FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
They are veins belonging to the superficial venous system that have become dilated and tortuous and are no longer able to correctly transport blood to the heart. This results in blood pooling in the body’s lower extremities (legs) and the onset over time of damage caused by chronic venous disease (CVD).
The main cause of varicose veins is a genetic connective tissue disorder that causes the veins to bulge. Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged standing, constipation and pregnancy may also be contributing factors. So-called secondary varicose veins can also develop as a result of previous thrombotic events of the deep venous system.
Aside from being a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can also be painful, itchy, and make your legs feel heavier. While genetics is one common risk factor for developing varicose veins, others are also common. Pregnancy, obesity, being sedentary or being on your feet for prolonged periods, as well as age, are other common risk factors for the development of varicose veins.
There are things that you can do to help diminish varicose veins if you already have them or help to diminish the risk of the varicose veins from ever developing. When pregnant, elevate your feet when possible. You may also want to consider compression stockings. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, get up and get moving! This can help curb the other risk factor, obesity, as well. If you’re on your feet a lot, take time to sit down and, if possible, elevate your feet.
By carefully going over your medical history and performing a medical examination using non-invasive diagnostic techniques like colour Doppler ultrasound, a specialist can ascertain the cause of the disease and any related disorders, and recommend the appropriate conservative or interventional therapeutic procedure to resolve the problem.
Conservative treatment of varicose veins comprises elastic compression therapy and the use of phlebotropic drugs. There are also a number of interventional procedures to choose from, depending on the structure and location of the vein to be treated. A preliminary consultation with a vein specialist is therefore vital to assess the vein and select and explain the best treatment for the patient. This is the concept of “tailor-made treatment” in action.
This is the injection of a medicinal solution into the diseased veins that destroys the veins and causes fibrosis.
This was the old procedure employed to remove the varicose veins, so-called because the vein had to literally be “stripped away”, thereby traumatising the surrounding tissue and leaving surgical wounds.
This is a mini-invasive surgical procedure that removes the varicose branches of the saphenous vein through small 2‑mm incisions.
Absolutely, subject to the correct preparation and evaluation of the disease.
No, but because of the existing venous disease, other veins could be affected, developing into varicose veins in the same area that has already been treated or elsewhere.
Depending on the procedure, from a few hours to a few days.
Post-operative recovery from modern surgical procedures, including thermal ablation techniques, is painless and practically discomfort-free.
Depending on the procedure, from a few hours to a few days.
Post-operative recovery from modern surgical procedures, including thermal ablation techniques, is painless and practically discomfort-free.
Modern ablation techniques are completely safe in comparison with former surgical procedures.