Varithena®
Varithena is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure used to treat abnormal veins.
Varithena is an FDA-approved prescription medicine used to treat varicose veins and symptoms related to or caused by varicose veins.
Under the guidance of ultrasound technology, Varithena is injected into the diseased veins. The Varithena foam will then collapse and seal the problematic vessels, rerouting blood flow to nearby healthy veins.
Benefits of Varithena®
Minimally invasive, non-surgical
High success rate, up to 94%
Office-based procedure (no hospital stay)
No general anesthesia
No downtime
Fewer side effects than traditional vein “stripping”
Improves undesirable appearance of veins
Varithena® Effectiveness
In clinical studies, the majority of patients treated with Varithena saw improvements in related symptoms including leg heaviness, achiness, swelling, and itching after just one treatment. In an assessment by both patients and physicians, the majority of patients also experienced an improvement in vein appearance.
Procedure
Treatment with Varithena doesn’t require any incisions or general anesthesia. It usually takes the doctor less than an hour to administer Varithena.
The doctor administers a small amount of Varithena through a catheter or by direct injection into the malfunctioning vein.
The Varithena microfoam fills and treats the desired section of vein.
The diseased vein collapses and the microfoam is deactivated.
When the malfunctioning vein collapses, blood flow shifts to healthy veins.
Pre-Treatment Instructions
Bring your compression stockings with you for each appointment.
Bring comfortable shoes for walking.
Avoid using lotions on your legs the day of your Varithena session.
Drink at least 64oz of water and avoid any alcohol the day prior to your Varithena session.
Drink 32oz of water and avoid caffeine/coffee the day of your Varithena session.
Report any medication, allergies, or changes in your medical condition prior to your session.
Avoid air travel for 1 week following your Varithena session.
Post-Treatment Instructions
After Varithena, a compression stocking will be applied. After walking for 10-20 minutes, you will be able to drive yourself home.
You will be instructed to wear compression stockings continuously for 2 days. Thereafter, you will put your stockings on in the morning and take them off at night for 12 additional days. You do not need to wear stockings while showering.
You may resume most of your regular activities immediately, excluding running, jumping, and other strenuous activities that involve your core muscle group (torso area). Do not lift more than 40 pounds for 1 week. You may resume normal workouts after 1 week.
Avoid air travel for 1 week following a Varithena session.
Avoid hot tubs, baths, lakes or swimming pools for 1 week.
You are encouraged to walk 30-60 minutes per day.
What to Expect After Varithena
Expect bruising, which can be extensive. This is temporary and resolves gradually over several weeks.
Soreness or tenderness at injection sites is normal for 1-2 days. You may experience a stinging or burning sensation that lasts minutes to hours directly following the procedure. This is a sign that the medication is working in the vein. Walking and wearing compression stockings are recommended.
One or more areas of pain, redness and swelling may occur and usually are delayed by several days to weeks after the procedure. Blood can become trapped in closing veins as they heal and this can cause tender, sometimes lumpy areas in treated veins. If you develop tender spots you may want to begin taking an over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or an NSAID (Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naproxen). NSAIDs tend to be more effective at reducing the inflammation that causes pain. Always check with your primary care provider before taking any new medication. Consult the medication packaging instructions regarding maximum dosing or ask your pharmacist. Using this medication daily for 1-2 weeks can help reduce inflammation and speed your recovery even if it does not take the pain away entirely. Expect this pain to improve gradually over several weeks. Continue to wear your compression stockings during the day and continue walking a minimum of 40 min throughout the day as long as you are having discomfort. Call the office for an appointment if you are having significant pain or extreme discomfort. An US evaluation may be recommended to verify the source of your pain and guide your treatment.
Lasting numbness in the treatment area is not uncommon. This gradually improves over weeks to months.
Brown, tan or yellow staining of the skin (hyperpigmentation) may occur over the treated vein as it is being absorbed. This will lighten gradually over 6-18 months.
Generally, you will notice improvement in your symptoms over several weeks.
Optimal cosmetic improvement generally takes 6-12 months.
Vein disease is chronic and progressive. New veins will become unhealthy over time. Expect to follow up with your vein specialists at Physicians Vein Clinics.
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Varithena® FAQs
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A: Swelling can occur over treated veins which is normal and a sign of successful treatment. Therefore, it is common to notice multiple areas of swelling after treatment. You may also notice lumpiness and tenderness in the areas of swelling. Call the clinic if you notice generalized (overall) swelling of the leg, calf, ankle and/or foot after treatment, particularly if it is more pronounced in one leg compared to the other.
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A: Numbness is not uncommon after vein procedures. Skin nerves can be affected during the procedure which can cause numbness, tingling or “pins and needles”. This is not worrisome and generally improves gradually over several months.
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A: You can expect significant bruising after vein procedures. This resolves slowly over 4-6 weeks. You may try an over-the-counter bruise remedy such as Arnica from your local pharmacy. Ask the pharmacist any questions you may have regarding this medication.
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A: Yes, new veins can appear when unhealthy veins are treated. These are existing veins that become congested and visible. Sometimes they are so small and numerous they give a “matting” appearance. Matting typically improves or completely resolves within 6-12 months.
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A: You may remove any bandages on the day following your procedure or anytime thereafter.
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A. You can shower the day following your procedure.
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A: Migraines can be triggered by vein procedures. Treat these as you normally would. You may have migraines with future treatments and should plan to have migraine medication on hand at the time of treatment.