What is Treatment of Varicose Veins of the Leg?

This procedure involves the removal or destruction of enlarged veins in the leg that are just under the skin.

There are different methods to remove veins, such as:

• Chemical ablation (called sclerotherapy)
• Radiofrequency (heat energy) or laser ablation
• Vein stripping
• Surgery (called phlebectomy)

Varicose Veins © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Veins have one-way valves to channel blood back to the heart. Varicose veins develop when the valves of the veins become damaged. This causes blood to pool in the veins, enlarging them and often making the veins just beneath the skin visible. The skin can also turn dark purple or brown because of increased pressure.

Treatment may be done for cosmetic and health reasons. In some cases, the areas of discolored skin may break down and form open sores (called stasis ulcers). Clots can also form in the pooled blood. When the valves are functioning poorly, your leg may burn, ache, or throb.

Treatment for this condition can involve either destroying or removing the damaged veins.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have treatment for varicose veins, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Recurrence of varicose veins
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Skin discoloration at the surgical site (usually goes away within a few weeks)
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
• Pain that you cannot control with the medicines you have been given
• Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or...