins. In addition, whether deep leg veins are affected or another condition is present must be clarified.
Step 3: After this examination, the diagnosis available to you will then define your treatment method.
Methods of treating varicose veins
The conservative methods Compression therapy with stockings, Kneipp treatments, or taking medication are initial measures but should be followed by further professional modern treatments to eliminate risks. You know: Varicose veins are chronic and do not regress to normal veins. Therefore, a confirmed diagnosis with the appropriate modern treatment is more than necessary.
The new and modern treatment methodsvaricose veins are as varied and individual as the possible specialist diagnoses.
Today, varicose veins (and spider veins) can be treated with excellent aesthetic results that make surgery unnecessary.
The Vein glue (VenaSeal) is one of the most modern and sustainable therapies and an effective and gentle alternative to the classic surgical removal of varicose veins. There is hardly a gentler and more patient-friendly procedure to normalize blood flow in the leg. Another advantage: the treatment is completed after 30-45 minutes!
The procedure begins with a minimal puncture, with which the vascular specialist seals the varicose veins with a special adhesive that is harmless to health, with almost no side effects.
The body’s natural repair mechanism then gradually breaks down the stuck varicose vein, which is virtually undetectable after a few months. Wearing compression stockings, as in traditional varicose vein treatment, is usually not necessary.
There is no need for anesthesia, as only the area to be punctured is locally anesthetized. The procedure is entirely painless; no skin burns or tissue and nerve injuries exist. Unpleasant symptoms of venous diseases, such as thick or heavy legs, are relieved immediately.
Radiofrequency therapy
Radiofrequency therapy is also a painless and outpatient treatment that gently removes varicose veins. Anesthesia is not mandatory.
The treatment does not require major incisions and is usually performed outpatient. It can be performed under local or short anesthesia, depending on the severity of the findings or patient preference. The procedure can also be performed on older adults or patients with severe concomitant diseases – either on an outpatient basis or, if desired, as a short-term inpatient procedure.
The procedure begins with local anesthesia and a puncture cannula, which the physician uses under constant ultrasound monitoring to advance the disposable radio wave catheter through the vein to the defective main vein valve.
A heating element is located at the tip of the catheter, which is computer-controlled to heat to a temperature of 120° Celsius, causing the varicose vein in the heated area to shrink together. The catheter is then withdrawn, and the process is repeated until the varicose vein is permanently closed and broken down by the body over several weeks. The entire procedure is performed under constant ultrasound control and is entirely bloodless. Postoperatively, a compression stocking should be worn for several days, depending on the severity of the findings.
Foam sclerotherapy with Microfoam
Foam sclerotherapy with Microfoam or sclerotherapy takes a special place in removing varicose veins. Again, surgery is not necessary. The minimally invasive procedure is used mainly and with success for reticular varicose veins. The highly branched varicose veins are not directly accessible with rigid catheter systems that use fluids. The extremely fine microfoam, specifically scleroses, even very tortuous and branched varicose veins or immobilizes them. In contrast to liquids, soft foam adheres to the vessel walls. It unfolds its sclerosing effect there, i.e., it triggers an inflammatory reaction that leads to the obliteration of the small blood vessels. The veins begin to fade after a few weeks, and the sclerosing process is completed after about three months. A compression stocking should be worn for two weeks for a good result. By the way, foam sclerotherapy is also suitable for removing spider veins.
Laser treatment
Laser treatment is the classic among the modern, tissue-conserving treatment methods. Neither general anesthesia nor hospitalization is necessary, as the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia: Under ultrasound guidance, a flexible probe is inserted into the diseased vein and placed in the deep vein. This is followed by anesthesia by infiltration of a special solution. Laser energy is delivered with continuous retraction of the probe, and the vessel wall is thereby selectively thermally obliterated and permanently sealed.
Finally, a bandage is applied, and a compression stocking is put on, which should be worn for one to two weeks. Immediately after the procedure, you can resume your normal daily activities.
Due to the low invasiveness of this method, a much better cosmetic result can be achieved.
Sclerotherapy or sclerosing therapy
Sclerotherapy or sclerosing therapy is based on the planned intravenous insertion of a sclerosing agent. This causes a targeted dissolution of the vein wall and, thus, the entire varicose vein, which is transformed into a connective tissue strand. Sclerotherapy with liquid sclerosant can be used for all types of varicose veins, but it is often used for spider and small varicose veins. Again, anesthesia is not necessary, and patients can usually return to their normal daily activities immediately.
Vein stripping
Vein stripping is the only surgical treatment and the most commonly used method in Germany to remove varicose veins in the truncal veins. In vein stripping, the surgeon removes the varicose vein with a probe that he inserts into the dilated truncal vein and withdraws. In today’s standard stage-specific stripping procedure, only the sections of the truncal vein that are pathologically dilated are pulled.
Advantages: A proven and frequently performed treatment method for decades, its effectiveness and safety have been proven in numerous scientific studies.
Since all forms of varicose veins except tiny ones can be surgically removed, usually only one treatment appointment is necessary. The varicose vein is eliminated immediately after the procedure; with the modern therapies described previously, such as vein glue or radiofrequency therapy, it may take several weeks for the enlarged vein to close entirely. All health insurance companies cover the cost of the operation. In laser or radiofrequency therapy, this is not always the case.
Disadvantages: Pain, swelling, and bruising are comparatively common after the procedure. The risk of nerve injury is higher with stripping than with other methods. The operation is usually performed under partial or sometimes general anesthesia. This carries certain risks and can be an additional burden for patients. After undergoing vein stripping, patients are typically issued sick leave for one week, occasionally longer. The incisions leave scars that can be cosmetically disruptive. If patients take anticoagulant medications, these blood thinners must be discontinued before surgery.
Complications can occur: Small side branch veins inevitably tear off when pulling the varicose vein. Therefore, bruising may occur along the removed vein. As a rule, these hematomas regress on their own after a few weeks.
In the first few days after the procedure, most patients experience pain and are prescribed a painkiller. Even the most minor lymphatic channels are inevitably damaged during stripping. This results in lymphatic obstruction, leading to leg swelling, typically only temporary. The formation of a blood clot in the leg’s deep veins is a rare but dangerous complication.
Conclusion: Surgery, yes or no? You can only answer this question in consultation with your specialist doctor – after carefully weighing the pros and cons of various treatment methods and considering your situation. You know:
– Varicose veins are chronic and do not regress to normal veins. Therefore, a confirmed diagnosis with the appropriate modern treatment is more than necessary.
– If left untreated, varicose veins can worsen and lead to open ulcers on the leg or, in rare cases, even life-threatening pulmonary embolisms. In principle, any type of varicose veins should be treated quickly to avoid chronic and irreversible damage and long-term consequences.
– The conservative method or self-treatment of varicose veins is insufficient and would always result in follow-up treatment.
– All modern treatment methods, such as vein glue, radiofrequency therapy, foam sclerotherapy, laser treatment, or sclerotherapy, are tissue-friendly and do not require anesthesia or surgery.
– Only vein stripping requires anesthesia in rare cases or at the patient’s request. There are pros & cons to the surgical removal of varicose veins.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the treatment of varicose veins
How to treat varicose veins naturally?
Compression therapy through stockings, Kneipp applications, or taking medication are initial measures, but further professional and modern treatments should be considered to eliminate any risks.
Which is better, to pull varicose veins or laser?
It depends on the diagnosis. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate treatment for your problem. One thing only: Pulling with anesthesia and surgery is time-consuming, while laser treatment with local anesthesia is brief.
How do I get rid of varicose veins without surgery?
One of the modern treatment methods for venous disorders includes techniques such as vein glue, radiofrequency therapy, foam sclerotherapy, laser treatment, and sclerotherapy/injection therapy.
Can I treat varicose veins myself?
Self-treatment is not recommended, as chronic varicose veins are associated with some risks.
