Treat and prevent varicose veins
Varicose veins are abnormally swollen or enlarged blood vessels in the leg, caused by the weakening in the vein's wall. The three main factors are inherited weakness of the veins, pregnancy and prolonged standing, another factor can be wearing tight clothing or high heels frequently.
The old way For the past 40 years, the only treatment available for varicose veins was an invasive surgery called "stripping", where under general anaesthesia a few large incisions are made in the leg and the diseased veins stripped out. Following surgery, you'd usually have to rest in the hospital for a few days, pain is intense and you usually cannot walk for a few days and are left with very unsightly scars. Even worse, studies show 25 to 30 percent of varicose veins may recur.
The new way Endovenous Laser Treatment is a minimally invasive, clinically proven alternative to surgical vein stripping. It effectively and safely treats varicose veins by using a precise laser fibre to deliver energy inside the vein, directly into the vein wall. Performed under local anaesthesia, a laser fibre is first inserted into the diseased vein through a tiny opening in the skin and laser energy is then delivered through the fibre, causing the vein to close as the fibre is gradually removed.
Benefits of EVLT include:
1. Treatment in less than an hour.
2. Can be performed in the doctor's office.
3. Up to 98 percent success rate.
4. Immediate relief of symptoms.
5. Minimal post procedure pain.
6. Immediate return to activity.
7. No general anaesthesia or hospitalisation.
8. No scarring.
It takes 15 to 45 minutes to treat one vein and although you'll need to wear a compression stocking from your foot to the top of your thigh following treatment, you will be able to walk immediately. The cost of treatment is from $5,500 upwards, depending on the number of veins. The Vein Clinic Singapore, Tel: 9889 0288, www.theveinclinic.com.sg
