For many, varicose veins can be more than just a cosmetic concern – they can bring discomfort, pain, and frustration into daily life. The constant throbbing, the heavy feeling in your legs, and the self-consciousness when you want to wear shorts or skirts can be a daily struggle.

You don’t want to ignore varicose veins. They won’t disappear on their own, and neglecting them can potentially result in severe health issues, including anemia and the formation of blood clots. Varicose veins can also be a clue to a deeper problem. 

There are many safe and effective varicose vein treatments, but most require lengthy recovery periods, invasive surgery, or multiple sessions. However, a groundbreaking treatment for varicose veins is now available that quickly gets rid of the discomfort and improves their appearance with minimal fuss and downtime.

It’s called Varithena, and it’s changing the game for varicose vein sufferers.

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in November 2013, Varithena has quickly risen to the forefront of varicose vein treatments, offering a gentle, non-surgical approach that can have you in and out of the doctor’s office in minutes.

Here is everything you need to know about this leading-edge varicose vein solution. 

Understanding Varicose Veins

Before we dive into everything you need to know about Varithena, let’s talk about these often painful and unsightly veins and why you might have them. 

Varicose veins, those swollen and twisted veins just beneath the skin’s surface, can be a source of discomfort and self-consciousness for many individuals. While these unsightly veins are most commonly found in the legs, they can also develop in other parts of the body.

At the core of understanding varicose veins lies an understanding of the circulatory system. Your veins are equipped with one-way valves that facilitate the smooth flow of blood towards your heart. However, when these valves weaken or become damaged, blood can begin to flow in the wrong direction, causing it to pool and the veins to swell – the hallmark of varicose veins.

While varicose veins can affect anyone, several factors increase your susceptibility to them. If you fall into any of these categories, you may be more at risk:

  • Age: As we age, the wear and tear on our veins can make them more susceptible to developing vein abnormalities.
  • Gender: Women tend to be at higher risk than men, primarily due to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause.
  • Obesity: Excess weight places additional pressure on the veins in your legs, increasing the likelihood of varicose veins.
  • Lack of Exercise: Leading a sedentary lifestyle can impair blood circulation, which may contribute to the development of varicose veins.
  • Family History: If varicose veins run in your family, you’re more likely to experience them yourself.
  • Pregnancy: The hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy can lead to the development of varicose veins. Fortunately, they often improve after childbirth.
  • Menopause: Menopause can contribute to the development of varicose veins in women due to hormonal changes. The decline in estrogen levels during menopause can weaken vein walls and valves, leading to reduced blood flow and increased pressure within the veins, ultimately increasing the risk of varicose veins.
  • You are a Smoker: Smoking is a known risk factor for the development of varicose veins. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes can damage blood vessels and impair blood flow, increasing the likelihood of weakened vein walls and the formation of varicose veins.

Diagnosing varicose veins typically involves a physical examination by a vein specialist. They will assess the appearance of your veins and may perform additional tests if necessary to determine the extent of the condition and the best treatment plan. 

What Is Varithena for Varicose Veins?

If varicose veins become painful or cosmetically bothersome, various treatment options are available. Among the newest varicose vein treatment solutions is a polidocanol injectable foam called Varithena. 

If you are wondering what polidocanol is, it’s a synthetic chemical compound known as a sclerosant. Don’t worry; polidocanol is a well-established and safe medication when used by medical professionals for varicose vein treatment. Polidocanol has a long history of successful use in healthcare and is considered a trusted option for improving vein-related discomfort and appearance.

Varithena stands out as a distinctive form of polidocanol due to its transformation into a microfoam. This unique characteristic allows Varithena to efficiently target and treat varicose veins with greater precision, often requiring fewer injections.

The foam-like consistency enhances its contact with the vein walls, optimizing the closure of problematic veins while minimizing discomfort. Varithena’s specialized formulation sets it apart as a highly effective and minimally invasive solution for varicose vein management.

Varithena is a simple, effective, and minimally invasive solution that targets those troublesome varicose veins and the discomfort they bring. Whether you’re dealing with physical symptoms like pain, swelling, and discomfort, or you simply want to improve how your veins look, Varithena has you covered.

With Varithena, you won’t need complex surgeries or have to worry about a long recovery. With just 1-2 needle sticks and little to no downtime following treatment, Varithena gets to work, causing your varicose veins to close and gradually disappear. 

What Does Varithena Do?

Varithena does two important things. It makes your legs feel better if your veins are hurting or making your legs swollen, and it makes those veins look better, so you don’t see them as much. It’s like a two-in-one solution for both relief and aesthetics.

First and foremost, Varithena is here to make you feel better. If your veins are causing pain, discomfort, or making your legs swell, Varithena steps in to ease these concerns, allowing you to move more comfortably and freely in your daily life.

But Varithena doesn’t stop at just relieving the discomfort. It’s also your secret weapon for better-looking legs. Those visible veins that might have made you self-conscious? Varithena works its magic to make them less noticeable, giving your legs a smoother, more attractive appearance.

Benefits of Varithena Treatment for Varicose Veins

When you opt for Varithena to treat your varicose veins, you’re choosing more than just a standard varicose vein treatment; you’re selecting a comprehensive solution that takes care of you in more ways than one.

Varithena doesn’t just relieve the discomfort that comes with varicose veins; it also significantly enhances the look of your legs. With its minimal invasiveness and quick results, Varithena brings a multitude of advantages to the table over other vein treatments. 

Relief from Leg Discomfort

Varithena provides soothing relief from discomfort caused by varicose veins, including pain and swelling, allowing you to move more comfortably.

Enhanced Leg Appearance

Varithena not only makes your legs feel better but also works to improve their appearance by reducing the visibility of varicose veins.

Minimally Invasive

Varithena is designed to be gentle on your body, offering a non-surgical approach to managing varicose veins without the need for vein stripping or the associated risks. With Varithena, you can sidestep the requirements of general anesthesia, sedation, and incisions, making it a more comfortable and less invasive option for addressing varicose veins.

Gentle

Unlike many thermal procedures, Varithena doesn’t necessitate multiple injections to numb the treatment site. Moreover, it doesn’t leave any permanent foreign bodies behind after treatment, making it a safe and effective option for managing varicose veins.

Quick

Varithena offers a quick and effective solution for varicose veins. For most individuals, just one treatment session is typically sufficient to witness noticeable results. In Varithena’s pivotal trials, only 3.4% of patients required re-treatment for areas included in the initial session..

Fast Recovery

There is little to no downtime with Varithena. In most cases, you can return to doing many of your regular tasks on the same day as your treatment. This means you won’t have to put your life on hold, enabling you to swiftly return to your routine without needing extended downtime.

Fewer Injections

Varithena’s unique microfoam formulation often requires fewer injections, making the treatment process more convenient.

Safe and Trusted

When administered by trained healthcare professionals, Varithena is considered a safe and well-established FDA-approved option for varicose vein treatment.

Long-Lasting Results

Varithena’s results are designed to last, providing lasting relief from symptoms and improved vein appearance.

Tailored Treatment

Your doctor can customize Varithena treatment to suit your specific needs, ensuring a personalized approach to your varicose vein care.

Proven Success

Varithena has a long history of successful use in varicose vein treatment, making it a trusted choice for many individuals. There are countless patient testimonials online and several clinical studies that confirm Varithena’s effectiveness.

Through several clinical studies, Varithena has solidified its reputation as a reliable and effective solution for varicose veins. One study demonstrated that Varithena’s polidocanol endovenous microfoam exhibited greater stability and durability compared to compounded foams.

Another study in 2021 showcased Varithena’s safety and efficacy, revealing that it was comparable to endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in terms of eliminating reflux in a significant percentage of patients.

In line with these findings, a 2017 study highlighted the advantage of combining Varithena with endovenous thermal ablation (ETA), resulting in fewer patients needing retreatment. These clinical studies underscore Varithena’s proven track record in delivering effective and lasting relief from varicose veins.

Is Varithena Right for You?

Most people with varicose veins are excellent candidates for Varithena. It is typically recommended for individuals experiencing common varicose vein symptoms, which may include:

  • Heaviness: A persistent feeling of heaviness in the legs.
  • Achiness: Ongoing discomfort or aching sensations in the affected areas.
  • Swelling: Noticeable swelling or puffiness in the legs.
  • Throbbing: A consistent throbbing or pulsating sensation in the veins.
  • Itching: Persistent itching or irritation around the varicose veins.

Our vein doctors will assess your eligibility for Varithena treatment during your initial consultation. To determine whether Varithena is suitable for you, they may consider various aspects of your medical history, including:

  • Arterial Disease: Any history of arterial disease may be evaluated to ensure it doesn’t impact the treatment.
  • Reduced Mobility: Reduced mobility or related concerns may be discussed to tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs.
  • History of Blood Clots: If you have a history of blood clots, this will be taken into consideration to ensure the safety of the treatment.
  • Recent Surgeries or Hospital Stays: Any recent major surgeries or hospital stays may be discussed to determine the appropriate timing for Varithena treatment.
  • Pregnancy: If you are pregnant (recently, currently, or planning to be), this will be a relevant factor in your eligibility assessment.
  • Allergy to Polidocanol: Allergies to the treatment’s components, such as polidocanol, will be considered to avoid adverse reactions.
  • Breast-Feeding: If you are currently breast-feeding, this will be discussed to ensure treatment compatibility with your situation.

What to Expect During the Varithena Treatment Process

If you are interested in Varithena to treat your varicose veins, the first thing you should do is book a consultation with a qualified vein doctor.

During this initial meeting, your provider will assess your specific case, discuss your symptoms and concerns, and determine if Varithena is the right treatment for you. They will also answer any questions you may have, ensuring you are fully informed and comfortable with the process.

If it is determined that Varithena is the best option for you, on the day of your treatment appointment, you can expect a relatively straightforward process. The treatment is minimally invasive, and most individuals find it well-tolerated.

Your healthcare provider will begin by preparing the treatment area by cleansing and disinfecting it. You may be asked to lie down, depending on the location of your varicose veins.

In most cases, local anesthesia is used to numb the area where the treatment will take place. This ensures your comfort throughout the procedure.

Varithena, in its foam form, is then gently injected into the affected veins using a small needle. The foam starts working immediately to close these veins. The duration of the Varithena treatment process can vary depending on the specific case and the number of veins being treated. However, on average, the procedure typically takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

After the treatment, you will be monitored for a short time to ensure everything is proceeding as expected. Then, you can head home and resume most of your normal activities within a short period, often on the same day. However, you may be advised to avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged sitting or standing for a few days.

You will be provided with detailed after-care instructions. This typically includes wearing compression stockings to aid in healing and improve circulation. You’ll also be advised to book a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and ensure that Varithena has effectively addressed your varicose veins.

You may not see immediate results on the same day as the Varithena treatment appointment. While the foam begins working immediately to close the treated veins, it can take some time for the body to naturally absorb and eliminate the closed veins.

The process of noticing visible improvements in the appearance of varicose veins and experiencing relief from associated symptoms may vary from person to person. Some individuals may see noticeable changes within a few weeks to a couple of months after the procedure, while others may require more time for the full effects to appear.

Does Varithena Have Side Effects or Risks?

Varithena is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. It has a proven track record of effectively addressing varicose vein symptoms while minimizing risks. One of the primary indicators of Varithena’s safety and efficacy is its FDA approval.

The FDA rigorously evaluates medical treatments to ensure they meet strict standards for both safety and effectiveness. Varithena has undergone comprehensive testing and clinical trials to earn this approval, providing patients with peace of mind regarding its use.

Varithena is designed to minimize the risks associated with more invasive varicose vein treatments, offering a gentle, non-surgical approach that reduces the potential for complications often associated with surgery or other procedures. Unlike some treatments, Varithena doesn’t involve inserting permanent foreign materials into the veins, further enhancing its safety profile.

Side effects from Varithena are rare. It is generally well-tolerated; however, some individuals may experience temporary side effects, such as mild discomfort, bruising, or swelling at the treatment site. These side effects are typically short-lived and resolve on their own as the body heals.

Can Varithena Treat Other Vein Problems?

Varithena is not intended to address all types of vein issues or conditions. Varithena is primarily designed and FDA-approved for the treatment of varicose veins. While Varithena has proven to be highly effective in this regard, its application is typically focused on varicose veins within the great saphenous vein (GSV) system above and below the knee.

Many people ask if Varithena can treat spider veins. Spider veins are smaller, superficial veins that often appear as fine, red or blue lines on the skin’s surface. They are generally not associated with the same symptoms or severity as varicose veins, and Varithena is not typically used to treat spider veins or other venous conditions outside the scope of its FDA approval.

To treat spider veins, healthcare providers usually recommend alternative approaches, such as sclerotherapy or laser therapy, specifically tailored to address these smaller veins.

To explore whether Varithena is the right choice for your varicose vein concerns or to discuss treatment options for other vein-related issues, book a consultation with a qualified vein specialist. They can assess your condition, guide you on the most suitable treatment options, and ensure you receive the care that best matches your requirements.

How to Prevent Varicose Veins

Once you have varicose veins, they won’t go away on their own. You shouldn’t ignore them either. Varicose veins can lead to things like blood clots, which can be very serious.

You will need to treat them with Varithena or other varicose vein treatment options such as compression stockings, laser treatment, sclerotherapy, or surgical removal.

But thankfully, there are steps you can take to prevent varicose veins from worsening or even developing in the first place:

  • Lifestyle Changes: To prevent varicose veins, it’s essential to make certain lifestyle changes. First on the list, if you smoke, you should take steps to stop immediately. Smoking can harm blood vessels and hinder proper circulation. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine is also vital. Exercise can improve circulation and strengthen the muscles that help pump blood back to your heart. Here are some great tips for how to safely exercise with varicose veins. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important. Shedding excess pounds can reduce the pressure on your veins, decreasing the risk of varicose veins.
  • Leg Elevation: Elevating your legs when resting can aid blood flow, reducing the pooling that leads to varicose veins.
  • Avoid Crossing Legs: Crossing your legs can impede circulation, so sitting with your feet flat on the ground is a healthier option.
  • Wear Loose Clothing: Tight clothing can constrict blood flow. Opt for looser garments to maintain healthy circulation. The exception to this is compression stockings. Compression stockings can help prevent varicose veins by improving blood circulation and reducing the pooling of blood in the lower legs.
  • Limit Prolonged Standing: If your job or lifestyle requires extended periods of standing, take breaks and shift your weight from one leg to another to minimize the pressure on your veins.
  • Get Regular Vascular Screenings: Vascular screenings provide valuable insights into your vascular well-being and allow us to create personalized strategies for prevention and treatment. 

If you are concerned about your varicose veins or want to optimize your vein health to prevent varicose veins, book an appointment with our team of qualified board-certified vein doctors at The Vein Centre.

Varithena Treatment in Tennessee 

If you have varicose veins, do not leave them untreated. Neglecting to address varicose veins may expose you to the possibility of developing potentially hazardous health complications.

With over 300,000 successful treatments and counting, Varithena isn’t just the latest varicose treatment trend; it’s a reliable, proven solution that can provide relief and help you reclaim your confidence.

At The Vein Centre, we are proud to offer Varithena as a treatment option for our patients. To find out if Varithena is right for you, contact our office in Belle Meade or Mt. Juliet today!