What is Varicose Vein Surgery?
Varicose veins are swollen and twisted blood vessels that typically appear near the surface of the skin, often in the legs behind the knees and extending down to the ankles. This condition occurs when the valves in the veins weaken, preventing blood from flowing efficiently back to the heart. As a result, blood can pool in the veins, causing them to enlarge and twist. While some people may have no symptoms of varicose veins, others may suffer from pain, discomfort, or even complications like skin ulcers or blood clots.
For those with more severe cases, surgery is a proven and effective option. With advances in medicine, surgery involves various minimally invasive treatments available in Singapore. These options, including sclerotherapy and laser therapy, offer effective solutions to reduce pain and prevent future problems, allowing patients to manage their condition and improve their overall well-being.
Why Do You Need Treatments like Varicose Vein Surgery for this condition?
Varicose veins can lead to more than just cosmetic concerns. When left untreated, they can cause ongoing pain and complications, affecting your daily life. While some may find relief through non-invasive treatments, surgery can offer the most effective long-term solution, especially for more severe cases. Here’s why surgical intervention may be necessary for varicose veins.
1. Persistent Pain and Discomfort
Varicose veins can cause aching, swelling, and a heavy feeling in the legs, especially after long periods of standing or walking. If these symptoms disrupt your daily activities and don’t improve with conservative treatments, varicose vein surgery may be an appropriate choice. In Singapore, where many people spend long hours standing due to work or lifestyle, this pain can become a significant issue, limiting mobility and overall comfort.
2. Risk of Complications Like Blood Clots or Skin Ulcers
Untreated varicose veins can lead to more serious issues, such as skin ulcers, blood clots, or chronic venous insufficiency. Surgical treatment removes or closes the affected veins, reducing the risk of these complications. With the warm climate in Singapore, prolonged swelling and poor circulation can also lead to skin changes that may require more intensive intervention, making surgery a critical preventive measure.
3. Poor Cosmetic Appearance That Affects Confidence
While varicose veins are more than just an aesthetic issue, many people seek treatment for their cosmetic impact. When the veins become highly visible and prominent, it can affect self-esteem and confidence. In such cases, varicose vein surgery not only provides relief from symptoms but can also restore a more youthful and smooth appearance to the legs.
4. Stockings Are Not Treatment>
For some individuals, compression stockings or lifestyle changes may not be sufficient to manage the condition. In these instances, surgery provides a more permanent solution. The growing range of minimally invasive surgical options available in Singapore means that many patients can benefit from quick recovery times and improved results.
How Do You Know if You Need Surgery for Your Varicose Veins?
Deciding whether surgery is necessary depends on the severity of your symptoms and how they are affecting your life. Here are some signs that may indicate that surgery or more intensive treatment is needed for your varicose veins.
1. Symptoms That May Require Varicose Vein Surgery
If you experience symptoms such as throbbing pain, leg swelling, or visible veins that are becoming increasingly uncomfortable, surgery may be a viable option. These symptoms are often more than cosmetic concerns and can interfere with daily activities, making treatment essential for long-term relief. In Singapore, the heat and humidity can exacerbate swelling and discomfort, prompting the need for timely intervention.
2. Conservative Treatments Are Not Helping Your Symptoms
You may have tried conservative measures like compression stockings, leg elevation, or lifestyle changes, but your symptoms persist. If these treatments fail to provide relief, it might be time to consider surgical options. The effectiveness of these treatments varies by individual, and surgery can provide a more permanent solution for those who do not respond well to initial approaches.
3. The Veins Are Enlarged and More Pronounced
When varicose veins become large and visibly twisted, they can become a source of ongoing discomfort and increase the risk of complications. If the veins are making it difficult to wear clothes comfortably or engage in physical activities, surgery may be a suitable option to restore function and appearance. In Singapore’s active lifestyle culture, where outdoor activities are popular, the visual impact of varicose veins can discourage many from being active.
4. There’s a Risk of Developing Serious Complications
If you notice signs such as skin ulcers, darkening of the skin near the veins, or clotting, these can be indicators that varicose veins are progressing into a more serious condition. Surgery can help prevent these issues from worsening and provide a long-term solution to restore vein health and circulation.
Varicose veins are very visible and easy to diagnose. Your vascular doctor will conduct a physical examination to check for any swelling, sores, changes in skin colour, or tender areas in your legs during the diagnosis of varicose veins. This will be done while you are standing or sitting with your legs dangling above the ground. The doctor may also ask you to describe any pain or discomfort you’ve experienced in your legs over the years.
Other tests such as an ultrasound may be conducted if you show signs of abnormal blood flow, a blood clot, or deep vein thrombosis, a life-threatening condition.
A varicose vein treatment plan will be prepared after diagnosis.
Who Is at Risk of Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing them:
- Family history: If varicose veins run in your family, you’re at a higher risk.
- Being overweight: Extra weight puts added pressure on the veins, increasing the risk.
- Prolonged standing or sitting: Jobs or activities that require long periods of standing or sitting can strain the veins.
- Gender: Women, particularly during pregnancy, are more prone due to hormonal changes.
- Age: As we age, vein valves weaken, making varicose veins more likely to occur.
- Lifestyle factors: Lack of exercise, smoking, and poor circulation can contribute to the development of varicose veins.
Other Varicose Vein Treatments We Provide Besides Surgery
We offer a range of minimally invasive treatments designed to manage varicose veins and alleviate symptoms. These options are effective in reducing discomfort and improving vein health without the need for surgical intervention. From sclerotherapy to laser treatments, we provide personalised care to help you find the most suitable solution for your condition.
ClariVein®
This is the latest minimally invasive varicose veins treatment introduced in Singapore in 2012. Using ultrasound guidance, the ClariVein® infusion catheter, a narrow flexible tube, is accurately introduced under the vein. The ClariVein® catheter is then used to concentrate the targeted infusion of liquid sclerosant to block forward flow and cure the varicose veins.
This is the best treatment for varicose veins as it eliminates all the varicose veins without any surgery, general anaesthesia or hospitalisation and does not risk any nerve injuries or burns from laser treatments. Patients can walk immediately after that and there are no visible scars around the knees or ankles once the fine pinhole needle marks have healed after this varicose veins treatment.
Non thermal treatment methods is a currently preferable varicose veins treatment in Singapore as it eliminates varicose veins without any surgery, general anaesthesia or hospitalisation. In addition, risks of nerve injuries or burns from laser treatments are eliminated via this varicose veins treatment. Patients are able to walk immediately after that and there are no visible scars around the knees or ankles once the fine pinhole needle marks have healed.
Learn more about ClariVein® here.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation targets the vein wall using a radiofrequency wave in 20 second bursts for this varicose veins treatment. The collagen of the vein wall is heated which makes the treated varicose vein shrink and close. Eventually, the varicose vein is absorbed by body, and disappears.
Learn more about Radiofrequency Ablation here.
Sclerotherapy
In this procedure, small- and medium-sized varicose veins and spider veins are injected with a chemical solution that scars and closes those veins. After some varicose veins treatment sessions, treated varicose veins should fade but statistics with past patients have found a high recurrence rate.
Learn more about Sclerotherapy here.
Venous Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are an effective varicose veins treatment. They prevent complications of venous diseases from progressing by creating significant pressure on your legs to allow blood to go through narrower circulatory vessels. However, with the hot and humid tropical weather in Singapore, it may be difficult for patients to wear the stockings for long periods of time.
Why Choose Us for Your Varicose Vein Surgery and Treatments?
Choosing the right provider for your varicose vein treatment is an important decision. Here’s why you should trust us:
- Expertise and Experience: Our vascular surgeon specialises in varicose vein treatments, offering years of experience and a deep understanding of the latest techniques.
- Comprehensive Care: We offer a variety of treatment options, from minimally invasive therapies to surgical solutions, ensuring we can tailor the most appropriate approach for your specific needs.
- Personalised Treatment Plans: We believe in providing treatments that are customised to your individual condition, ensuring the most effective and comfortable experience possible.
- Patient-Centered Approach: Your comfort and well-being are our top priority. We offer compassionate care and a supportive environment, guiding you through each step of the treatment process.
Learn More About Varicose Vein Surgery and Other Treatment Options in Singapore
f you’re considering varicose vein treatment, it’s essential to understand all the available options. From minimally invasive treatments to surgical solutions, we can help you find the most suitable approach for your needs. Dr Cheng is ready to guide you through every step, ensuring you feel confident and informed about your treatment choices.
Consult with us today to know which treatment would be perfect for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear in the legs. They are typically caused by weakened or damaged vein valves, which disrupt the normal flow of blood. Factors including genetics, ageing, pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged periods of standing or sitting can contribute to their development.
All varicose veins require treatment, as they indicate underlying vein issues that may worsen over time if left unaddressed. While mild cases can often be managed with non-invasive treatments such as compression stockings and lifestyle changes, these approaches are part of the treatment process rather than alternatives to it. For more severe cases or when symptoms like pain, swelling, or skin changes occur, medical intervention may be necessary.
Treatment options for varicose veins in Singapore range from conservative measures like lifestyle changes and compression stockings to minimally invasive procedures such as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), sclerotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). In severe cases, surgical interventions like vein stripping may be recommended. If you are seeking treatment for varicose veins, reach out to our team at Cheng SC Vein & Endovascular Clinic for a consultation.
While you cannot always prevent varicose veins, adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk and slow their progression. Strategies include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings when needed. If you have a family history of varicose veins or experience symptoms, early intervention and seeking help from a vein specialist can also help prevent complications.
Varicose veins are typically diagnosed through a physical examination and may be confirmed with an ultrasound to check blood flow and identify underlying venous diseases. Our doctor can guide you through the diagnostic process, helping you understand the best approach for your condition.
Surgical intervention is generally recommended for more severe cases of varicose veins that cause pain, swelling, or complications like blood clots and ulcers. If conservative treatments have not provided relief, surgery may be the next step.
If left untreated, varicose veins can cause complications such as chronic venous insufficiency, blood clots, and ulcers. The pressure from blood pooling in the veins may lead to further damage. For more information on venous diseases and the risks involved, visit our page on Venous Diseases.
To book a consultation with Dr Cheng and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your varicose veins, visit our Contact Us page for more information on how to get in touch.