Varicose Vein Removal

Say Good-bye to Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins that are visible just under the surface of the skin. They affect 1 out of 2 people over age 50, and are more common in women than men. Varicose veins appear most commonly in the legs, but also can develop in other parts of the body.

Vascular surgeon, Michael Dahn, M.D., Ph.D., of the UConn Health Center says “These veins can be unsightly, causing sufferers to be self-conscious and embarrassed. But varicose veins are not just a cosmetic problem. They can be a serious health problem causing uncomfortable symptoms, including pain, swelling and even blood clots.”

According to Dr. Dahn, physicians generally will first try methods that don’t involve surgery to relieve your symptoms. If your varicose veins do not respond to this conservative therapy, more active treatment may be recommended.

Older treatments for removal were invasive, painful and required long recovery periods. Fortunately, Dr. Dahn offers patients a minimally invasive option called endovenous laser treatment that gets patients back on their feet immediately.

During the procedure, a laser is fired along and inside the varicose vein. The energy from the laser damages the vein walls, shrinking them to prevent blood from flowing through. Research shows a success rate of 93 to 98 percent.

“The advantage of this technique is that it’s an outpatient procedure with no scarring and minimal post procedure pain. There is almost immediate relief and a quick return to activity,” says Dr. Dahn.