Varicose vein treatments today are usually effective in eliminating those swollen, painful vessels once and for all. However, a small number of patients may find they have recurrent varicose veins, leading to additional pain and frustration for the patient. Why do some varicose veins recur and what can be done about these stubborn veins to stop them in their tracks permanently? The staff at the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin may have some answers for you.
Reasons Why Varicose Veins Recur
There are a number of reasons why you may see varicose veins form even after undergoing past treatment for your condition:
Initial treatment was not completely effective. In some cases, this may be due to a procedure being performed incompletely. In other cases, it may be that the best procedure or procedures were not used initially. If the vein wasn’t treated completely the first time around, it can appear again.
Treatment was performed properly, but recurrence still happened. It is possible that even when the correct procedure is performed properly, varicose veins can recur in the area. The odds are fairly small, but they do exist.
New varicose veins formed in the approximate treatment area. This may be particularly true for patients that have a family history of varicose veins that makes them more prone to the condition. Hormonal fluctuations can also promote the development of more varicose veins.
Diagnosing the Cause of Recurring Varicose Veins
When a patient has previously been treated for varicose veins that recur, diagnosis of the problem becomes essential in permanently eliminating the vessels the next time around. At the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin, we use duplex ultrasound to diagnose all types of vein conditions, including varicose veins. This painless examination uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of your vessels so we can see how well the blood is running through them and whether there is damage that is impeding your venous circulation. The information we gather from this exam will help us pinpoint the root cause of your swollen vessel and recommend the best treatment for you.
Treatment Options for Recurring Varicose Veins
It is important when treating varicose veins that special attention be given to customize treatments to each individual case. Often it is a combination of all available treatments necessary to gain the most optimal results. This includes the following treatment options:
Endovenous laser treatments (EVLT) – uses laser ablation to collapse vessels so they can be eliminated by the body’s own processes
Sclerotherapy – injectable treatment that places a sclerosing agent into the vessel to seal it closed so it can be reabsorbed by the body
Foam sclerotherapy – another injectable treatment that uses a thicker agent to treat larger varicose veins
Ambulatory phlebectomy – minimally-invasive procedure that removes the diseased vessel from the leg in small sections without major discomfort or visible scarring afterward
Dr. Jimenez will discuss your options with you after your vein assessment to determine which procedures will offer you the best results with the lowest risk of recurrence.
At the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin, we frequently see patients who have had recurrent veins or suboptimal results from procedures performed elsewhere or surgeries performed many years ago. Dr. Jimenez takes great pride in not only improving the situation, but in giving each patient the very best results possible. This commitment most often leads to a dramatic improvement in varicose veins both on a medical and cosmetic basis.
Keeping Veins Away for Good
Once your vein treatment is completed, it is important to follow post-procedural instructions like wearing compression stockings to ensure full healing of the treatment area. You can also take some of the pressure off those hard-working veins by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and avoiding long periods of sitting or standing.
If your varicose veins have returned or new veins have appeared, don’t despair. Contact the Vein Center of Florida & South Baldwin to find out how we can help you say goodbye to those stubborn varicose veins for good.