Microfoam Varicose Vein Treatment
Have you heard of microfoam varicose vein treatment? Varicose veins are as much of a health problem as they are an aesthetic issue. They form in claw-like shapes in purple or blue; the veins thicken and darken.
Luckily, there are currently several treatments that can help to shrink them. Among these, we find microfoam is popular for its simplicity and great results. What does the treatment consist of? How does it work? In this article we go into detail.
Varicose veins
Varicose veins are caused by venous insufficiency. In the legs, the veins appear swollen with knot-like bulges and curves, which aren’t very pleasing to the eye. Furthermore, they can also cause obstructions in the veins in other regions of the body and organs like the esophagus (esophageal varicose) and the rectum (hemorrhoids).
The cause of varicose veins is usually linked to insufficient blood flow or a weakness in the vein walls. This, in turn, can be attributed to hereditary factors, age, habits, or lifestyle.
The good news is that there are several types of treatment to counteract these factors and their result of varicose veins; from dietary changes to anti-varicose exercise, to interventions like laser therapy or others.
In this article, as we mentioned above, we’ll explain what microfoam varicose vein treatment consists of. Furthermore, we’ll detail the recovery process and what the possible risks are. Keep reading!
Bulky varicose veins are related to insufficient venous. To treat them you may have to change your lifestyle.
Keep reading: Swollen Legs: Main Causes and Treatment
Microfoam treatment for varicose veins
Treating varicose veins with microfoam consists of injecting a substance into the affected veins. Through this, specialists look to aid the tightening and healing of the veins’ internal walls and hope to restrict and redirect blood flow. After this, the treated veins are reabsorbed into the surrounding tissue, until they disappear.
The substance used in this procedure, polidocanol , also known as Laureth-9, is a sclerosing agent. This boosts the formation of blood clots and scar tissue. As a result, the dilation of the affected vein reduces; dilated veins is one of the most obvious signs of varicose veins.
It’s fitting to highlight here that this treatment doesn’t require a trip to the hospital nor anesthetic. However, it must be administered by a professional and they must follow a set protocol.
Steps of the microfoam treatment
- Locate the vein that you want to treat using a Doppler ultrasound
- Insert a catheter
- Inject the microfoam through the catheter. The process is monitored the entire time.
- Once the microfoam has been injected, the catheter is removed and a bandage or dressing is placed at the point of injection
To know more: Natural Topical and Oral Treatments for Varicose Veins
Recovery process and risks of the treatment
Microfoam varicose vein treatment is minimally invasive. As such, it doesn’t require a prolonged recovery period. The person treated can even return to their daily activities almost immediately. However, you should continue with medical supervision.
It’s possible that you will need several sessions of treatment to receive good results. Your physician will determine this, as well as the amount of substance used in the sessions.
In any case, it’s important to bear in mind that the application of this technique does carry some risks and possible side effects. Let’s have a look at the most common:
- Temporary effects: redness, bruising, darkening, and visibility of the veins. But these should all disappear with a little time.
- Side effects that require attention: if you experience inflammation, a hot sensation, or an allergic reaction, you should visit a medical professional. In more severe cases you may even have small blood clots that they’ll need to drain.
After the microfoam treatment, the treated area may present some bruising or reddening. However, this should improve with time.
What should we remember about the microfoam treatment?
Undergoing a microfoam treatment for varicose veins means a better quality of life for the patient from an aesthetic point of view. But it can also help with other symptoms related to this condition, like pain, swelling, or cramps.
Although the procedure isn’t invasive, a professional must carry it out. Additionally, in the case of adverse reactions like inflammation or allergic reaction, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately to avoid complications.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Antani MR, Dattilo JB. Varicose Veins. [Updated 2020 Apr 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470194/
- Radhakrishnan N, Jayakrishnan R, Deepu G. Microfoam Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins: a Retrospective Analysis of a Modified Technique. Indian J Surg. 2015;77(Suppl 3):816-821. doi:10.1007/s12262-013-1013-2
- Worthington-Kirsch RL. Injection sclerotherapy. Semin Intervent Radiol. 2005;22(3):209-217. doi:10.1055/s-2005-921954
- Barrett JM, Allen B, Ockelford A, Goldman MP. Microfoam ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy treatment for varicose veins in a subgroup with diameters at the junction of 10 mm or greater compared with a subgroup of less than 10 mm. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30(11):1386-1390. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2004.30430.x
- Tropper U, Ferrrari D, Torres D. Todo sobre las varices, 1era edición. Buenos Aires; Kier, 2007.