Do veins grow back after removal?
When it comes to veins, we often think about their ability to bring blood back to the heart. What we don’t often consider is that veins can also be affected by health conditions, such as varicose veins and spider veins. As vein disease affects more and more people, it also becomes more common to have veins removed — but do veins grow back after removal?
While veins cannot be replaced once removed, new veins can form in the area if the underlying vein disease has not been treated. Varicose veins and spider veins are responsible for much of the visible damage, but they are caused by an underlying vein problem. Vein disease is a progressive condition that worsens over time with an increase in vein damage — if left untreated, more spider veins and varicose veins can appear.
As vein disease progresses, vein treatments like sclerotherapy become popular for those looking for relief. In sclerotherapy, a solution is injected into the damaged vein, causing it to collapse. The vein can then be reabsorbed by the body and eventually disappear. However, sclerotherapy can only remove the visible spider veins. If you have underlying chronic venous insufficiency, your vein doctor may recommend other minimally invasive procedures, such as endovenous ablation and venaseal.
Since vein diseases are progressive, those who have had their veins removed should not ignore the underlying condition that caused it in the first place. New varicose and spider veins can form if vein disease has not been adequately treated — and that’s where treating the root cause can help you avoid further complications. That’s why you must visit vein doctors who thoroughly diagnose the root cause of your vein problems using duplex ultrasound and other techniques.
Maryland Vein Centers is a state-of-the-art medical center for vein treatment in Maryland. You can find our vein center at 10215 Fernwood Rd, Suite 301, Bethesda, just outside of Washington, D.C., in Silver Spring. Our vein centers are led by board-certified doctors with specialized training in the latest minimally invasive treatments for spider and varicose veins, including sclerotherapy and endovenous ablation. Please schedule an appointment at your nearest vein center in Maryland.
Can varicose veins return after treatment?
Varicose veins can be a painful and often embarrassing condition. But the good news is that minimally invasive treatment options can reduce their appearance and improve circulation. In some cases, the veins can even be completely removed. But is it possible for varicose veins to come back after treatment? Well, the simple answer is yes – they can indeed return.
The treatment of varicose veins is designed to improve circulation and reduce the appearance of the affected veins. But if the underlying cause – venous insufficiency – is still present, the varicose veins can return. Venous insufficiency is when the valves in the veins that usually carry blood to the heart begin to become faulty, allowing blood to back up in the veins and cause pooling. This can cause the veins to swell and become visible.
So, if you have varicose veins and receive treatment, it’s also important to manage any underlying issues with venous insufficiency. This is usually done through lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing compression stockings, and undergoing minimally invasive procedures for underlying vein disease, such as endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and VenaSeal. Varicose veins can be a nuisance, but with your vein doctor, you can keep them at bay.
How to prevent the recurrence of varicose veins?
If you have suffered from varicose veins in the past and want to help prevent them from coming back, then these tips will be of great use to you.
- Stay active. Exercise is an important part of promoting healthy circulation and preventing veins from becoming varicose again. Regular walking, jogging, swimming, and other forms of physical activity can improve circulation and keep your veins healthy.
- Wear compression stockings. These are special socks that apply gentle pressure to the lower leg and promote good circulation. They can reduce the risk of varicose veins.
- Keep your legs elevated whenever possible. This means propping your legs up when you are sitting or sleeping. It promotes good circulation and helps blood flow toward the heart.
- Avoid standing or sitting for too long. Prolonged standing or sitting puts undue pressure on the veins and can cause blood accumulation in the leg veins. It’s best to take breaks throughout your day and move around every 20 to 30 minutes.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet low in salt and high in fiber. This will keep your weight in a healthy range, reduce inflammation, and improve overall circulation.
What can get rid of varicose veins?
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure to eliminate varicose veins without intensive surgery. Ambulatory phlebectomy involves the removal of small portions of the affected vein using special tools and can produce excellent results. The vein doctor makes small incisions on the skin’s surface and uses a hook-like device to remove the unhealthy varicose veins.
Vein stripping vs. ablation: what’s better?
When treating veins, vein ablation is often better than vein stripping. Vein ablation is minimally invasive, which makes it preferable since it is a much safer procedure with a quicker recovery time than its counterpart. It is also far less complex and offers more precision than vein stripping. Every situation is unique, so consult your vein doctor to determine the best minimally invasive treatment.