Are your veins only getting bigger and more painful? Do they bother you visually? It might be time to think of getting rid of your varicose veins. It may seem scary at first, but finding the right one will improve your life! Discover below the existing treatments, including the non-invasive one, echotherapy.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins, also known as varicoses, are swollen and enlarged veins. Any vein that is close to the skin’s surface can become varicosed. Varicose veins most commonly affect the veins in the legs as long standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body.
At least 3 out of 10 people are affected1 by varicose veins, with women being more likely to develop varicoses. Further risk factors include older age, genetics, obesity, pregnancy, and jobs that require longer periods of standing.
Available treatment options for varicose veins
For many people, varicose veins and spider veins — a common, mild variation of varicose veins — are simply a cosmetic concern. For other people, varicose veins can cause heavy, itchy legs, skin changes or aching pain.
Whether it is for cosmetic or medical reasons, considering treatment to get rid of your varicose veins comes with a few questions and decisions to take. Which is the right treatment for me, and what do I expect from it?
There are a number of established surgical or other treatments available, including:
The most recent medical advancement in treating varicose veins is Echotherapy. The treatment works with therapeutic ultrasound, so-called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). It is unique as it is the only method which is 100% non-invasive and does not have to be performed in a non-sterile environment (such as an operation theatre). “It is the only technique which treats from outside the body and therefore leaves no scar and allows the patient to resume normal activity immediately,” summarizes Professor Mark Whiteley from the Whiteley Clinic, one of the leading treatment centers for varicose veins and related vein conditions.
Taking your treatment decision
There are a few things to consider when choosing the treatment that best fits your needs.
Factors to take into account include:
- your overall health condition
- the severity of the underlying chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
- your expectations and/or fears (for instance if you have developed a surgery phobia)
Most traditional treatment options are covered by health insurances if there is a medical reason for the intervention. However, Echotherapy might be a better option for you if you are looking for a non-invasive treatment. Done with the robotic platform SONOVEIN®, it leaves no scars and allows you to return to your daily activities immediately after treatment.
Is Echotherapy right for you?
Echotherapy could be suitable for you if you answer at least one of the following questions with “yes”:
Talking to a vein specialist
If you are interested in getting your varicose veins with Echotherapy, please browse the center map to find a specialist close to you: https://echotherapie.com/centers/
1 Chronic Venous Insufficiency. R. T. Eberhardt, J. D. Raffetto. Circulation 2005; 2398-2409.
