Aging is one of the major factors for developing vein disease. In fact, more than half of all men and women above age 50 currently suffer from vein disease is some form. While these statistics are hard proof that vein problems are rampant in the United States, the fact remains that older individuals still hesitate to seek out vein treatment because they are unsure about the safety of the treatment itself. In just the last decade, numerous advances to the tools and techniques for treating vein disease have expanded to become simpler, less invasive and comfortable, making Long Island vein treatments some of the safest medical procedures around for people of any age.
What types of vein treatments are best suited for older adults in Long Island?
Vein care specialists in Long Island typically avoid recommending traditional surgery for older adult patients. Instead, the best vein doctors in Long Island guide patients towards gentler and less invasive procedures such as sclerotherapy, phlebectomy and endovenous laser therapy. For patients of any age who do not want or cannot undergo a procedure, we can recommend helpful at-home treatments that can provide effective relief from many of the bothersome symptoms of problem veins.
Minimally Invasive Treatment
Modern alternatives to traditional vein surgeries are minimally invasive, meaning they are performed in such a way that doctors do not have to ‘invade’ or go into your body as much as traditional surgeries do. Instead, these treatments use local anesthetics to numb only the treatment site and require only minor incisions or injections. Although these treatments are much easier on the body and allow for quicker recovery (most patients are encouraged to walk around at least a bit within a few hours after the procedure), they are just as effective at restoring healthy circulation as full-blown surgery.
Sclerotherapy. This is one of the most frequently used minimally invasive treatments for improving spider veins and lesser varicose veins. Usually guided by an ultrasound device, a very fine needle deposits a foam or saline solution into the problem vein, causing it to collapse on itself. The collapsed vein is essentially closed off and blood flow naturally reverts into healthier veins.
Ambulatory phlebectomy. Phlebectomy literally means ‘vein removal,’ which may sound harsh, but is actually quite mild and les risky than traditional surgery. This procedure needs only slight incisions to access the affected vein. Surface veins can be treated in this way using local anesthetics to keep patients comfortable throughout the procedure.
Endovenous laser therapy. This type of treatment is one of the more technically advanced procedures, yet still as safe, comfortable and effective as similar procedures. During laser therapy sessions, your Long Island vascular doctor will insert a miniscule catheter into the problem vein through a very tiny incision. Through the catheter, a fine-tuned laser generates heat to seal up the vein. Circulation intuitively reroutes itself to working veins over time.
Conservative Treatment
Conservative treatments are those that do not require any incisions or sedation whatsoever. You can do these yourself at home—or anywhere that is convenient for you. These usually include leg exercises, over-the-counter medications, elevation and wearing compression stockings. Depending on your overall health, physical fitness and level of vein care, your doctor will help you decide which of these non-invasive treatments to try.
Dr. Andrew Rochman is a Long Island vein specialist adept at handling the unique concerns of vein patients of any age and at any stage of vein disease. To learn more about the minimally invasive and conservative vein treatments we provide, please review our website at www.advancedveincaresolutions.com. To go ahead and make an appointment for a venous evaluation and consultation with Dr. Rochman, give us a call at 516-821-0242. We hope to hear from you soon!