Varicose Vein Treatment Side Effects & Risks

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Doctors at CF Vein's The Villages location performing a Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy for painful leg veins.

Advances in modern technologies have led to safer vein therapies over the years. Examples include imaging improvements, new medications that replace more invasive procedures, smaller instrumentations, advanced laser devices and effective chemical substances. 

Even with the advent of less invasive procedures, there is still the possibility of risk in varicose vein treatment. Although the risk for side effects in vein therapies such as injections has decreased, many potential patients still associate interventional therapies with risks of complication. However, for those identified as having a medical condition, improvement in leg vein health is inevitable with appropriate medical treatment. 

Central Florida Vein and Vascular Center doctors and staff perform minimally invasive procedures. For over a decade, we’ve offered a level of vein care that far surpasses other facilities in Central Florida. Our entire staff is fully versed in the varicose vein treatment processes we use, none of which include vein stripping. Plus, vein care at our facility is more affordable than you may think — most insurance companies cover an initial consultation, and vein therapy is sometimes covered by insurance.

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Types of Varicose Vein Treatments

Varicose vein treatment aims to prevent complications, reduce symptoms and improve appearance. Home treatment is generally the first solution for the alleviation of varicose veins. Actions such as getting plenty of exercise, avoiding long periods of standing or sitting, elevating your legs and wearing compression stockings may be all you need to ease symptoms. 

If home treatment does not suffice, a health care professional may recommend vein therapies and procedures such as:

What Are The Side Effects of Varicose Vein Surgery?

Invasive procedures involving the veins or other structures have potential side effects, complications or risks. Possible side effects of common vein therapies include:

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive medical procedure that’s used as a treatment for spider and varicose veins. The process is quick and effective, and it can eliminate the appearance of undesirable veins in minutes. Sclerotherapy also works wonders for relieving any discomfort, itching or pain associated with damaged veins.

When you come into Central Florida Vein and Vascular Center and meet with one of our specialists, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re receiving the highest quality treatment.

Sclerotherapy risks may include drug-related and skin-related side effects such as pulmonary embolism, injury to adjacent vessels, scarring, ulcers or skin wounds, bleeding, blood clots, matting or abnormal vein development and abnormal skin pigmentation.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Treatment

Radiofrequency Ablation includes procedures such as endoluminal thermal ablation (VNUS), Venefit and ClosureFast procedures.

Central Florida Vein and Vascular Center offers Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment as a minimally-invasive in-office procedure that can drastically improve the appearance of visible varicosities. These procedures can take up to 15 minutes, although lengths can vary. You will be able to resume general activities the same day, as there is a minimal recovery process.

Most patients recover from Radiofrequency Ablation without any issues. Some common side-effects may include swelling, bruising and cramping. It is also normal to feel a tightening sensation in your leg, which may last for a couple of days.

In rare cases, varicose vein ablation side effects can consist of risks associated with heat delivery to adjacent structures. These aftereffects may include thermal injury to the muscles, nerves, skin or other soft tissues next to the vein.

Stripping and Vein Ligation Surgeries and Phlebectomy 

Open surgical vein procedures like stripping and vein ligation surgeries aim to remove abnormal veins. Although our staff at Central Florida Vein and Vascular Center do not perform invasive procedures such as vein stripping, it’s important to note the potential side effects of these operations. They include:

  • Accidental injury to other adjacent structures.
  • Lymphatic damage.
  • Chronic swelling. 
  • Nerve injury.
  • Blood vessel injury. 
  • Blood clots.
  • Infection.
  • Scarring.
  • Bleeding. 

New abnormal veins can also develop after these procedures. 

Laser Treatment For Varicose Vein Side Effects

The risks of vein laser treatment may include skin burns resulting from thermal injury to the skin. However, these burns are relatively rare due to the lower levels of laser heat used during these procedures.

Get Varicose Vein Treatment at Central Florida Vein and Vascular Center

If you want to learn more about varicose vein treatment or find that you need medical intervention for your varicose veins, turn to Central Florida Vein and Vascular Center for help. 

Book an appointment today or contact us online to learn more about our services

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