Varithena Treatment Uses, Procedure and Side effects

Varithena

Varithena Treatment Uses, Procedure, and Side effects: Varithena, also known as polidocanol injectable foam, is a prescription medicine used to treat varicose veins. Varithena improves symptoms caused by varicose veins and also improves the appearance of varicose veins.

Verithena is an alternative treatment to surgical procedures for varicose veins. The procedure is minimally invasive and doesn’t involve surgical vein stripping.

Uses of Varithena

Varithena is used for the treatment of varicose veins. It is a better and less-invasive treatment than most other treatments for varicose veins.

It is used to improve symptoms of varicose veins as well as the appearance of varicose veins.

Dosage

Varithena is administered intravenously with an injection needle or a catheter under ultrasound guidance. A dose of up to 5 ml per injection and 15 ml per treatment session is usually used.

Advantages of the Varithena Procedure For Treating Varicose Veins

Varicose and spider veins are unsightly and can cause a lot of discomforts. The Varithena Procedure is widely regarded as the best non-surgical method of treating and preventing these hideous conditions. 

There are some of the advantages of the Varithena Procedure:

• It is non-surgical
• Minimally invasive
• It is safe and effective.
• It is a long-lasting solution.
• It is performed in a day surgery facility.
• It is a one-time procedure.
• It is affordable.

Side Effects of Verithena

Varithena treatment may cause some side effects in some patients. The most common side effect of Varithena treatment is leg pain or discomfort in the treatment area. In most cases, leg pain stops within one week.

Other common side effects include:

• Bruising or pain at the injection site
• Blood clots in the veins
• Numbness or tingling
• Tenderness, warmth, and/or itching at the injection site
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Increased hair growth on the treated leg
• Allergic reactions to the polidocanol medication

‎Results

Varithena treatment has shown remarkable improvements to the symptoms and appearance of varicose veins. After the treatment, most patients usually notice less pain and also notice that their varicose veins have become less visible.

Varithena procedure

Varithena procedure is minimally invasive. Before the injection is administered, your doctor will first numb the injection site with a numbing agent so you don’t feel pain. No additional anesthesia is required.

Using ultrasound guidance, your doctor will then administer a small amount of Varithena through an injection needle or a catheter into the targeted vein. After administering the Varithena into the vein, the needle or catheter will be removed. The treatment area will be bandaged. You will need to wear compression stockings for the next 3-14 days depending on the treated vein.

Verithena procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes to be completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Varithena made of?

Varithena is a microfoam that is made from polidocanol. Polidocanol is a local anesthetic and antipruritic component made of ointments and bath additives. It belongs to the class of drugs known as sclerosing agents. It is used for the treatment of varicose veins, hemangiomas, and vascular malformations

What is the difference between Varithena and sclerotherapy?

Verithena is an injectable treatment used to treat and improve the appearance of varicose veins. Also known as polidocanol injectable foam, Verithena treatment is an alternative to surgical and invasive treatments for varicose veins. Verithena treatment involves injecting a small amount of polidocanol foam into the affected vein with an injection needle or catheter.

The polidocanol foam fills the targeted section of the vein by displacing the blood within the damaged vein and causes the vein to collapse. When the damaged vein has collapsed, blood then shifts from the collapsed vein to the nearby healthy veins. Blood then flows upward and out of the leg through healthy veins.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a treatment used to treat and eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy treatment involves injecting a solution (sclerosant) directly into the affected vein. The injected solution works by irritating the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to swell. The swelling of the blood vessel cuts off the flow of blood, causing the blood vessel to shrink. The treatment shrinks the collapsed varicose veins until they disappear.

How long does it take for Varithena to work?

Varithena is meant to be used alongside personalized skincare. It is recommended to start using it during the later stages of your skincare routine. The best way to see results with Varithena is to use it for at least 8 to 12 weeks because it takes time to gradually increase your skin’s collagen production.

What should I avoid after receiving Varithena?

There are a few things to avoid after receiving Varithena. The first is alcohol. Generally, it is not recommended to drink alcohol for 24 hours after receiving Varithena. The second is activities that could make you sweat excessively. It is not recommended to participate in activities that could make you sweat excessively for 24 hours after receiving Varithena.

How much does Varithena cost?

The cost of Varithena treatment may range from $2000 to $3000. The costs vary depending on a number of factors including the number and size of veins to be treated.

What are the side effects of Varithena?

Varithena is a relatively safe treatment. However, there are potential side effects that may occur in some patients. These include:

• Severe pain
• Severe numbness
• A burning sensation or irritation in the treated leg
• Skin discoloration or changes where the injection was given
• Sudden severe headache
• Problems with vision, speech, or balance
• Swelling, tenderness warmth, or redness in the treated leg
• Potentially serious blood clots in the leg veins
• Increased hair growth on the treated leg.
• Allergic reactions to the polidocanol medication

How quickly does Varithena work?

Following Varithena treatment, you can start seeing improvements in as little as one to two weeks. However, it takes about three weeks to see the final results of your treatment.

Is Varithena procedure painful?

Verithena procedure is a less-painful procedure. Before your doctor administers the injection, your doctor will first numb the injection site with a numbing agent so you don’t feel pain.

What should I do after Varithena?

Following the Varithena injection, you may experience bruising and swelling for a few days. You will need to wear compression stockings at all times for two days and for several hours a day for the next several days or a few weeks. During this period, you can perform your normal daily activities. You can go to work but you will need to avoid strenuous work and activities.

Within a month following your treatment, you should walk at least 10 minutes every day.

Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 or 3 days following your treatment. Avoid sitting in a position for long periods of time and inactivity.

You should also avoid exposure to sunlight, tanning beds, hot tubs, or saunas for 2 or 3 days following your treatment.

Does Varithena hurt?

Following your Varithena treatment, you may feel pain or bruising at the injection site. The pain and discomfort usually stop within one week. Since the injection site is numbed before the injection is given, you will likely not feel any pain when the injection is given.

How long has Varithena been around?

Varithena was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on November 26, 2013. August 11, 2014, was the first time a patient was treated with FDA-approved Varithena.

Can I drive after Varithena?

After receiving Varithena treatment, you are allowed to drive or walk. The treatment doesn’t require the use of anesthesia. You can drive back home after the Varithena treatment.

Can I shower after Varithena?

After the Varithena injection is given, your doctor will apply bandages and you will need to wear a compression stocking. The bandages should remain dry, and for this reason, you’re not allowed to shower or bathe during the first 48 hours following your treatment.

Varithena Procedure Before and After

Before the procedure, your doctor will numb the area where the needle will be injected. You won’t need full anesthesia. A small amount of special foam will be injected into the affected vein through a thin needle or catheter.

Ultrasound is used to guide the process to ensure the solution is injected into the right place. Afterwards, the injection site is covered with a bandage, and you’ll be asked to wear compression stockings for 3-14 days.

Most people are surprised at how quickly they can get back to normal activities after the procedure. You can walk out of the clinic on your own and even drive yourself home after the procedure.

Varithena Procedure Recovery

Recovery is easy and quick. You can go back to your normal routine within a day, but it’s advisable to avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days. A 10-minute walk a day can help your body heal and improve circulation. Don’t sit for long periods.

For most people, symptoms improve within a week or two. By the third week, you’ll start to see more noticeable changes such as less pain, less swelling, and veins that are much less noticeable.

Varithena Aftercare

Wear compression stockings as directed by your doctor, as they help you recover faster. For the first 2 days, wear them all the time, and after that, wear them part-time for the next few weeks.

Avoid alcohol and anything that makes you sweat heavily for at least a day. Also, avoid intense exercise, tanning, hot tubs and saunas for about 3 days.

Keep your bandages dry and don’t shower for the first 48 hours. It’s normal to see some bruising, swelling or tenderness, but this usually goes away within a few days. Any discomfort in your leg should subside within a week.

Cost of Varithena

Varithena treatment usually costs between $2,000 and $3,000. The cost can vary depending on how many veins are treated and their sizes. Check with your provider for an exact cost estimate, as prices can vary from one clinic to another.

What to Expect After Varithena

You may feel some mild pain or soreness in your leg for the first week, but this usually goes away quickly. You may also notice other temporary side effects like bruising, itching, numbness or tenderness at the injection site. Some people may get headaches or feel a little dizzy.

While more unusual reactions like significant swelling, redness or skin changes can happen, they are rare. If you experience severe pain, ongoing numbness or signs of an allergic reaction, call your doctor immediately.

Varithena and Blood Clots

One of the potential complications of Varithena is the occurrence of blood clots in the veins that have been treated, in addition to the formation of deep vein thrombosis in the legs, which is a rare condition.

Watch for warning signs such as swelling, warmth, redness, and tenderness. Though most side effects are treated quickly and with minimal discomfort, it is always a good idea to reach out to your doctor when you feel something unusual.

Varithena for Varicose Veins

The purpose of Varithena is to close the vein that is causing the problem. Thus, blood flow will be routed through healthy veins. This is a non-surgical method that is safe, efficient, and has the potential to provide results that last.

The majority of people opt for this procedure instead of the old procedures like vein stripping, as it is much quicker, less traumatic, and can get their problems solved in only one session.

Who Is Actually a Good Candidate?

Typically, good candidates are patients with discomfort, tiredness, swelling, cramping, and visible bulging veins that get worse when they’ve been standing for an extended period of time.

Varithena is particularly effective for patients who are seeking a minimal degree of invasiveness, who compression therapy and lifestyle changes haven’t helped; and those who are looking for an outpatient procedure that requires no hospitalization, general anesthesia, or extended recovery time.

When Varithena Is Chosen Instead of Another Vein Treatment

Since Varithena uses a microfoam type product to seal the veins being treated, it can get to areas that are often too difficult for other methods to reach.

It’s also an excellent option for patients who have difficulty being treated with laser and/or thermal ablation, who want minimal discomfort, no surgical incisions, and minimum recovery time. The doctor’s decision will be based on the patient’s venous anatomy, symptoms, and vascular health.

Varithena Recovery Time

Patients can generally move about without difficulty right after their procedure. Within a day or two, they can carry on with everyday activities, usually with only some minor bruising/tenderness around where they received treatment. There’s also likely to be some temporary swelling; however, all of these adverse events tend to go away fast.

What Makes Someone a Poor Candidate or Not the First-Fit Patient

Varithena may not be the ideal solution for patients with blood-clotting disorders, infections, and allergies. Also, patients with low-risk veins (e.g., veins that are just slightly enlarged)are better off with conservative management (compression, observation).

A comprehensive consultation allows providers to establish if Varithena is an appropriate, low-risk treatment option for the patient.

What Happens at the Evaluation Before Treatment

A complete evaluation of the veins typically consists of a physical exam and ultrasound imaging. These allow the physician to assess blood flow, identify any problems with the veins, and determine how serious the venous insufficiency is.

Physicians will also take into account the patient’s past treatments for vein disease, their past medical history, and their current symptoms in order to develop a customized care plan.

What Symptoms Suggest It May Be Time to Consider Treatment

One of the earliest signs that one needs professional attention is some kind of persistent discomfort in the leg area.

Patients may exhibit symptoms like a heavy, achy feeling, burning sensation, swelling, restless legs, discolored skin, and visible large veins. Many times, there may be worsening of symptoms during the day and after long periods of weight-bearing on their legs.

Varithena Before and After

Many patients experience daily discomfort due to varicose veins and/or lack of confidence in their appearance before treatment. After undergoing Varithena treatment, most patients will see a gradual change in their symptoms as the treated veins close and blood flow is redirected through the healthier veins.

Over time, they’ll experience decreased discomfort, reduced swelling, and less bulging of the veins.