Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins under the skin. In India, almost 10 million people are affected by this problem every year. But, is it necessary for every individual to go through the conventional surgery treatment, or is there any alternative to this? Well, there are numerous varicose vein treatments available. The one that has been on the rise in today’s time is Laser Varicose Treatment because it is less invasive and highly effective. However, professional vascular surgeons in Delhi will recommend the treatment considering the patient’s particular case. If you are dealing with varicose veins and are in pain, then you should also consult a renowned vascular surgeon near you to know which treatment is best for you.
In this blog, we will see the benefits of both surgery and laser Varicose vein treatment and see which treatment is the best for you. But before that, we will understand what a varicose vein is and who needs treatment for it.
What are Varicose Veins and Who Needs the Treatment
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged, and swollen veins that usually appear green or purple, caused by damaged or weak vein walls or valves. Varicose veins cause pain and discomfort. Sometimes, it can be more painful, and that affects your mobility. It limits your daily activities, like jogging, running, and walking. And the symptoms get worse if you sit or stand on your feet for a long period. It gets better with rest, especially when you lie down or put your feet up.
Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins
- Swollen and bluish veins
- Itchiness and discomfort
- Skin color changes around the veins
- Nighttime leg cramps
- Pain in the legs
- Heaviness in the legs and feet
When Do You Need Treatment
For many people, it is just a cosmetic concern, but varicose veins may cause severe health issues. Hence, it is important to get the right treatment at the right time. The most common treatment involves exercising, raising legs, and wearing compression stockings. In the worst conditions, the doctor recommends removing the veins with surgery.
In India, varicose veins have become a common health issue. Some studies even show that almost 30% of the total population may have this problem, mostly women. If you have varicose veins, then here are the symptoms that you need quick treatment:
- If the varicose veins are bothering you physically and affecting your mobility, then it is time to get the treatment. Your legs will feel tired, achy, itchy, and crampy.
- Most people do not like the way the varicose veins look. Indeed, you should not wait until your legs start hurting as you walk or the situation gets worse. Get the treatment done before it’s too late.
Types of Varicose Vein Treatment Available
Dr. Digvijay Sharma, the renowned vascular surgeon in Delhi, recommends different types of treatments for patients, considering their particular case. Most treatments are done as an outpatient procedure. This means you can come to the hospital for the treatment and leave the same day.
The treatment for varicose veins may include:
Self-Care
Many people take self-care to reduce the varicose symptoms, and even doctors suggest doing exercises. Raising legs while sitting or lying down is a great exercise for varicose veins. Besides, walking is also beneficial for your vascular health. So, with a brisk walk, you can manage the issue. Doing all these exercises and physical activities keeps the veins from getting worse.
Compression Stockings
Wearing compression stockings is always recommended for patients with varicose veins. The stockings squeeze the legs, which helps the leg muscles and veins move blood. Such types of compression stockings are easily available in pharmacies, and one of the easiest and convenient measures for treating varicose veins.
Surgery and Laser Treatment
Sometimes the varicose veins become a more severe health problem. Even the self-care and compression stockings don’t help in relieving the pain. If it starts affecting your mobility and functionality, then a healthcare professional suggests surgery.
There are traditional surgical and laser varicose veins treatments that most vascular surgeons suggest. But what is the best approach for you depends on your situation. Your doctor will let you know the right treatment after diagnosing the problem.
Traditional Surgery Vs. Laser Varicose Vein Treatment: Which One is Right for You
Today, there are many options to treat varicose veins. The doctors suggest considering the patient’s condition. From traditional surgery to laser treatment are available, but which one will be the right treatment for you depends on various things. Let’s just understand the difference between these two methods to know which treatment is right for you.
Traditional Surgical Vein Treatment Method
Traditional surgical methods have been used for decades to treat varicose veins. This treatment includes different types of methods like Sclerotherapy, Vein Stripping, and ligation. Even in today’s time, the traditional method is effectively and widely used. It is considered for patients with more severe varicose vein conditions.
Sclerotherapy
It is the most common method to treat spider veins and other small varicose veins. This treatment involves injecting the solution into the veins. With this solution, the varicose veins gradually collapse and ultimately fade. The best part of this traditional approach is that it is not invasive and can be performed in a vein specialist’s clinic. Moreover, it requires little downtime.
Vein Stripping and Ligation
This method is used to treat larger varicose veins. It is mainly recommended for patients with severe varicose veins that cause significant symptoms and complications. It is more invasive the Sclerotherapy hence, it is only done by a professional vascular surgeon. The patient is given general anaesthesia before performing the surgery.
Laser Varicose Vein Treatment
Because of the easier modern methods, the traditional methods are less commonly used by surgeons and doctors. They have simply switched to the laser vein treatment. This method is widely used because of its effectiveness, and it is less invasive. Only a local anaesthesia is required for Laser Vein Treatment.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
In this method, the heat from the laser is used to treat the varicose veins. This procedure is less invasive. A small optical fibre is inserted through the catheter into the affected vein and disperses laser energy into the vein walls, which ultimately treats the varicose vein. It causes less discomfort and provides quick relief.
Surface Laser Treatment
It is one of the easiest approaches to treat varicose veins. It is primarily used for spider veins and small varicose veins. It is a non-invasive treatment as the laser energy is used on the skin directly, and it goes to the vein. It is usually used for the uncommon and sensitive areas that require less downtime and no incisions, such as your face.
Comparison Between Laser Vs. Traditional Vein Treatment
After learning about both the treatments, you must be thinking “whether surgery or laser vein treatment is best for me”. Well, we understand the benefits of both treatments, but let’s now compare them one by one according to their effectiveness and treatment expenses to know which one will be the best treatment for you.
The following factors must be considered when deciding between traditional surgery and laser vein treatment:
- Invasiveness: If we talk about the invasiveness of the treatment, then Laser Treatment is less invasive than the traditional surgical method, like vein stripping and ligation. With laser treatment, you will face less pain and less downtime.
- Effectiveness: Both treatment methods are effective in varicose vein and spider vein removal. But the laser treatment provides quicker results.
- Recovery Time: The recovery time of laser treatment is faster. You will get immediate relief from the pain and get back to your normal routine within one or two days. However, the traditional method takes a longer period for recovery.
- Long-term Results: Both methods give long-term relief from the pain and other symptoms.
- Suitability for Different Conditions: People with severe varicose vein issues should go with traditional surgical methods because laser treatments are effective for small varicose vein treatments, like spider veins and cosmetic concerns.
Surgery Vs. Laser Vein Treatment: Conclusion
Based on these factors, a patient should decide whether they want to go with laser vein treatment or traditional surgical vein treatment. However, the choice depends on one’s circumstances, including the severity of the condition and vascular health. If you are looking for vein treatment in Delhi, then consult Dr. Digvijay Sharma, the vascular surgery expert in Delhi.
