You should not assume that bulging veins are always varicose veins! For example, bulging veins on the back of the hand are usually not varicose veins, and therefore, don’t actually need varicose vein treatment for medical reasons. In other words, your health is not going to be adversely impacted if you leave them in place. However, if you still want these “benign” bulging veins removed, for cosmetic reasons, the same types of varicose vein treatment that doctors use for ablating and removing varicose veins will work for removing a bulging vein for cosmetic reasons too.

On the other hand, bulging veins may indeed be varicose veins, especially when found on the leg. To be sure, you will need to go to a vein clinic and have a test called a doppler ultrasound performed. Don’t worry. This test is completely painless! If the bulging vein(s) involved does turn out to be varicosed, then your doctor can discuss the best option for treating it. Below we discuss the two types of varicose vein treatment for bulging veins that most doctors seem to prefer.

Sclerotherapy is one of the favorite treatments for bulging veins. In this procedure, a chemical is carefully injected into the bulging vein. Typically, this is a liquid salt solution but it may also be a foamed version of the same, particularly if the bulging vein is relatively large. This causes the vein wall to seal off from the blood supply as it collapses in on itself. Don’t worry. The blood flow will immediately find a new route around the collapsed vein. Over time, the collapsed vein will simply be “healed within.” This means it will be reabsorbed by the body the same way any other type of injured tissue is reabsorbed. In some cases, more than one sclerotherapy varicose vein treatment will need to be done in order to completely remove any signs of the bulging vein.

If the bulging vein is particularly large, and it is very close to the surface of the skin, another type of varicose vein treatment may be used to surgically remove it completely. This procedure is most commonly called mini phlebectomy or ambulatory phlebectomy. It is also sometimes called micro phlebectomy, stab phlebectomy, or stab avulsion phlebectomy. During the procedure, very shallow incisions are made along the length of the vein and a special hooked tool is used to remove the vein, one tiny section at a tie. In many cases, this type of varicose vein treatment will be combined with sclerotherapy or EVLT (endovenous laser treatment) for best results. The incisions are so tiny, there is no need for any stitches. The area is simply bandaged and pressure is applied to stop any bleeding.

For both of the procedures above, you will stay awake but a numbing agent may be used in the treated area. If you have a low pain threshold, your vein doctor may also want to give you a mild sedative to relax you and lower your anxiety level during the procedure. While you should not expect any more pain than mild discomfort during this type of varicose vein treatment, it is certainly understandable why people sometimes get nervous during any medical procedure.

It can be helpful to stay exceptionally calm and peaceful for a few hours before your varicose vein treatment. Deep breathing, aromatherapy, listening to music, getting a neck massage from your partner, spending time with your pet, are all activities that help some people relax. Your frame of mind when you enter the vein clinic will affect your anxiety level during the varicose vein treatment for your bulging veins. So, try not to get in any arguments with your significant other or the kids during this time!

Whether you undergo sclerotherapy, mini phlebectomy, or both, the procedure will usually take less than an hour and you’ll be able to go home right way. Many people even drive themselves home after the procedure. However, if you do receive a sedative, you’ll want to plan to have a family member or friend drive you home (or take a taxi). You’ll be wearing compression stockings and bandages that will prevent any unfortunate bleed outs. You’ll also be asked to walk around several times a day to encourage a new circulatory route and to expedite the healing process.

To determine if you actually need varicose vein treatment on a bulging vein, you’ll need to go to a vein clinic for a a complete evaluation. If you call Metro Vein Centers, you can get a free initial visit.