Varithena for Varicose and Spider Vein Therapy
In Lancaster, Dr. Winand specializes in using Varithena to treat varicose and spider veins. This FDA-approved treatment uses an injectable microfoam to seal off problem veins, diminishing their appearance and resolving painful symptoms. Varithena represents the latest developments in vein treatments, enhancing patient comfort without sacrificing results.
How It Works
When we inject Varithena into an affected vein, the microfoam expands and displaces the blood in that vein. As it comes into contact with the blood vessel’s walls, it causes controlled damage that causes the walls to collapse, sealing the vein off. Afterwards, the foam dilutes into your bloodstream and your body naturally flushes it out.
What to Expect
We recommend arriving at your appointment 15 to 30 minutes early to complete any additional paperwork. Once you’ve checked in, we lead you back to a treatment room. There, you change into a pair of treatment shorts and then—while you’re standing—Dr. Winand conducts an ultrasound of your veins to map out the veins in the treatment area.
Then, we help you lay down on the treatment table, prep the leg, and apply a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area and minimize discomfort, if needed. Guided by the ultrasound, he injects the Varithena into the affected vein. Typically requiring only 1 or 2 injections, and the treatment process itself takes about 5 minutes.
Afterwards, you relax in our treatment room for an additional 20 to 30 minutes while the Varithena takes effect and we apply your compression stockings. We have you walk around our office for a little bit to encourage healthy blood flow. Then, once we’ve reviewed your post-care instructions and scheduled your follow-up appointment, you’re free to leave and return to your day.
All told, your appointment takes about an hour. With a nearly painless patient experience and no required downtime, Varithena is one of our favorite options for varicose and spider vein therapy in Lancaster.
After Your Varithena Procedure
After Varithena, some patients may experience mild bruising and firmness of the treated vein. These symptoms are normal and should resolve on their own within several weeks. If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to call our office.
For the first 48 hours after Varithena, wear your compression socks continuously. They help keep the treated vein completely sealed off and promote healthy circulation throughout your legs. Make sure to keep your stockings clean and dry. Wait to shower or bathe until this 48-hour period has passed and you’ve taken the stockings off.
For the next 3 to 5 days, avoid heavy exercise like lifting, running, or other high-aerobic workouts. You can still engage in all your normal lighter activities, like work and driving. For at least 10 minutes every day, walk around to help encourage proper circulation.
Within several weeks, we will have you visit us again for a follow-up appointment. At this appointment, we will use ultrasound to check on your results and discuss any next steps in your treatment plan.