If you suffer from varicose veins, you may have been told to wear compression hose to relieve your symptoms. But sometimes, they can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and unattractive. They may be hard to put on and take off and may cause itching, sweating, or skin irritation. And that’s why you’re looking at Venaseal treatment!
The good news is there’s no need to skip the ski season! If you hate compression hose, the Venaseal treatment might be just the solution for you to feel happy with your legs this winter.
In this post, we’ll answer the most important questions you might have:
- Why compression hose might not be for you anyway!
- How does Venaseal work?
- What are the benefits of Venaseal?
- Is Venaseal permanent?
- Is Venaseal safe?
- Is Venaseal painful?
- Are there any contraindications to Venaseal?
Why Compression Hose Might Not Be for You Anyway
Doctors often prescribe compression socks and hose to people with varicose veins and venous insufficiency, as they can help improve blood circulation and reduce symptoms. However, compression socks and hose may not be for everyone, and they do have some drawbacks, such as:
- Causing itching, sweating, or skin irritation.
- Being difficult to put on and take off, especially if you have arthritis or limited mobility.
- Having to be replaced every few months, as they can lose their elasticity and effectiveness.
Those may well be your exact thoughts as you face the prospect!
It’s worth noting that not all insurances cover Venaseal treatment, but we can help you find out if yours does. And if your insurance covers your vein treatment, be sure to plan ahead with regards to your deductible. If, for some reason, your insurance does not cover it, ask us about our convenient payment options.
All this being so, let’s look at the other questions that will help you decide if Venaseal is a good alternative for you.
How Does Venaseal Work?
The Venaseal treatment is a simple outpatient procedure that takes about 45 minutes. Your doctor will use an ultrasound to locate the diseased vein and insert a small catheter through a tiny incision.
The catheter will deliver a small amount of medical glue into your vein, which will seal it shut. The glue will harden, and your body will absorb the vein over time. Blood will be redirected to other healthy veins, improving your circulation and reducing your symptoms.
You’ll only need a small bandage to cover the incision site, and you will be able to walk out of the office and resume your normal activities right away.
What Are the Benefits of the Venaseal Treatment?
Venaseal has many advantages over other treatments for varicose veins and venous insufficiency, including:
- No need for compression hose: (This is the one you’re hoping to hear!) Unlike other treatments that require you to wear compression hose for a few weeks after the procedure, Venaseal does not require any post-procedure compression.
- No need for anesthesia: Venaseal only requires a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter enters. You will not need general or regional anesthesia, which can have side effects and risks. You’ll also be awake and alert during the procedure and able to communicate with your doctor.
- No heat or chemicals: Venaseal does not use heat or chemicals to close the vein, unlike other treatments such as laser or radiofrequency ablation or sclerotherapy. This means there’s less risk of nerve damage, skin burns, or allergic reactions. Venaseal also causes less bruising and inflammation than other treatments.
- High success rate: Venaseal has been shown to be very effective in closing the diseased vein and providing symptom relief.
Is Venaseal Permanent?
Venaseal is designed to permanently close the diseased vein and prevent blood from flowing through it. But it does not prevent new varicose veins from forming in other areas of your legs. You’ll still need to follow some lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing more varicose veins. These include exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, elevating your legs regularly, and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting.
Is Venaseal Safe?
The Venaseal treatment is very safe, and side effects are usually mild. It’s possible to have some bruising, swelling, and pain in the treated area, but many patients do not experience this. There’s also a small risk of an allergic reaction to the medical glue, which can cause rashes and itching. Venaseal has been approved by the FDA and thousands of patients worldwide have used it successfully.
Is Venaseal Painful?
Most patients feel little, if any, pain during the Venaseal treatment. You may feel:
- Minor pain or stinging from the needle stick that numbs the area where the catheter is to enter.
- Pressure or pulling as the catheter moves along the vein and the glue is delivered.
However, these sensations are usually mild and tolerable. After the procedure, you may feel some soreness or tenderness in the treated area, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Are There Any Contraindications to Venaseal?
Even if Venaseal for venous insufficiency is a promising treatment, it’s not suitable for everyone. You shouldn’t undergo this vein treatment if you have any of these conditions:
- Previous hypersensitivity reactions to the Venaseal glue or cyanoacrylates (the main ingredients of the glue).
- Acute superficial thrombophlebitis.
- Thrombophlebitis migrans (an inflammatory reaction of the vein accompanied by a thrombus).
- Acute sepsis.
You should also consult with your doctor before considering Venaseal treatment if you have any of the following conditions:
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Pulmonary embolism
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Venaseal at Denver Vein: An Alternative to Compression Hose!
Venaseal is a minimally invasive, simple, safe, and effective procedure that can provide symptom relief and improve the appearance of your legs. We want you to step outside – whether to ramble, work, or ski! – with confidence.
So – if you hate compression hose and want to find out if Venaseal treatment is the best alternative vein treatment for you, come in and talk to us today.