Advanced dermatology treatments are now available to eliminate incompetent varicose veins from the legs and other sites. During the initial consultation, the provider will discuss the treatment options and help the patient choose the most appropriate treatment in their case.
Board certified dermatologists Dr. Tri H. Nguyen and Dr. George Hughes III provide varicose vein treatments to patients in Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and surrounding communities across the horizon.
Foam Sclerotherapy
Foam sclerotherapy is an improvement over traditional injection procedure. It uses a standard sclerosant and mixes it with air or carbon dioxide to create foam. The foam is directly injected into the targeted varicose veins.
Results with foam are better than liquid, particularly for larger varicose veins. In some cases, ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy may be used in which the ultrasound probe tracks the needle entering the vein to achieve more precise injection results.
When the foam reaches the affected varicose vein, it immediately begins to react with the vein wall. Vein wall becomes sticky, eventually leading to closure of the varicose vein. The closed vein will gradually shrink and disappear, while blood flow will be re-routed through surrounding healthy veins.
The patient is often required to wear compression stockings for about one month after the injection treatment. The treatment provider will encourage the patient to perform walks and remain mobile during the recovery phase.
Endovenous Thermal Ablation
Thermal ablation to eliminate varicose veins may be performed using endovenous laser ablation (ELA) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Both procedures are associated with high rates of success and low risk of complications. The procedures are generally performed on an ambulatory basis with local anesthetic and typically require no sedation.
Image guided, minimally invasive procedures such as endovenous ablation can achieve highly precise and effective outcomes in a less invasive way. Such a procedure of varicose vein removal is usually performed on an outpatient basis. But a few patients may need admission following the procedure. This aspect will be discussed during the pre-op consultation.
The treatment provider will apply a topical anesthetic gel or lotion over the targeted vein site before the procedure in order to reduce discomfort. The affected leg will be cleaned, sterilized and covered with a surgical drape. The provider will numb the area where a catheter will be inserted into the varicose vein using a local anesthetic. The catheter will be positioned within the varicose vein.
Insertion of the catheter is made possible with a tiny skin incision will be made at the site. The laser fiber or radiofrequency electrode is inserted through the catheter and the tip of the fiber or electrode is exposed by pulling the catheter back slightly. The thermal energy generated through laser or RF will cause the targeted vein to collapse and eventually get eliminated from the body.
The treatment provider will apply pressure to prevent any bleeding and the opening in the skin will be covered with a bandage. Sutures will not be necessary. Fantastic, perceptive, and board certified dermatologists Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Hughes receive patients from Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and other cities and towns in The Star State for varicose vein treatments.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered at Texas Surgical Dermatology PA please call 832.663.6566 or click here to contact our dermatologists. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Springs, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.
