Varicose veins are one of those things that a lot of people put off. They are visible, sometimes uncomfortable, and can affect how you feel about your legs — but they seem like something you can deal with later.
The thing is, later has a way of becoming summer. And summer, with its shorts and swimsuits and outdoor events, tends to be when varicose veins become impossible to ignore.
If you have been thinking about varicose vein treatment, spring is genuinely the smartest time to act. This article explains why, and what treatment actually involves for patients in St. Louis and the surrounding area.
What Are Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that become visible beneath the skin, most often on the legs. They form when the valves inside the veins stop working properly. Healthy vein valves open and close to keep blood moving upward toward the heart. When those valves weaken or fail, blood flows backward and pools in the vein, causing it to enlarge and become visible.
Varicose veins are extremely common, affecting an estimated one in four adults in the United States. They are more prevalent in women, and risk increases with age, pregnancy, prolonged standing or sitting, and family history.
They are not purely a cosmetic concern. Many patients experience:
- Aching or heaviness in the legs, particularly after standing
- Swelling around the ankles or calves
- Itching or burning along the affected vein
- Skin discoloration or thickening near the ankle
- Restless legs or nighttime cramping
Left untreated over time, varicose veins can contribute to more serious complications including skin ulcers or, in some cases, deep vein issues.
What Treatment Options Are Available
The good news is that varicose vein treatment has advanced significantly. The procedures used today are minimally invasive, performed in an office setting, and require little to no downtime.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
Laser ablation is one of the most widely used treatments for larger varicose veins and the underlying venous insufficiency that causes them. A thin fiber is inserted into the affected vein under ultrasound guidance. Laser energy is delivered through the fiber, causing the vein wall to collapse and close. Over time, the treated vein is absorbed by the body and blood is rerouted through healthier veins.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Most patients resume normal activities the same day or within a day or two.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is used to treat smaller varicose veins and spider veins. A solution is injected directly into the affected vein, causing it to scar and eventually fade. Multiple sessions may be needed for comprehensive results. There is no anesthesia required and no recovery period — patients typically resume normal activity immediately.
Varithena (Foam Sclerotherapy)
Varithena is a prescription foam sclerosant that is particularly effective for treating larger, more complex varicose veins and their tributaries. It is injected under ultrasound guidance and works by causing the treated vein to close. It is an option for patients who may not be candidates for thermal ablation.
Why Spring Is the Right Time for Treatment
There are several practical reasons why spring is the optimal season for varicose vein treatment, and they all work in your favor.
Recovery Happens Under Cover
Some treatments involve wearing a compression stocking for a period after the procedure. Doing that in cooler spring weather is considerably more comfortable than doing it in July. Treating in spring means that phase is well behind you before summer arrives.
Results Take Time to Fully Develop
Treated veins do not disappear immediately. After procedures like sclerotherapy or laser ablation, veins gradually fade or are absorbed over the course of several weeks to months. Treating in spring gives results time to fully develop before you are in shorts or a swimsuit.
Insurance Coverage Often Involves Waiting Periods
If you have symptoms — aching, swelling, heaviness — your varicose vein treatment may qualify for insurance coverage. Many insurance plans require a period of conservative management (typically wearing compression stockings for a set number of weeks) before approving treatment. Starting that process in spring means you are in a better position for insurance approval well before summer.
Scheduling Is Easier Now
Like most cosmetic and elective medical procedures, vein treatment scheduling tends to get busier as summer approaches. Patients who act in April or May often find more availability and shorter waits than those who reach out in June or July.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Your first step is a consultation with Dr. Wright, which includes a conversation about your symptoms and concerns as well as a diagnostic ultrasound evaluation of the veins in the affected area.
Ultrasound is important because it lets Dr. Wright see what is happening beneath the surface of the skin — including the deeper veins that may be driving the visible varicosities on the surface. Understanding the underlying cause is essential to choosing the right treatment.
After the evaluation, Dr. Wright will walk you through your options and his recommendation. There is no pressure to make a decision on the spot. The goal of the consultation is to give you accurate, complete information so that you can make a confident choice.
Why St. Louis Patients Choose Dr. Wright for Vein Care
Dr. Thomas Wright has more than 25 years of experience in vein care and has treated thousands of patients with varicose veins in the St. Louis and O’Fallon area. He is affiliated with the American Vein and Lymphatic Society (AVLS), which reflects his commitment to staying current with evidence-based treatment standards.
His practice offers a full range of vein treatment options, from minimally invasive office procedures to more complex cases — all under one roof. Patients travel from across Missouri and the Midwest to receive care from his team.
What patients consistently describe is an experience that feels thorough, unhurried, and respectful. Dr. Wright and his staff take time to make sure patients understand their condition and their options, which makes the decision process much less stressful.
Do Not Wait Until Summer to Do Something About It
If varicose veins have been bothering you, whether it is the appearance, the discomfort, or both — spring is the time to act. Treatment is more accessible, more comfortable, and more practical now than it will be in a few months.
Contact St. Louis Laser Veins in O’Fallon or St. Louis, Missouri to schedule your consultation. Dr. Wright and his team are ready to help you head into summer feeling better about your legs.
