The New Era of Vein Care That Leaves Vein Stripping Behind

Vein stripping is a thing of the past, and modern vein treatments offer safer, more effective, and minimally invasive solutions for venous disease. Procedures like Endovenous Laser Ablation, Sclerotherapy, Microfoam Chemical Ablation, and Phlebectomy provide excellent results with little to no downtime, helping you feel better and more confident in your legs. Don’t let outdated fears keep you from seeking relief—at Artemis in Westminster, CO, we specialize in advanced, patient-friendly vein care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healthier, pain-free legs!

At Artemis, we want to help educate people about how to address venous disease. Some of the patients who come to us express hesitation about pursuing treatment because they fear that we use an outdated practice called “Vein Stripping.” Despite technological advancements, this old approach continues to give modern venous disease treatment a bad name. 

Misunderstanding about modern venous disease treatments are a problem because it means that people suffering from venous disease – with symptoms like leg pain, heaviness, numbness, and varicose or spider veins – delay or avoid treatment. Unfortunately, this often leads to less activity and a lower quality of life. This isn’t necessary! 

In this blog, we dispel the myths surrounding vein stripping and introduce you to modern, minimally invasive treatments that are gentle, effective and essentially painless from diagnosis through recovery.

What is Vein Stripping?

Vein stripping is a surgical procedure that was once commonly used to treat varicose veins. It involves making incisions in the skin and physically removing the affected veins. This procedure was often associated with significant pain, long recovery times, risk of infection and various complications. The process typically required general anesthesia and hospitalization, adding to the overall burden on the patient. 

Post-operative bruising and scarring were common, making vein stripping a less-than-ideal solution. Taking all of this into consideration, it’s understandable why many would hesitate if they believed vein stripping is still the treatment standard. We would too!

Why is Vein Stripping No Longer Used?

Fortunately, medical advancements have provided us with far superior alternatives to vein stripping. Modern treatments are less invasive, have shorter recovery times and are much more effective. Most of these new techniques focus on closing off the problematic veins rather than removing them, which reduces the risk of complications and improves patient comfort. 

Additionally, the newer procedures are typically performed in an outpatient setting, eliminating the need for hospital stays and allowing patients to return to their daily activities much sooner. The precision of modern techniques also means less trauma to surrounding tissues, resulting in minimal scarring and a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.

Why Does Vein Stripping Still Cause Concern?

The horror stories associated with vein stripping still linger. This is largely due to the lasting impact of past experiences and the spread of misinformation, which can overshadow the positive advancements in venous disease treatment. It’s important to understand that these concerns are based on outdated practices and do not reflect the current state of medicine.

Modern Techniques for Treating Venous Disease

Today, we have several modern techniques that are gentle, essentially painless and highly effective. These treatments enable most patients to return to their normal activities quickly and with minimal discomfort.

  • Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) with CTEV Laser – Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to close off varicose veins. Our CTEV laser is the gold standard for this procedure and is known for its precision and effectiveness. During EVLA, the doctor inserts a thin laser fiber into the affected vein through a small incision. The laser energy heats the vein, causing it to collapse and seal shut. Blood is then naturally redirected to healthier veins. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour. Patients can usually resume normal activities within a day or two.
  • Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy is another modern treatment for varicose and spider veins. It involves injecting a solution directly into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body. This procedure is quick, minimally invasive and requires no anesthesia (though a numbing gel is available). In some cases, multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results.  Sclerotherapy is highly effective for smaller veins and can be performed in a doctor’s office. Patients often see significant improvement in the appearance of their veins and experience relief from symptoms with minimal downtime.
  • Microfoam Chemical Ablation – Microfoam Chemical Ablation is a modern, minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. This procedure involves injecting a specialized foam solution directly into the affected veins. The foam displaces blood within the vein, allowing the sclerosing agent to come into direct contact with the vein walls. This reroutes blood through healthier veins and causes the treated vein to collapse and, eventually, be absorbed by the body.
  • Phlebectomy – Phlebectomy, also known as ambulatory phlebectomy or microphlebectomy, is another effective treatment for venous disease. While phlebectomy also involves physically removing an affected vein, it is far different from vein stripping. This procedure uses local anesthesia and only requires tiny incisions in the skin to remove the varicose veins. The incisions are so small that they typically do not require stitches and leave minimal scarring.

Like the other treatments listed here, recovery from phlebectomy is relatively short, with most patients able to quickly return to their normal activities. Phlebectomy provides excellent cosmetic results and significant relief from symptoms associated with venous disease.

Overview of Venous Disease Treatment

The journey to healthier veins begins with an initial consultation and ultrasound screening at our Vein and Aesthetic Center in Westminster. During this screening, we identify the affected areas and determine the best course of treatment. This non-invasive diagnostic tool helps Dr. Pinsinski create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

After a procedure, we advise patients to take it easy for a few days and to wear compression stockings. These stockings help improve blood flow, reduce swelling and support the healing process. Patients usually wear compression stockings for a few days to a few weeks, depending on their specific treatment and individual recovery needs. We can take measurements, order your stockings for you and show you how to use them to make sure you get the best fit.

We’ll Help You Find the Right Treatment

Don’t let horror stories from the past prevent you from seeking treatment for venous disease. Modern techniques like Endovenous Laser Ablation, Sclerotherapy, Microfoam Chemical Ablation and Phlebectomy are safe, effective, minimally invasive and essentially painless. These treatments offer a significant improvement in quality of life with very little discomfort and downtime. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of venous disease, such as leg pain, tenderness, swelling or varicose or spider veins, don’t hesitate to seek treatment and explore your options. Contact us at 303-955-8314 today to learn more about your options and take the first steps toward healthier, happier legs and a higher quality of life.

FAQ

  • Is vein stripping still used to treat varicose veins? –  No, vein stripping is an outdated procedure that has been replaced by modern, minimally invasive treatments like Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), Sclerotherapy, and Microfoam Chemical Ablation. These newer techniques are safer, more effective, and require little to no downtime.
  • What are the best alternatives to vein stripping? – The best alternatives include Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), Sclerotherapy, Microfoam Chemical Ablation, and Phlebectomy. These treatments close or remove problematic veins with minimal discomfort and faster recovery compared to vein stripping.
  • Are modern vein treatments painful? – No, modern vein treatments are designed to be as comfortable as possible. Most procedures use local anesthesia or numbing agents, and patients typically experience only mild discomfort, if any.
  • Where can I get advanced vein treatments in Westminster, CO? – Artemis in Westminster, CO, specializes in safe, minimally invasive vein treatments that help relieve symptoms and improve the appearance of varicose and spider veins. Call us to schedule a consultation today!