Treatment of vein disease helps to reduce leg pain, swelling, a feeling of heaviness and other symptoms of impaired venous circulation. One of the most common problems is varicose veins, in which the superficial leg veins become enlarged and twisted and can cause not only cosmetic discomfort but also health problems.
At Baltic American Clinic, the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease are planned individually. A vascular surgeon assesses your symptoms, performs or orders a venous ultrasound examination if needed, and recommends the most suitable treatment – from conservative measures to sclerotherapy, laser treatment, medical glue (bioglue) or surgery.
The possibility to see a vascular surgeon without a long wait.
From assessing the condition of your veins to the procedures you need.
Sclerotherapy, endovenous laser, medical glue and surgical treatment.
Treatment is chosen according to the condition of your veins, your symptoms and your needs.
When is treatment of vein disease needed?
Vein diseases can develop gradually, and the first symptoms are not always obvious. It is recommended to see a vascular surgeon if you notice:
- Enlarged, twisted leg veins. Visible changes in the veins may be a sign of varicose veins.
- Heaviness and aching in the legs. Especially if the unpleasant sensations get worse in the evening or after standing for a long time.
- Swelling of the legs and ankles. Recurrent swelling may be related to impaired venous circulation.
- Itching, tightness or a burning sensation. These symptoms sometimes occur in the area of enlarged veins.
- Small superficial blood vessels. So-called spider veins may be a cosmetic problem, but sometimes occur together with other vein changes.
- Changes in the colour of the skin on the legs. Darkened, thickened or irritated skin around the ankles may indicate advanced venous insufficiency.
- Wounds that are slow to heal or venous ulcers. They may develop because of long-term impairment of venous circulation.
- Symptoms returning after previous treatment. The doctor can assess whether new vein changes have developed.
A consultation is also useful when enlarged veins do not cause pain but you are worried about the disease progressing.
Which vein diseases are treated?
Varicose veins
This is an enlargement of the superficial veins, usually caused by faulty vein valves. As a result, some of the blood flows in the wrong direction, pressure in the veins increases and they widen. Varicose veins can cause heaviness, aching, swelling and other symptoms.
Chronic venous insufficiency
A long-term impairment of venous circulation that can lead to swollen legs, changes in skin pigmentation, inflammation or venous ulcers. The aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms and to control the progression of the disease and the risk of complications.
Superficial vein changes
Small dilated blood vessels and reticular veins may be treated for cosmetic reasons or because of related symptoms. Before the procedure the doctor checks that there is no more significant impairment of venous circulation.
Superficial vein thrombosis
This is the formation of a blood clot in a superficial vein, often accompanied by pain, redness and hardening. Treatment depends on the location and extent of the clot and the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
Venous ulcers
Wounds that fail to heal for a long time, usually on the lower leg or ankle, caused by advanced venous insufficiency. Treatment includes wound care and correction of the impaired venous circulation.
How is vein disease diagnosed?
Vein treatment starts with a consultation with a vascular surgeon. The doctor assesses your complaints, examines your legs and discusses previous treatment and possible risk factors.
The main method of assessing the veins is a venous ultrasound examination with Doppler. It makes it possible to determine:
- Whether the superficial and deep veins are open.
- Vein valve insufficiency and backward blood flow.
- Where the enlarged veins are located.
- Possible blood clots and other circulatory changes.
The test results help to decide whether conservative treatment is enough or whether a procedure is appropriate.
Which methods are used to treat vein disease?
Not all vein diseases need surgery. The treatment method is chosen according to the anatomy of the veins, the type of circulatory impairment, the symptoms and your general state of health.
Conservative treatment of vein disease
In milder cases, or when interventional treatment is not suitable, the following may be recommended:
- Compression therapy. Special medical compression stockings can help to reduce swelling and the symptoms of vein disease.
- Physical activity. Walking and exercises that work the calf muscles improve the return of venous blood.
- Changing daily habits. It is recommended to avoid standing or sitting still for long periods and to move regularly whenever possible.
- Medicines. In certain cases the doctor may prescribe medicines that relieve symptoms.
Conservative measures can make you feel better, but they usually do not remove enlarged veins that have already formed.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which a special substance is injected into the affected vein through a fine needle. It causes a reaction in the walls of the treated vein, so that the vein gradually closes.
When is it used?
Usually to treat small superficial and reticular veins and certain varicose vein changes. Depending on the size and location of the vein, a liquid or foam sclerosing agent may be used.
How is the procedure performed?
The doctor injects the agent into the vein being treated. If needed, the procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance. After treatment, compression and walking may be recommended.
What is important to know?
Several procedures are sometimes needed to achieve the desired result. After sclerotherapy there may be temporary changes in skin pigmentation, hardening or tenderness and, less often, more serious complications.
Endovenous laser treatment of veins
This is a minimally invasive method of treating varicose veins in which the affected vein is closed from the inside using laser energy.
When is it used?
Usually for valve insufficiency of the large superficial veins, when an ultrasound examination confirms that this method is suitable.
How is the procedure performed?
A thin laser fibre is inserted into the vein under ultrasound guidance. Using local anaesthesia and laser energy, the vein is closed and the blood is redirected through other healthy veins.
What is important to know?
After the procedure you are usually advised to walk and to follow the physical activity routine set by the doctor. There may be bruising, a feeling of tightness or tenderness and, less often, thrombotic or other complications.
Vein treatment with medical glue (bioglue)
This is a minimally invasive method in which the affected superficial vein is closed with a special medical glue.
When is it used?
In certain cases of superficial venous insufficiency, when the anatomy of the veins and the patient’s state of health allow this method to be chosen.
How is the procedure performed?
A catheter is inserted into the vein under ultrasound guidance, and medical glue is injected through it in small amounts. The glue closes the treated vein without using thermal energy.
What is important to know?
This method usually does not require tumescent anaesthesia injected along the treated vein. The need for compression stockings and the advice on returning to normal activities are decided individually. Local inflammatory or hypersensitivity reactions are possible.
Phlebectomy – surgical removal of veins
Phlebectomy is the removal of enlarged superficial veins through small skin incisions.
When is it used?
When enlarged vein branches need to be removed because they cause symptoms or remain after other treatments. Phlebectomy is sometimes combined with endovenous treatment.
How is the operation performed?
The affected sections of the veins are removed with special instruments through small skin incisions. The type of anaesthesia is chosen according to the extent of the operation and the patient’s condition.
What is important to know?
After the operation there may be bruising, swelling or temporary tenderness. The doctor gives advice on compression, physical activity and wound care.
How is the most suitable vein treatment chosen?
There is no single treatment method that suits every patient. The decision depends on the ultrasound findings, the type of vein enlargement, the symptoms and the risk of possible complications.
For example, sclerotherapy may be suitable for small superficial veins, while insufficiency of the large superficial veins may be treated with laser, medical glue or surgery.
The doctor explains what result can be expected, whether anaesthesia is needed, how long recovery will take and what the possible alternatives are.
You do not need to choose a procedure in advance – the most suitable treatment is recommended by the vascular surgeon.
How to prepare for vein treatment
Preparation depends on the method chosen. Before the consultation or procedure it is recommended to bring or tell us about:
- Results of previous tests. Bring them, especially reports of venous ultrasound examinations.
- Medicines. Tell us about all the medicines you take, especially those that affect blood clotting. Do not stop them on your own.
- Allergies and medical history. Tell us about allergies, previous thrombosis, operations you have had and other significant illnesses.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Discuss this with the doctor if relevant, as some planned procedures may be postponed.
- Individual preparation instructions. Follow the advice on food, drink, skin care, compression stockings and arriving at the clinic.
If the procedure requires anaesthesia or additional tests, you will be told how to prepare in advance.
What to expect after vein treatment
The recovery period depends on the procedure performed and the extent of the veins treated.
After some minimally invasive procedures, patients can return to daily activities fairly quickly, but more intense physical exertion may need to be limited for a while. After surgical removal of veins, healing may take longer.
The doctor tells you individually how much and when to walk, whether to wear compression stockings, how to look after the treated area and when to come for a follow-up visit.
Important: even after successful treatment of varicose veins, new vein changes may develop over time. It is therefore recommended to follow preventive measures and to have follow-up tests if needed.
When may vein treatment be postponed or unsuitable?
Each procedure has its own contraindications. Planned treatment may be postponed or changed if the following is found:
- Acute deep vein thrombosis. Or another active thrombotic disorder that first needs urgent treatment.
- Active infection. In the area to be treated, or another significant acute illness.
- Marked impairment of arterial circulation. Because of it, certain vein treatment methods or compression may be unsuitable.
- Pregnancy. It is usually recommended to postpone planned vein procedures.
- Allergy to the substances used. Or other risk factors relevant to the specific treatment method.
The doctor weighs up the possible benefits and risks and, if needed, offers an alternative treatment.
When is urgent medical help needed?
Sudden swelling, pain, redness or tenderness of one leg may be signs of deep vein thrombosis. In such cases you must seek urgent medical assessment without waiting for a planned consultation.
If you develop sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting or cough up blood, this may indicate a pulmonary embolism. Call 112 immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Do enlarged leg veins always need treatment?
Not always. If the vein changes do not cause symptoms or complications, monitoring may be enough. However, if there is pain, swelling, skin changes or other problems, a consultation with a vascular surgeon is recommended.
Can varicose veins be treated without surgery?
In some cases, yes. Depending on the condition of the veins, sclerotherapy or minimally invasive treatment may be used. Compression stockings and other conservative measures can reduce symptoms, but they usually do not remove veins that are already enlarged.
What is the difference between laser and medical glue vein treatment?
Both methods aim to close the affected vein. Laser uses thermal energy to do this, while medical glue uses a special medical adhesive. The course of the procedure, the need for anaesthesia and some post-procedure advice differ.
Is laser vein treatment painful?
Anaesthesia is used during the procedure, so there should usually be no severe pain. After treatment there may be temporary tenderness, a feeling of tightness or bruising.
Do I need to wear compression stockings after vein surgery?
This depends on the treatment method and your individual condition. Compression is recommended after some procedures, while after others it may not be needed. The doctor gives exact instructions.
Can varicose veins come back after treatment?
Yes. Although the treated vein usually remains closed or removed, other veins may become enlarged over time. The risk of recurrence depends on the type of disease and individual factors.
Can varicose veins be treated in summer?
Yes, but after some procedures direct sun exposure of the treated skin needs to be limited and the compression advice followed. It is worth discussing the timing of the procedure with the doctor.
Do I need a referral for treatment of vein disease?
No, a doctor’s referral is not required. At Baltic American Clinic a referral does not affect the price of paid services.
Is the vein treatment procedure performed at the first consultation?
First the doctor assesses the condition of your veins and determines the indications for treatment. The procedure is planned taking into account the tests needed, the preparation and the specifics of the chosen method.
Price of vein treatment
Prices of vein disease diagnostics, consultations and treatment procedures are set according to Baltic American Clinic’s current price list.
The final price of treatment depends on the chosen method, the extent of the procedure, the anaesthesia needed and additional services. Vascular ultrasound examinations, consultations or other procedures, if they are not included in the price of the chosen service, are charged separately.
The most suitable treatment method and the expected costs are discussed during the consultation.