Varithen: An Effective Non-Surgical Treatment for Varicose Veins

What is Varithena® Vein Treatment?

Varithena® is a polidocanol injectable foam medication approved by the FDA in 2013 for treating varicose veins. Varithena® is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment proven to improve varicose veins' symptoms and appearance.
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Varithena®:

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  It is a safe, effective, and proven treatment
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  does not require incisions or hospitalization
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  has a short recovery time – many people return to their normal activities the same day
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  is covered by most major insurance carriers when medically necessary

How Does the Varithena® Procedure Work?

​​Varithena® works by directly injecting micro-foam into the damaged varicose vein. This micro-foam irritates the vein's lining, causing it to seal shut. The blood is then routed to healthy surrounding veins.

A thorough venous mapping ultrasound is performed before your initial treatment. The venous mapping identifies the location and extent of the varicose veins for treatment with Varithena®.

Ultrasound guidance is also used during the Varithena® procedure. This allows direct visualization of Varithena® being injected into the varicose vein. Varithena® pushes the blood out of the vein, causing it to spasm shut and shrink.

Once the damaged vein is treated and closed, blood is routed to the nearby normally functioning veins. The body slowly reabsorbs the vein over the next few weeks to months.

What Type of Veins Does Varithena® Treat?

Varithena® is a versatile medication that is used to treat many different types of varicose veins.

Large, straight, and smaller twisted veins can all be treated with Varithena®. Even veins that have had unsuccessful treatments in the past may respond well to Varithena®. Varithena® is not approved for treating spider veins.

‍Spider vein treatment may be performed separately after Varithena®.

Varithena® may not be the best choice for every patient and their specific varicose vein presentation. Our physician and nurse practitioner can help you decide if Varithena® is the best option for you.

What Does Varithena® Procedure Recovery Look Like?

Varithena® can improve your symptoms and the appearance of your varicose veins when performed by an experienced vein specialist.

Patients can usually resume normal daily activities shortly after the Varithena®. However, they should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or prolonged standing for a few days to allow the treated veins to heal properly.

You may be required to wear compression stockings or other compression garments to aid in the healing process. These garments help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation in the treated area.

Immediately following treatment, some common side effects may include mild bruising, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites. These side effects are usually temporary and should improve within a few days to a few weeks.

Varithena® recovery is generally shorter than more invasive procedures like vein stripping surgery. Most patients experience minimal discomfort or downtime and can often return to work and other routine activities within a day or two.

Many people see improvement in symptoms such as aching, heaviness, throbbing, fatigue, cramping, and leg swelling. Varithena® is also shown to improve the appearance of your visible varicose veins.

It is always important to follow your healthcare provider's precise instructions for optimal results.

Is Varithena® Treatment Right for Me?

If you’re living with varicose veins, Varithena® may be an excellent treatment option for you.

Before beginning a treatment method to help with your varicose veins, it's essential to know that Varithena® can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments like Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA).

At Tennessee Vein Center, we will work with you to customize a treatment plan that improves your health and gets you back to the active lifestyle you deserve.

Explore our wide range of personalized cosmetic treatments available in Knoxville.

It’s time to make varicose vein pain a thing of the past. Call 865-233-5858 now to book your appointment with us today.