06.07.23
Your Preparation Guide to Spider & Varicose Vein Treatment in Arkansas
As with every medical procedure, lots of patients become antsy about treatment and what to expect as the day of their procedure grows closer. Last month we discussed what patients can expect from the vein care recovery process. This month, we’re looking at how you can prepare for spider and varicose vein treatment in Arkansas!
Do you need to fast? Do you need to stop taking medications? What planning can happen before treatment? These are all incredibly common (and incredibly reasonable) questions!
So, with that in mind, let’s talk about how you should prepare for spider and varicose vein treatment in Arkansas with the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center.
How To Prepare for Spider & Varicose Vein Treatment in Arkansas
Preparing for vein treatments at the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center involves a few essential steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for your vein treatment:
Prior To Treatment
1. Schedule a Consultation
So, this one’s a freebie since you’ll always receive a free consultation prior to treatment with the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center!
We’ll discuss your concerns, initiate any necessary testing, and talk you through care strategies. This is the perfect time to inform your provider about any allergies, previous adverse reactions to anesthesia or medications, or any other relevant health concerns.
As is true of all healthcare—clear and open communication with the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center team is a critical component of not only ensuring the success of your treatment and that a given treatment is right for you.
2. Follow Pre-Treatment Instructions
We know this list item is a little on the nose. But that’s because your care will be optimized to meet your needs. That means instructions will vary slightly from patient to patient.
So, prior to your scheduled vein treatment, the center will provide you with specific instructions to follow. Make sure to do just that!
These instructions may include dietary restrictions, medications to avoid, or preparations for the procedure. It’s essential to carefully read and follow these instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.
3. Follow Fasting Guidelines
If your vein treatment requires fasting, follow the specific guidelines provided by the center. Typically, you will be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything for a specific period before the procedure. Adhering to these fasting instructions is the way to guarantee your treatment is a success and that you’re setting your body up for success long-term.
4. Plan for Recovery
Depending on the type of vein treatment, you may require some downtime for recovery. What you should expect post-treatment will always be discussed with you during your consultation and then again prior to treatment.
Though we will cover all of this with you, it never hurts to ask any clarifying questions you have about recovery, too! Discuss with the healthcare professionals at the center about any post-procedure restrictions, such as avoiding strenuous activities, lifting heavy objects, or specific care instructions for the treated area.
Once you have an idea of what recovery will look like, make the necessary arrangements to improve the likelihood that your treatment will be successful long term. For some patients, this may include taking time off work or arranging for assistance at home if needed.
What should I expect from recovery?
The Day of Treatment
1. Arrange Transportation
Some vein treatments may require anesthesia or sedation, which can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery afterward. Arrange for a trusted family member, friend, or caregiver to accompany you to the center and drive you back home after the procedure.
2. Wear Comfortable Clothing
On the day of your treatment, wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing. This will allow easy access to the treatment area and ensure your comfort during the procedure. Additionally, avoid wearing jewelry or any other accessories that may interfere with the treatment.
3. Show Up On Time (Or Early)
So, while admittedly not necessarily vital for the success of your treatment, it’s always important to show up to your treatment on time. That way your care isn’t delayed by timing conflicts or incomplete paperwork. Showing up on time keeps things moving smoothly and gets you in and out of treatment as fast as possible.
Our Treatment Offerings
But knowing what action items you can follow isn’t all there is to preparing for spider and varicose vein treatment in Arkansas. That’s why we thought patients might benefit from a quick breakdown of all the vein treatments we offer and what you can expect from care!
If you have any questions, reach out! We’ll be happy to address your concerns, discuss how to plan ahead for care, and talk you through what comes next.
Spider Vein Treatments
Though spider veins can technically happen anywhere in the body, most of the patients we see deal with issues in the legs. As we said, spider veins are milder than varicose veins and are usually more of a cosmetic issue (though underlying venous reflux disease is certainly possible).
However, just because an issue isn’t causing physical pain doesn’t mean it isn’t taking its toll. Spider veins, even if they don’t hurt, can cause a major psychological impact and lead to people being self-conscious about their legs or other parts of their body.
As Northwest Arkansas’ vein experts, the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center staff sees hundreds of patients each year and has our treatment methods down to an exact science.
Sclerotherapy Injections
We’ll start off our overview of treatments with sclerotherapy injections. These injections are designed to safely damage the inner walls of the vein and are performed by either our Medical Director, Dr. Kevin Haney, or one of our licensed nurses. Additionally, these injections can also be used to treat varicose veins.
By using either Asclera (polidocanol) or Sotradecol (sodium tetradecyl sulfate), Sclerotherapy will shut down the scarred, damaged inner walls of the vein. After that, the vein will collapse and absorb into your body over time.
These injections usually have a slight burning sensation associated with them, but they are highly effective. Once the vein collapses, it’s gone forever! It’s important to note, though, that multiple rounds of injections may be needed and that new spider veins can still develop over time.
Excel V Laser System
Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center takes pride in offering the latest, most cutting-edge technology for vein treatment. The Excel V Laser System is a testament to that, with its versatile dual-laser technology.
Whether it’s spider veins, sun spots, facial veins, or a number of other skin issues, the Excel V Laser System has proven to be safe and effective with its treatment. After sanitizing the treatment area, the laser treatment is delivered to the area (or areas) where vein or skin issues are located. The vein absorbs the laser energy, and the heat collapses and closes the vein walls.
These treatments can be recommended as an alternative to Sclerotherapy, depending on the location and how severe your vein or skin issue is. A topical anesthetic can also be provided to numb any pain. Over time, you should see noticeable aesthetic improvement!
Varicose Veins and Venous Reflux Treatments
Varicose veins and venous reflux are generally more severe issues when compared to spider veins. These veins are blue or purple and are usually found in the legs. What makes them more severe are the potential physical issues that come with them, such as pain, itchiness, swelling, leg heaviness, and other ailments.
Varicose veins and venous reflux happen when there’s an issue with the valve in the vein. Instead of carrying blood back to your heart like it’s supposed to, a valve issue will cause blood to pool up (or reflux) in your veins or ankles. This leads to the protruding varicose veins that we see at our office.
Between dealing with discomfort and cosmetic issues, the physical and mental toll that varicose veins and venous reflux can have on a person can be debilitating. Fortunately, we offer a number of different treatments for varicose veins, as well as the early stages of vein disease and venous reflux.
Venaseal
One of the newest, most up-to-date treatments we offer for veins is Venaseal. Venaseal is very popular with our patients not only because of its effectiveness but because compression hose aren’t required after treatment.
Introduced back in 2016, Dr. Haney and Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center were the first in Arkansas to offer this treatment. It works by injecting a numbing shot to reduce pain, and then a small catheter is inserted into the vein. Our staff then uses ultrasound to guide the catheter, and small drops within it are used to treat and close the vein.
The procedure is safe and proven effective by clinical studies, so you’ll be able to return to normal activities within a short time!
Varithena
Keeping with our commitment to cutting-edge technology, Dr. Haney and Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center were also the first in Arkansas to use Varithena. Varithena is both minimally invasive and essentially pain-free, using injections to help treat veins.
For this treatment, Dr. Haney will inject the Varithena microfoam into the vein until it collapses. Once that happens, your blood will flow to the healthy veins surrounding the collapsed vein. Over time, your body will absorb the treated vein and produce healthy, effective results.
Varithena treatments have a 94% success rate and are one of the most versatile methods of treating vein issues. After your treatment, you can expect to wear compression stockings for about 14 days.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is well known as one of the most popular ways to treat venous reflux and varicose veins worldwide. Those suffering from chronic venous insufficiency have seen faster recoveries thanks to this treatment method.
The treatment is both safe and highly effective, using radiofrequency energy to heat and treat the problematic vein. After applying a local anesthetic, Dr. Haney uses ultrasound guidance to insert a tiny catheter into the treatment area. Once in the area, the heat energy from radiofrequency fiber will cause the vein walls to collapse and close.
Much like other treatments, your blood will be redirected to healthier veins once the problematic one closes. Following the treatment, you’ll need to wear compression stockings for a doctor-recommended amount of time.
VenaCure EVLT
Another common treatment at our facility, VenaCure EVLT has been administered by Dr. Haney more than 1,800 times to date. The main reason this treatment is so popular? It works and produces noticeable improvements in your legs at the treatment area.
VenaCure EVLT works by utilizing laser light technology, which uses a small amount of energy to close off the vein. After applying local anesthetic and a numbing shot at the treatment area, we put a laser fiber up through the target vein using ultrasound guidance. Once in place, Dr. Haney will heat the treated area and close it off.
The procedure is similar to that of Radiofrequency Ablation and other treatments, except the technology used for the treatment is different. Recovery also looks a little different, as compression stockings are required for 24 hours continuously following surgery. You will also need them for 48 hours afterward during the day.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Lastly, we offer Ambulatory Phlebectomy as a treatment option for varicose veins. We use this treatment as a means to specifically improve the aesthetics of your treatment area.
After an ablation treatment our nurses use an Ambulatory Phlebectomy to treat the visible veins in your legs. After applying local anesthetic, we make small incisions into the skin and use a phlebectomy hook to remove the viable bulges.
Once that’s completed, we apply bandages and wraps and send you on your way. The best part about this treatment is that there’s no downtime associated with it, and any visible scars will fade over time. That just leaves you with the beautiful results you’ve been looking for!
Your allies in vascular care & recovery
Interested in spider or varicose vein treatments in Arkansas? Come to the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center. Our experience and growing suite of care options allow us to guide you toward lasting wellness solutions for a happier, healthier life.
We are a premier practice in Northwest Arkansas for all the highest-quality vascular treatments available. Dr. Haney, Dr. Stout, and the expert staff have over 75 years of combined experience in the industry. Patients come to us from across the country—from Fayetteville & Bentonville to Houston, Texas, & Springfield, Missouri—to ensure they receive the best concierge-level care.
After all, helping patients is what we do. And it is our mission to provide the patients of Arkansas and beyond with the absolute best care possible.
Take the first step on the road to recovery with our Virtual Vascular Screening Tool, or schedule a consultation. We also hold regular free screening events.
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