Varicose veins are the somewhat unsightly lumpy dark blue veins that sometimes occur in people’s legs due to valves that aren’t working properly in the veins. Not everyone gets treatment for this issue, as many consider it more of a cosmetic issue and may not think it worth the cost or potential risk of side effects from the treatment. However, varicose veins can lead to other health problems if not treated, including such things as the breakdown of the skin, ulcers, venous eczema, blood clots and, in rare cases, skin cancer.
Types of Treatment
The two main types of treatments for varicose veins treatments include injections of certain chemicals that cause the vein to harden, collapse and be absorbed back into the body, called sclerotherapy, or surgery to remove the vein itself. Smaller veins and those that aren’t very badly affected are usually treated with sclerotherapy, but larger or more seriously affected veins may require surgery. A newer treatment option is the use of a special vein glue that is injected into the vein and has a similar effect to sclerotherapy treatment.
Potential Sclerotherapy Side Effects
The place where the injection occurred can sometimes develop a bruise, and the area around the vein may develop brown spots that are usually temporary. If compression stockings aren’t worn for the recommended time after the procedure, there may also be swelling and blood clots or networks of fine blood vessels called matting may develop. The more severe side effects of inflammation and blood clotting are more likely in people taking hormonal therapy, those who tend to develop blood clots and those who have recently had a major operation or been on a long-distance trip.
Potential Surgery Side Effects
Surgery typically requires a hospital stay of about two days and can cause side effects including swelling, scarring, pain, bruising, nerve injuries that cause pins and needles sensations and brown spots on the skin similar to those sometimes caused by sclerotherapy. Infections, bleeding and blood clots are potentially more serious risks. Taking a week or two off of work, wearing compression stockings as recommended by the doctor, limiting or avoiding spending time in the sun and not standing for long periods of time can minimize the risk of problems after surgery.
Other Considerations
While these treatments are often successful, approximately 20 percent of those who undergo treatment later develop new varicose veins. Also, certain veins aren’t usually treated, such as those that may be potentially useful for heart surgery if this type of surgery is needed later in life.