Varithena has become a popular choice for treating varicose veins, thanks to its minimally invasive nature and promising results. But if you’re considering this procedure, you might be wondering what to expect after the Varithena treatment.
This blog post will walk you through the recovery process, potential side effects, and what you can expect in terms of results. We’ll also cover the pros and cons of Varithena compared to other varicose vein treatment options and give you a ballpark idea of the cost involved.
What is the Varithena Procedure?
Varithena is a foam sclerotherapy treatment that uses a medication called polidocanol to collapse varicose veins. The foam is injected into the affected vein using a tiny needle, causing the vein wall to irritate and close up. Over time, the treated vein is reabsorbed by the body, leaving your legs looking smoother and feeling less achy.
What to Expect After the Varithena Procedure
The good news is that Varithena is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. You’ll likely experience some minor discomfort and bruising at the injection sites, but this should resolve within a few days.
Here’s a general timeline of what to expect after your Varithena procedure:
- Immediately after: You’ll be monitored for any allergic reactions and fitted with compression stockings. These stockings will need to be worn for a few weeks to help with swelling and promote healing.
- The first few days: You may experience some leg pain, itching, and bruising. You can manage these symptoms with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs.
- The first week: Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting. Walking is encouraged to promote blood flow.
- The first few weeks: You may still have some bruising and swelling, but it should gradually improve. Continue wearing your compression stockings as directed by your doctor.
- After a few months: You should start to see significant improvement in the appearance of your varicose veins. The treated veins will eventually fade away completely.
Varithena Side Effects
While Varithena is generally safe and well-tolerated, some side effects can occur. These include:
- Injection site pain and bruising
- Allergic reactions (rare)
- Nerve irritation (rare)
- Blood clots (very rare)
It’s important to be aware of these potential side effects and to contact your doctor immediately if you experience anything severe or concerning.
Varithena Before and After
The results of Varithena can vary depending on the severity of your varicose veins. However, most people see significant improvement within a few months. You can expect the treated veins to fade away, leaving your legs looking smoother and feeling less achy.
Pros and Cons of Varithena
Pros:
- Minimally invasive
- No incisions or scars
- Relatively quick recovery time
- Effective for treating a variety of varicose veins
- Covered by most insurance plans
Cons:
- May require multiple treatments
- Not suitable for all patients
- Potential side effects
- Can be expensive
Varithena Cost
The cost of Varithena will vary depending on the number of veins treated, your geographical location, and your insurance coverage. In general, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,000 per treatment.
Varithena vs. Other Varicose Vein Treatment Options
There are several other options available for treating varicose veins, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some common alternatives include:
- Laser ablation: This minimally invasive procedure uses laser energy to heat and destroy the varicose vein.
- Sclerotherapy: This involves injecting a solution into the vein to irritate and collapse it.
- Phlebectomy: This is a surgical procedure that removes the varicose vein through small incisions.
The best treatment option for you will depend on the severity of your varicose veins, your overall health, and your preferences. Be sure to talk to a United Vein and Vascular Centers specialist about all of your options to determine the best course of action for you.
Varithena can be an effective treatment for varicose veins, offering promising results with minimal downtime. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects and costs before making a decision. Talk to a United Vein and Vascular Centers specialist to see if Varithena is right for you.
