Op. Dr. Oğuz Uğur
Especially with the advancement of technology, the increase in sedentary behavior in workplaces has led to a significant rise in vascular dilations, causing disruptions in daily life due to complaints it creates. Moreover, it not only affects daily life but also emerges as a purely aesthetic issue. Particularly in young individuals and those with aesthetic concerns, it becomes a problem that needs to be addressed.
Capillary spider veins, referred to as telangiectasia, are observed in 80% of the population, while slightly larger vascular dilations known as reticular veins are seen in 20-64% of individuals.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency, commonly known as varicose veins, which has been monitored and treated by Vascular Surgeons for many years, is now being considered as an aesthetic problem. Vascular surgeons, like myself, who have specialized in aesthetics and varicose veins, conduct a detailed assessment of these patients and, when necessary, approach varicose veins as a disease, planning aesthetic treatments only when required. Considering varicose veins solely as an aesthetic problem would result in short-term solutions, emphasizing the crucial role of vascular surgeons who have expertise in this field.
With the evolving technologies of vascular closure and laser, localized treatments allow you to overcome your aesthetic concerns with minimal discomfort, without falling behind in your daily life. If you only have spider veins, a 15-minute procedure on the skin with skin laser (radiofrequency ablation) or, if you have slightly larger veins, a vein closure procedure with a foam-formulated medication can be applied. You can decide on these procedures individually or in combination after a consultation with me.
Non-Surgical Varicose Vein Treatment Applications
In today’s medical landscape, there are numerous advanced methods for non-surgical varicose vein treatment. These methods can be determined during examinations based on the condition, size, and extent of the dilated veins. As mentioned above, the choice of method or methods to be applied can be decided during the examination, considering the patient’s specific varicose veins.
Briefly, let’s discuss these methods:
Sclerotherapy (Foam)
Sclerotherapy, also known as the needle method, can be applied in four different ways: classical liquid sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy, and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. The common goal in each is to eliminate problematic veins by injecting a special medication into the dilated veins. Treatment with sclerotherapy is painless and does not require anesthesia. Patients can continue their daily lives without interruption after the treatment.
Laser
The first developed method in non-surgical treatment applications is laser treatment for varicose veins. Laser treatment for varicose veins can be applied in two ways: subcutaneously and superficially on the skin. Laser applied on the skin is effective only in treating spider veins, while unfortunately, it is not successful in treating varicose veins caused by deep veins.Laser treatment applied from inside the vein, known as Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), can be performed in a hospital setting. After identifying the starting and ending points of problematic veins using ultrasound, a small incision is made at the starting point. The thin tip of the laser device is then inserted into the vein through this incision, causing the desired areas within the vein to be permanently closed by laser beams. Through this procedure, varicose veins are effectively treated.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency, abbreviated as RF, was developed and began to be used after laser. Its effective range is much wider compared to laser. The application method and purpose are similar to laser. Similar to laser, RF can be applied in two different ways: both subcutaneously and on the skin surface. The RF technique applied subcutaneously is called ERVA, which stands for Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation.
Sealing
After identifying the varicose vein, a small incision is made at the starting point. Through this incision, a guide wire is inserted into the vein, followed by an adhesive substance. The sides of the vein stick together, losing their functionality. This way, the varicose vein is permanently treated.
Advantages of Non-Surgical Varicose Vein Treatment
- In most non-surgical methods, there is no need for any incision or stitches. In highly advanced cases, a very small incision may be applied.
- Anesthesia is not applied in non-surgical treatments. Some techniques are performed with local anesthesia.
- Since there is no surgical intervention, there are no surgery scars that could pose an aesthetic problem.
- Patients do not need any rest after the treatment and can continue their daily lives without interruption.
- As it does not require a hospital setting, it can be performed more economically in a clinic environment.