Do veins grow back after removal?
Veins are an important part of the circulatory system, carrying blood back to the heart. When veins are removed, the body must find ways to reroute the blood flow. In most cases, the body can reroute the blood flow independently. Other times, the body needs help to reroute the blood flow. There are several options for treating veins, depending on the size of the veins and the location of the removal.
Some veins, such as varicose veins, are removed for cosmetic reasons. The larger the varicose veins, the more difficult they are to remove. Some varicose veins can be removed through an injectable outpatient procedure, such as sclerotherapy, while others may require manual extraction via ambulatory phlebectomy. In extreme and rare cases, varicose veins may also necessitate vein stripping or surgery. In general, the larger the vein, the more invasive the procedure.
Veins can also be removed for medical reasons. Some veins may be damaged or diseased and need to be removed. This is the case for chronic venous insufficiency, a circulatory disorder wherein the collapse of vein valves leads to blood accumulation in the leg veins. In some cases, veins are removed to improve blood flow or to treat a blood clot. Once the diseased saphenous vein is removed, the accumulated blood reroutes into healthier leg veins to restore optimal blood flow to the heart.
The body has a remarkable ability to heal itself and grow new tissue. This is true for veins as well. When a vein is removed, the body compensates by growing new veins to take its place. This is because the veins are made up of cells that can reproduce and replace themselves. When a vein is removed, the cells around the area where the vein was removed will divide and grow.
Can varicose veins return after treatment?
Varicose veins are a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort. Although treatments are available to help improve the appearance of varicose veins, they can often return after treatment. There are several reasons why varicose veins may return after treatment.
If the underlying cause of the varicose veins, i.e., chronic venous insufficiency, has not been addressed, your varicose veins may return. In most cases, varicose veins are caused by faulty vein valves that lead to the accumulation of blood in leg veins. If your vein doctor removes varicose veins without identifying or treating the root cause, you have a high risk of varicose vein recurrence. Your varicose veins may return if your vein doctor only offers cosmetic treatments, such as sclerotherapy and ambulatory phlebectomy, instead of medical treatments for underlying vein disease, such as endovenous ablation and venaseal.
Furthermore, even if your vein doctor addresses the root cause of varicose veins, you may still develop new varicose veins. Several factors can increase your risk of developing varicose veins, including age, family history, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged sitting or standing, and trauma to the veins. Even if you have undergone treatment for chronic venous insufficiency, you may experience a recurrence of vein disease and notice new varicose veins and spider veins. You can opt for lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of varicose veins, but there’s no way to prevent varicose veins from returning for good.
What can get rid of varicose veins?
- Compression stockings: Wearing compression stockings is often the first line of defense against varicose veins. Applying gentle pressure to your veins helps keep blood flowing in the right direction. Compression stockings can’t treat the root cause of varicose veins, but they can prevent the condition from worsening and alleviate symptoms.
- Exercise: Exercise is a great way to improve your circulation and help reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Taking a brisk walk, riding a bike, or doing cardiovascular exercise for 30 minutes daily can make a big difference.
- Minimally invasive treatments: If your varicose veins are more severe, several minimally invasive treatments can help, including endovenous ablation and ambulatory phlebectomy. These procedures are typically performed by a vein specialist and do not require a trip to the hospital.
How do you diagnose vein problems?
The best way to find out if you have a vein problem is to have a duplex ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create a picture of your veins. It can show how well your veins are working and if there are any blockages.
If you have symptoms of a vein problem, your doctor may also do a physical exam. They will look for signs of swelling, redness, and skin changes. They may also ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. After a thorough evaluation, the vein doctor will administer a duplex ultrasound scan to identify the root cause of your vein problems.
What is the best treatment for varicose veins in the legs?
There are a few different treatments for varicose veins. Endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation are two of the most common. With these procedures, a doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into the vein. Then, they use lasers or radio waves to heat up the vein. This makes the vein collapse and disappear.
Venaseal is another treatment. With this, a doctor injects a medical adhesive into the vein. This seals the vein shut, rerouting the accumulated blood into healthier leg veins. Ambulatory phlebectomy is another option — your vein doctor makes a small cut in the skin and removes the varicose vein using hook-like devices.
Which treatment is best for you? That depends on a few things, like the size of your veins, the severity of your symptoms, and whether you have underlying vein disease. Our board-certified vein doctors in Long Island will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of varicose veins and spider veins and curate a personalized treatment plan.
You can find our vein centers in West Islip, Jericho, and the Hamptons. Our vein center in West Islip is conveniently located on the border of Suffolk County and Nassau County. Please schedule an appointment to explore your vein treatment options.