Procedure - Vein Ablation

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that commonly occur in the legs and feet, though they can happen anywhere in the body. Varicose veins result from pressure being placed on the lower half of the body while standing, walking, or running. For most people, varicose and spider veins (a mild variation of varicose veins) are simply cosmetic, but for others varicose veins can pose more significant health concerns. For this reason, Ogden Clinic in Utah offers patients vein ablation to remove varicose veins, alleviate symptoms, and improve appearance.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are dark purple or blue in color, and can appear twisted or bulging, like a cord on the legs. As mentioned before, varicose veins are simply cosmetic for some people while others experience uncomfortable symptoms, such as:

• Achy or heavy feelings in your leg
• Itching around the varicose veins
• Bleeding from the varicose veins
• Worsened pain after sitting or standing for an extended period of time
• Burning, throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in the lower legs and feet
• Discoloration of the skin, hardening of the vein, inflammation, or skin ulcers near the ankle

To keep varicose veins from getting worse you can perform self-care—wearing compression socks, elevating your legs, or exercising regularly—but if they continue to cause problems you may want to consider vein ablation.

How It Works

Vein ablation helps people suffering from uncomfortable and unsightly varicose veins in the Ogden area of northern Utah. Before the varicose veins procedure, your doctor may apply a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort. They will then use an ultrasound to visualize the veins, insert a local anesthetic, and then apply a laser or radiofrequency electrode to heat the vessel and close it. After the procedure is complete, the varicose veins will shrink away and “scar down.” Vein ablation is minimally-invasive and takes approximately one hour to complete, depending on how many areas are being treated.

Varicose veins are generally a cosmetic problem for most people, but for others they can cause painful symptoms that interfere with daily activities and sleep. If you would like to remove your varicose veins, contact us at Ogden Clinic in Utah to learn more about vein ablation.