Understanding Varicose Vein Treatment

Treatment for Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Varicose vein treatment is not simply about removing veins that are visible on the surface. The goal is to identify the abnormal venous circulation contributing to your symptoms and determine which veins, if any, would benefit from treatment.

Treatment is individualized according to your symptoms, physical findings, venous anatomy, and the location and extent of venous reflux identified on Duplex ultrasound.

When procedural treatment is appropriate, care is often performed in stages, beginning with the primary sources of abnormal venous reflux and followed by reassessment of the remaining veins.

The goal of treatment is to improve symptoms and quality of life by improving the abnormal venous circulation affecting your legs.

Understanding Varicose Vein Disease

Varicose veins develop when vein valves become incompetent and allow blood to flow backward, creating abnormal pressure within the superficial venous circulation. This backward flow is known as venous reflux.

When vein valves within the superficial venous system become damaged and no longer function properly, there is currently no standard treatment that repairs or restores those valves. Medications and conservative measures may help manage symptoms, but they do not eliminate established venous reflux.

Fortunately, abnormal superficial veins are not essential pathways for returning blood from the legs. When incompetent superficial veins are closed or removed from circulation, blood is redirected through functioning venous pathways.

Corrective treatment therefore focuses on eliminating pathologic reflux within malfunctioning superficial veins and improving venous circulation through the remaining functional veins.

This is why successful varicose vein treatment begins with identifying where the reflux originates, rather than simply treating the veins that are most visible on the surface.

Types of Varicose Vein Treatment

Treatment of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency generally includes conservative management, corrective treatment, or a combination of both, depending on symptoms, clinical findings, and the pattern of venous reflux.

1. Conservative Management

Conservative measures are intended to support venous circulation and help control symptoms. They may include:

• Graduated compression stockings
• Regular walking and physical activity
• Leg elevation
• Weight management and lifestyle modification

These measures may improve aching, heaviness, swelling, and overall leg comfort, but they do not eliminate established venous reflux or restore damaged vein valves.

Conservative management may remain important before treatment, after treatment, and for patients managed without a procedure.

2. Corrective Treatment

Corrective treatment is directed at eliminating pathologic venous reflux by removing incompetent superficial veins from circulation, allowing blood to be redirected through functioning venous pathways.

Treatment is structured and performed in stages. Primary sources of venous reflux are addressed first, followed by clinical and Duplex ultrasound reassessment. Remaining incompetent perforating veins, tributary varicosities, and other residual sources of reflux are then evaluated and treated when indicated.

Corrective treatment does not eliminate the underlying predisposition to chronic venous disease.

The goals of treatment are to:

• Improve symptoms and quality of life
• Improve venous circulation
• Reduce pathologic venous reflux and venous hypertension
• Slow progression of chronic venous insufficiency and reduce disease-related complications

Optimal outcomes are often achieved through a staged combination of conservative and corrective treatment strategies, guided by the severity and pattern of reflux, the procedures performed, and patient-specific factors including comfort and recovery considerations.

Why Can Incompetent Superficial Veins Be Closed?

Many patients understandably wonder whether closing a vein will interfere with normal circulation.

The deep venous system carries the majority of blood returning from the legs toward the heart. The superficial venous system carries a smaller portion of venous return and communicates with the deep system through perforating veins.

When valves within superficial veins become incompetent, blood can flow backward through these abnormal pathways, contributing to venous hypertension, varicose veins, swelling, and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.

Closing or removing incompetent superficial veins redirects blood through functioning venous pathways, allowing the remaining venous circulation to return blood more efficiently.

Varicose Vein Treatment Options

Depending on the source and pattern of venous reflux, venous anatomy, symptoms, and clinical findings, corrective treatment may include:

• Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
  Ultrasound-guided laser ablation of incompetent saphenous and accessory veins.
• Percutaneous Ablation of Perforating Veins (PAP)
  Ultrasound-guided laser ablation of incompetent perforating veins.
• Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
  Liquid or microfoam treatment of incompetent varicose veins and residual sources of reflux.
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy
  Removal of selected bulging superficial varicosities through small skin punctures.
• Compression Sclerotherapy
  Treatment of selected reticular and smaller superficial veins.
• Cosmetic Sclerotherapy of Spider Veins
  Treatment of spider and small reticular veins.

👉Learn more about Methods of Varicose Vein Treatment

What to Expect

• All procedures are performed in our Park Ridge vein clinic
• Local anesthesia — no hospital admission or general anesthesia
• Most patients return to normal daily activities promptly
• Patients with physically demanding occupations may require temporary modification of activity

Individual recovery recommendations depend on the procedure performed, extent of treatment, and clinical findings.

Experience and Continuity of Care

At International Vein & Skin Institute, venous ultrasound examinations and vein procedures are personally performed by Jozef Tryzno, MD, RVT, DABVLM.

• Diplomate, American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine
• Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT)
• Treating venous disease since 1998
• One physician involved from evaluation through treatment and follow-up
• Individualized, staged treatment planning based on clinical findings and venous anatomy

Schedule a Vein Evaluation

If you are experiencing symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins, or have been advised to consider treatment, an evaluation can help determine the appropriate next steps.

📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule a vein evaluation with Dr. Tryzno.

Learn More

• Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
• Venous Ultrasound Evaluation
• Methods of Varicose Vein Treatment
• Meet Dr. Tryzno