You Don't Have to Live with Varicose Veins!

While genetics, prolonged standing, pregnancy, excess weight and inadequate exercise are all contributing factors to the appearance of varicose veins, the underlying cause of the problem is often venous reflux, the condition wherein leaky valves in the veins of the leg cause blood to flow backwards and downwards, rather than towards the heart.

Conservative treatments like compression stockings, leg elevation, yoga and exercise may offer temporary relief; however, they do not treat or address the underlying cause of venous reflux. Fortunately, science and medicine have developed several minimally invasive varicose vein treatment options that are effective in eliminating your varicosities. Laser vein treatment can be used in superficial, small to medium sized veins, whereas sclerotherapy injections of a sclerosing solution can be used for the deeper "feeder" vessels that often fuel the growth of the smaller "spider veins". Larger and bulging varicosities can be treated with either microphlebectomy-surgical removal of diseased veins through needlehole incisions, or foam sclerotherapy.

All of the techniques, however, do not address the damaged great saphenous vein. This vein is the largest superficial vein of the leg and is often the root cause of visible surface varicosities and as such should be treated first. Until a few years ago, the only treatment option for this condition was the traditional stripping or complete ligation of this vein, a procedure that is associated with significant downsides, including hospitalization, scarring, general anesthesia, a long recovery period, bruising, post-operative pain and occasionally nerve damage. Fortunately, there is now a minimally invasive outpatient alternative to the traditional stripping procedure known as the VNUS Closure procedure. This elegant, FDA approved, outpatient procedure offers faster recovery time and better cosmetic outcome than surgical stripping. According to many published studies, this procedure is gentler than the alternative endovenous laser ablation treatment (EVLT), another minimally invasive option for saphenous vein treatment.

During the VNUS Closure procedure, the leaky Great Saphenous vein is shut from inside, using a small catheter and radiofrequency energy. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood flow is diverted to healthy veins. The Closure procedure offers patients distinct benefits-it is office based, done under local anesthesia and takes less than 75 minutes. There is typically minimal to no bruising, pain or scarring. Patients are able to walk immediately and typically return to work the next day. Independent scientific studies with five year follow up show that the closure is as effective and safe as surgical stripping. The only way to determine whether you suffer dysfunction of the major veins as a cause of visible varicosities is with the use of the Duplex Ultrasound exam. This test gives your doctor an accurate and detailed picture of the anatomy and function of the venous network of the legs.

Dr. Raffi Dishakjian- is a 16-year board-certified doctor, cosmetic surgeon, and member of the American College of Phlebology. He offers the latest techniques in treating vein disease with the best possible cosmetic outcome. To learn more visit www.nuvelaesthetica.com.

The varicose veins of this patient's legs were treated by Dr. Dishakjian of Nu Vela Esthetica using the Vnus Closure Procedure. The Vein Center is Located in Los Angeles.

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