Varicose veins are veins that have dilated. Sometimes they are just a cosmetic defect, other times they can turn out to be a serious health problem. Contrary to popular opinion, this problem affects both women and men. Most often, they arise in people who spend most of their time in a standing position, as well as with age (eg due to genetic factors) and during pregnancy. Fortunately, today there are various methods of removing varicose veins. Regardless of whether their formation causes only an unsightly effect on the legs, or maybe they cause pain and bleeding, it is worth getting to know each of the methods!
- While they are small:
The first sign of varicose veins is often spider veins, i.e. dilated, subcutaneous venous vessels. This proves the impermanence of their walls. This is not a sign that varicose veins appear in this place, but it signals the weakness of the veins. Small varicose veins and spider veins can be removed using the following methods:
- Photo-derm – a method using a stream of light, consists in destroying dilated blood vessels with thermal energy. This treatment leaves the skin intact. Depending on how big the changes are, the cost is from PLN 100 to PLN 600.
- Laser therapy – irradiation of diseased vessels with a laser beam. It also destroys dilated blood vessels because it produces energy that is absorbed by hemoglobin and converted into heat. The treatment is completely painless, but its price is more – approx. PLN 1. zloty.
- Obliteration – consists in injecting a special agent into the diseased vein, which ensures its walls grow together. The treatment is long-lasting, as it needs to be repeated at intervals of 7-10 days. Each session costs PLN 100.
- For large:
Then only surgical removal is possible. Each of these three options involves removing the diseased vein. The doctor has a choice:
- Cryotherapy – removal of a vein in sections. It is performed under local anesthesia. Through tiny incisions, the doctor inserts a probe that reaches the designated place and automatically cools down. Thus, a piece of vein sticks to it. The price of cryotherapy is 2 thousand. zloty.
- Stripping – is performed under general anesthesia and involves making two incisions – in the ankle, groin and below the knee. The doctor inserts a metal cord into one of the places. Then he cuts and ligates the vein to remove it with one jerk. The cost is PLN 1,5 thousand.
- Miniphlebectomy – also performed under local anesthesia. The doctor makes several cuts along the vein and removes them piece by piece. The price of the procedure is also approx. PLN 1,5 thousand. zloty.
Among the “home” methods for varicose veins, one can mention the use of compression tights. They allow blood to flow freely in the veins, while bringing relief to aching legs. Sometimes it is also worth staying in a sitting position with your legs elevated. Physical activity is also important – doing sports and getting rid of extra pounds is significant for eliminating varicose veins. Movement supports circulation, and lower body weight relieves the veins and lowers the pressure inside them.