Is Varicose Vein Stripping Safe?
Varicose vein stripping is a procedure that removes damaged veins from your legs or thighs. Varicose veins are puffy, twisted, and colorful veins that you can see under the skin. They usually have red or bluish-purple color veins. Varicose veins often appear on your legs, but they may develop on other parts of your body.
Varicose veins stripping treats varicose veins and helps prevent them from coming back. This procedure is known as stripping with ligation, avulsion, or ablation. But How much does it cost to get your veins stripped? Ligation and stripping for varicose veins treatment may cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000; also, it may vary due to the location and severity of the treatment.
Why is varicose vein stripping done?
Your doctor may recommend varicose veins stripping if you’re experiencing:
- If you feel constant pain, throbbing, and tenderness in your longer legs
- skin sores and ulcers
- blood clotting
- Heavy bleeding from the veins
A vein stripping procedure may also be done if you’re concerned about the aesthetic appearance of your legs. You should see a doctor for varicose veins stripping procedure.
How do I prepare for varicose vein stripping?
Your varicose veins specialist performs a physical examination before the treatment. They will also help determine the non-working valve locations.
Your doctor may also use handheld ultrasound devices to see your veins and valves. They may also recommend a duplex scan, which provides a clear image of your damaged veins and monitors the amount of blood flow in them. This test also rules out any clots, or thromboses, in the veins.
Before the treatment, you must tell your doctor about any history of medication and disease you’re on. Then your doctor may ask you to stop certain medications temporarily, as some may cause heavy bleeding and swelling during the stripping procedure.
You should also arrange for a friend or family member who can drive you home after the procedure because varicose veins stripping is often performed under general anesthesia. What kind of doctor treats varicose veins?
Vein Surgeon – A veins surgeon is an expert doctor who specializes in conducting surgical procedures to remove varicose veins. They use and administrate local anesthetic to numb the affected area and make an incision to remove and clean the damaged veins. So consider visiting a doctor to know the best treatment for varicose veins.
What are the risks associated with varicose vein stripping?
Varicose vein stripping is a safer, low-risk surgical procedure. However, there are always risks associated with surgical procedures. These include ;
- An allergic reaction to the sedation procedure
- Infection in the treated area
- Heavy bleeding
- Blood clotting may be possible
- Bruising or scarring
- Nerve injury during the treatment
Conclusion
Suppose you are suffering from varicose veins and have heavy swelling and pain in your lower legs. It would be best if you considered visiting a doctor to learn more about the surgical procedure and its pros and cons.