Regional vascular disorders such as varicose veins and spider veins affect millions of people as a result causing pain, swelling and cosmetic variety of problems. Fortunately, there are many products and procedures which can help with these conditions. Varithena and Sclerotherapy are commonly just two of the many options that patients are offered. But how do you know which one is best for you?
This article compares Varithena vs Sclerotherapy and explains the related differences so that you can make that wise decision.
Introduction to Varicose and Spider Veins
Before we get into the various therapies, it is critical to appreciate the problem at hand. Varicose veins are the big swollen veins, mostly found on the lower limbs, due to the blood valves being dysfunctional and blood is poorly returning. However, spider veins are just small veins which are close to the surface of the skin and are in the shade of wrinkles and look like spiders’ webs hence are more superficial than varicose veins but they can still affect you either in discomfort or in sense of shame.
These diseases are, as a rule, manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a medical condition whereby the veins are incapable of pumping blood all the way back to the heart hence allow blood to accumulate in the legs.
Why Treat Vein Conditions?
Many people will say that vein diseases are only a beauty problem and will not pay attention to it. However, if varicose veins remain untreated, they can cause severe health problems. These include pain, ulcers, blood clots, and skin changes. They can go beyond physical symptoms and inhibit your self-esteem as well. That’s why choosing the right treatment matters.
What Is Varithena?
The foam has been approved by FDA to be used in treating patients with venous insufficiency or varicose veins. You simply make an injection through the foam into the vein and cause it to collapse and eventually be flushed out. It is primarily meant for use of vascular anatomy which proven difficult to remove to using customary modalities like surgical or laser treatment.
How Varithena Works
The use of Varithena is non-surgical. A catheter or a small needle is used to inject the foam into the patient’s vein. The foam forces the blood out of the treated vein wall so they stick together. With time the treated vein is taken up by the body circulatory system and blood is serviced through other unaffected veins.
Benefits of Varithena
- Minimally invasive: There is no blood or surgery and no long hours of recuperation needed.
- Quick procedure: Also the treatment takes only about 30minutes.
- Effective on larger veins: Varithena is effective in treatment of veins and structures that are otherwise impossible with other methods.
- Low downtime: Most patients are able to return to daily activities within hours of the procedure.
What Is Sclerotherapy?
For over many years, sclerotherapy is known as treatment for spider and varicose veins. The technique consists of the injection of a solution (usually a saline or chemical solution) into the vein, which provokes the inner lining of the vein resulting in its destruction.
How Sclerotherapy Works
As with Varithena, treatment by sclerotherapy leads the vein to shut down and as such, blood flow to other healthy veins is restored. Eventually, the body will assimilate the treated blood vessel. Sclerotherapy is performed on an outpatient basis, in the physician’s office and lasts on average 30 to 45 minutes.
Benefits of Sclerotherapy
- Versatile: Can treat spider veins as well as simpler varicose veins.
- Proven track record: This method is trusted for a long period of time.
- No anesthesia needed: This treatment is practically painless without embarking on anesthesia.
- Quick results: They will observe great outcome after few sessions.
Varithena vs. Sclerotherapy: Key Differences
Having understood the rudiments, let’s now make deeper comparisons and investigations between Varithena, sclerotherapy and several other aspects.
Effectiveness on Large Veins
Varithena is particularly valuable for large and protruding varicose veins which usually require a permissive measure as other methods would have failed. Sclerotherapy is useful but in most cases, it is reserved for s maller veins or ihjtive veins.
Treatment Time
Both procedures take a shorter time but Varithena is often the quicker of the two with treatment takin g an untensed time of 30 minutes. Sclerotherapy however is time consuming taking an hour or more depending on the number of veins needing treatment .
Recovery
Though Varithena facilitates such a quick turnaround, he or she is unlikely to perform normal daily activities within minutes of having such procedures performed. Sclerotherapy is a safe procedure with a fast recovery but the patients may require the use of compression garments after treatment for some time.
Number of Treatments
In most cases, it is a once in a lifetime process for most patients but some may have to go for more than one. Sclerotherapy on the other hand, quite often may not guarantee the desired result after just one treatment as multiple ones are necessary.
Cost
The price for either of the treatments varies according to the status of the patient, who will provide them, the area e. The difference in payment conditions is that patients with Varithena treatment have to foot the bill because it involves modern up to plug expenditure. Where sclerotherapy comes into play particularly be more inexpensive when treating smaller veins.
Side Effects
Both methods are considered safe; however, side effects are possible. Varithena, on the other hand, may result in some local pain as well as bruising and swelling where the injection was made. Sclerotherapy has risks of itching and discoloration of the skin and in a few patients may lead to blood clots.
Suitability for Different Veins
Varithena is most suited for the large varicose veins especially those located in hard to reach places. Sclerotherapy on the other hand is best suited for the treatment of spider veins as well as small varicose veins located closer toward the skin surface.
Varithena: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Suitable for large veins
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Speedy treatment and recovery period
- Applicable to hard to treat veins
Cons
- Expensive procedure
- Does not work best for smaller veins or cupid veins
- Some chances of mild side effects
Sclerotherapy: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Particularly effective in treating small and spider veins
- Affordable procedure
- Either working day or a couple of them off work will be needed
- Safe method and proven mechanism
Cons
- Course treatment is often needed
- Larger veins treatment is not optimal
- Adverse Event: Mild, infrequent reactions are possible
Choosing the Right Treatment
It is wise before adopting either Varithena or Sclerotherapy to consider the following factors:
- Vein size and type: Large varicose veins would especially indicate the use of Varithena. In patients with smaller spider veins, Sclerotherapy would be usually the better answer.
- Cost: For patients who put a premium on cost, Sclerotherapy emerges as the low-cost alternative.
- Expected time frame for recovery: Whilst it is understood that both treatments can allow for a short duration of recovery, it appears that Varithena might be better on this aspect.
- Doctor’s advice: Consult with a specialist, such as a vascular surgeon, who will be able to look at your individual case and guide you through the best treatment options.
Conclusion
Sclerotherapy and Varithena are both very good procedures for treating the varicose veins and spider veins. Varithena is preferred for large and extensive varicose veins while Sclerotherapy works best with small varicose veins and spider veins. Each of the two treatments has its benefits and which one is ideal depends on your needs, the nature of the veins, their size, and their geographical location around the body, your financial possibilities and guidance from your medical practitioner.
Easily, one can appreciate the main differences of these two methods and make an informed choice on which to choose that will let one have beautiful and healthier legs.