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- April 22, 2018
If you’ve avoided consulting with a vein specialist because you’re nervous that it’s the same very invasive, painful varicose vein removal procedure your mom or grandma had years ago, we have great news for you! While hospital-based vein stripping surgery was the most common treatment protocol used to treat patients with bulging varicose veins for years, your options have increased and dramatically improved over the last 15+ years.
Thanks to advances in medical technology and improved treatment options in recent years, varicose veins are easier to treat than ever before, and with much less discomfort and recovery time! Before 2000, vein stripping was the preferred method for treating the most common cause of vein disease – saphenous venous reflux. The procedure required general anesthesia and treatment at the hospital with significant pain afterwards. New techniques allow treatment under local anesthesia which can be performed in the comfort of the office. Local anesthesia means that there are a few shots to numb the affected areas, but this is well tolerated by patients. After procedures, patients are immediately sent on a walk around our neighborhood. Following any procedure, we recommend only pain medications such as ibuprofen. Narcotic medications (such as morphine, Percocet, Vicodin) are not needed.