Understanding Varicose Veins and Why They Happen
If you’ve noticed bulging, twisted veins on your legs, you’re experiencing something that affects millions of people. Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic concern; they often signal an underlying condition called chronic venous insufficiency, where the valves in your veins aren’t working properly.
When these tiny valves fail, blood pools in your legs instead of flowing efficiently back to your heart. This creates pressure that causes veins to enlarge, twist, and become visible beneath your skin. You might feel heaviness, aching, or swelling that gets worse throughout the day.
Many patients in St. Louis and O’Fallon come to our practice feeling frustrated. They’ve tried compression stockings, elevation, and exercise, but their symptoms persist. The good news is that effective, minimally invasive treatments like Varithena® can provide real relief.
What Is Varithena®? A Breakthrough in Varicose Vein Treatment
Varithena® (polidocanol injectable foam) represents a significant advancement in treating varicose veins caused by chronic venous insufficiency. This FDA-approved treatment uses a specialized microfoam that’s injected directly into problematic veins.
Unlike older treatments that required surgery or heat-based procedures, Varithena works by gently filling the diseased vein with foam. This foam displaces the blood and causes the vein wall to collapse and seal shut. Over time, your body naturally absorbs the treated vein, and blood flow redirects to healthy veins nearby.
Dr. Wright has been using Varithena at our Missouri practice since it became available, and patients consistently report excellent results with minimal discomfort. The treatment is particularly effective for veins that are too twisted or tortuous for traditional laser or radiofrequency ablation.
How Varithena® Works: The Science Behind the Treatment
The microfoam technology in Varithena is what makes it so effective. When injected into your vein, the foam:
- Displaces blood within the target vein
- Makes direct contact with the vein wall
- Causes the vein to collapse and seal
- Allows your body to naturally reabsorb the treated tissue
This process is called sclerotherapy, but Varithena’s foam formulation makes it much more effective than traditional liquid sclerosants. The foam maintains contact with the vein wall longer, ensuring complete closure of the problematic vein.
Your circulatory system easily adapts by rerouting blood through healthy veins. Since varicose veins aren’t functioning properly anyway, closing them actually improves your overall circulation and reduces the symptoms you’ve been experiencing.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Varithena® Treatment?
Varithena is FDA-approved specifically for treating:
Primary Conditions
- Great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence
- Accessory saphenous veins
- Visible varicose veins associated with saphenous vein reflux
Ideal Candidates Experience
- Leg pain, heaviness, or aching that worsens during the day
- Swelling in the lower legs or ankles
- Fatigue in the legs, especially after standing
- Visible bulging or twisted veins
- Skin changes or discoloration around the ankles
- Restless legs or cramping at night
You might be an especially good candidate for Varithena if you have veins that are too twisted for catheter-based procedures like endovenous laser ablation. Dr. Wright often recommends Varithena for patients whose anatomy makes other treatments challenging or less effective.
The Varithena® Procedure: What to Expect Step by Step
Before Your Treatment
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation and ultrasound evaluation. Dr. Wright will map your venous system to understand exactly which veins are causing your symptoms. This detailed assessment ensures Varithena is the right choice for your specific situation.
We’ll review your medical history, current medications, and discuss your goals for treatment. Most patients are surprised to learn how much their insurance covers for medically necessary vein treatments.
During the Procedure
Varithena treatments take place right in our comfortable O’Fallon or St. Louis office. Here’s what happens:
- Preparation: You’ll lie comfortably on an examination table while we clean and prepare the treatment area
- Numbing: A small amount of local anesthetic is applied to minimize any discomfort
- Injection: Using ultrasound guidance, Dr. Wright injects the Varithena microfoam directly into the target vein
- Monitoring: The foam fills the vein, and we monitor the process with ultrasound to ensure complete treatment
The entire procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes. Most patients describe feeling only mild pressure or a slight tingling sensation during the injection.
Immediately After Treatment
You’ll walk around our office for a few minutes to promote healthy blood flow. We’ll provide you with compression stockings to wear for the next week or two. These help optimize your results and reduce any minor swelling.
Recovery and Aftercare: Getting Back to Your Life
One of the most significant advantages of Varithena is the minimal downtime. Most patients return to work and normal activities the same day or the next day. Here’s what to expect during your recovery:
First 24-48 Hours
- Walk regularly, but avoid strenuous exercise
- Wear your compression stockings as directed
- You may notice some mild tenderness or bruising at the injection site
- Elevate your legs when resting
First Week
- Continue wearing compression stockings during the day
- Resume normal activities, including work
- Avoid hot baths, saunas, or hot tubs
- Light exercise, like walking, is encouraged
Weeks 2-4
- You should notice improvement in symptoms like heaviness and aching
- The treated vein begins to fade and become less visible
- Most patients can return to all normal activities, including exercise
Dr. Wright will schedule a follow-up ultrasound to ensure the treated vein has closed properly and to monitor your progress.
Benefits of Choosing Varithena® for Varicose Vein Treatment
Patients in Missouri consistently choose Varithena because it offers significant advantages over traditional vein treatments:
Immediate Benefits
- No surgical incisions required
- Completed in under 30 minutes
- Return to activities the same day
- Minimal discomfort during and after treatment
Long-term Results
- Significant reduction in leg pain and heaviness
- Improved appearance of bulging veins
- Better circulation and reduced swelling
- Enhanced quality of life and confidence
Studies show that Varithena provides excellent long-term results, with most patients experiencing sustained improvement in both symptoms and vein appearance. The treatment has been shown to significantly improve quality of life measures, including sleep quality and daily functioning.
Understanding Potential Side Effects and Risks
Varithena has an excellent safety profile, but like any medical treatment, some side effects are possible. Most are mild and temporary:
Common, Temporary Side Effects
- Mild leg pain or tenderness (usually resolves within a few days)
- Bruising or swelling at the injection site
- Temporary skin discoloration along the treated vein
- Slight leg swelling that improves with compression and walking
Rare Complications
Serious complications are uncommon, but Dr. Wright will review your complete medical history to ensure Varithena is safe for you. We’ll discuss any specific risks based on your individual health profile during your consultation.
Insurance Coverage for Varithena® Treatment
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover Varithena when it’s medically necessary to treat symptomatic varicose veins. Our experienced team works directly with your insurance provider to verify coverage and minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
During your consultation, we’ll explain exactly what your insurance covers and provide transparent pricing for any additional treatments you might want. We believe you should never be surprised by medical costs.
Why Dr. Wright and Laser Lipo and Veins Center Are Your Best Choice
Dr. Thomas Wright brings decades of experience and a reputation for excellence to every Varithena treatment. As a nationally recognized expert in vein disorders, he’s helped thousands of patients in Missouri find relief from varicose vein symptoms.
Our Approach
- Comprehensive diagnostic ultrasound for every patient
- Personalized treatment plans based on your specific anatomy
- Same-day consultations and treatments when appropriate
- Clear communication about what to expect at every step
Advanced Technology
We use state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment to ensure precise treatment delivery and optimal results. Our O’Fallon and St. Louis offices are designed with patient comfort in mind, creating a welcoming environment where you can feel at ease.
Ongoing Support
Your relationship with our practice doesn’t end after your treatment. We provide comprehensive follow-up care and are always available to answer questions about your recovery or results.
Comparing Varithena® to Other Varicose Vein Treatments
Understanding your options helps you make the best decision for your situation. Here’s how Varithena compares to other common treatments:
Varithena vs. Endovenous Laser Ablation
- Varithena works for twisted veins that lasers can’t treat
- No heat means no risk of burns or nerve damage
- Single injection vs. multiple catheter insertions
Varithena vs. Traditional Surgery
- No incisions or general anesthesia required
- Same-day return to activities vs. weeks of recovery
- Minimal scarring and bruising
Varithena vs. Compression Stockings
- Addresses the root cause rather than just managing symptoms
- Permanent improvement vs. temporary relief
- One-time treatment vs. daily management
Frequently Asked Questions About Varithena®
How long do Varithena results last?
Clinical studies show excellent long-term durability, with most patients maintaining their results for years. However, Varithena doesn’t prevent new varicose veins from developing in other areas.
Can I have Varithena if I’ve had previous vein treatments?
Yes, Varithena can often treat veins that weren’t successfully addressed by previous procedures. Dr. Wright will evaluate your specific situation during your consultation.
Is Varithena painful?
Most patients describe only mild discomfort during the injection, similar to getting a vaccination. Any post-treatment discomfort typically resolves within a few days.
How soon will I see results?
Many patients notice symptom improvement within days to weeks. The cosmetic appearance of treated veins gradually improves over several months as your body absorbs the closed vein.
Taking the Next Step: Your Varithena® Consultation
If varicose veins are impacting your quality of life, you don’t have to continue suffering. Varithena offers a proven, minimally invasive solution that can help you get back to feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Dr. Wright and our team at Laser Lipo and Veins Center are here to answer your questions and help you understand whether Varithena is right for you. During your consultation, we’ll:
- Perform a comprehensive ultrasound evaluation
- Discuss your symptoms and treatment goals
- Explain all your options, including Varithena
- Verify your insurance coverage
- Create a personalized treatment plan
Don’t let varicose veins keep you from living your best life. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable legs.
Ready to explore Varithena treatment in St. Louis or O’Fallon, Missouri? Call (636) 397-4012 or schedule your consultation online. Dr. Wright and our experienced team are here to help you find the relief you deserve.
