Treating Varicose Veins: Should You Go With Surgery Or Laser Vein Removal?

Age can take a toll on your body in a number of ways. One of the most unpleasant issues that you will have to deal with as you age is varicose veins. The two most common ways of dealing with these problem veins are surgery or laser vein removal. Here’s what you should know about treating varicose veins.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that form due to blood pooling in the veins. A number of things can lead to varicose veins including:

  • Age
  • Physical trauma
  • Compromised blood flow
  • Obesity

These problem veins are not only unpleasant to look at, they can also be painful and lead to further complications such as ulcers and blood clots. It’s always recommended that you begin to treat them as soon as possible. Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of some of the two most common treatments.

Pros And Cons Of Surgical Removal
In the past, surgical removal was the only option around. This was done via ligation and stripping. Ligation is the act of tying off the vein to cut off blood flow while stripping is the act of surgically removing the vein. Although it may sound risky, surgical removal is actually a fairly safe procedure. It also doesn’t take too long, most procedures can be done within an hour.

With that said, there are a number of downsides. Fully recovering from a surgical removal is a lengthy and uncomfortable ordeal. In your average case, it can take up to a month, and depending on where the veins were located and how many were removed it could be even longer. Many patients simply don’t have the time for this kind of lengthy recovery. There is also some risk of complications including nerve damage, excessive bleeding, and scarring.

Pros And Cons Of Laser Vein Removal
Laser vein removal, also known as sclerotherapy, is a less invasive way to deal with problem veins. Sclerotherapy utilizes a concentrated beam of light in order to heat and destroy the vein. It is performed under general anesthesia, but there are no incisions made. Recovery from laser removal is much less arduous than your average surgical procedure. Still, you must be careful to follow all of your doctor’s post-care instructions in order to minimize the risk of complication.

With laser removal, most patients need anywhere from two to six treatments to fully address the problem area. So, although recovery is less intense and the procedure is less invasive, it can take more time to see results. Also keep in mind that while laser vein removal is generally an effective and non-invasive method of dealing with varicose veins, results will vary from person to person. You should also be sure to complement the procedure with a healthy lifestyle for maximum results.

Both methods of treatment have their benefits, but these days most patients opt for laser removal. Yes, it may take longer to see results, but that’s a small price to pay to receive the latest and most effective treatment for your problem veins. The risk of complication will be lower and your journey to recovery will be much easier.

Are you looking for an experienced cosmetic surgeon to perform your laser vein removal? Dr. DeMercurio has over 9 years of experience in the field and his clients hold him in very high regard. Please, contact us at The Florida Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery today for more information on laser vein removal.



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