Considering Varithena™? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve been dealing with varicose veins — those bulging, twisting veins that can ache, itch, or make your legs feel heavy — you’ve probably spent time researching treatment options. 

You’ve read articles on surgical intervention, considered compression stockings, or even bought into some gimmicky products. If those treatments either don’t sound like something you want to pursue or haven’t worked for you, we want to recommend another path: Varithena™.

The name sounds high-tech, and in many ways, it is; however, it’s also a safe, minimally invasive option that can relieve symptoms and improve the appearance of your legs, often without the need for surgery.

Our experts at Advanced Vascular Solutions in Melbourne and Sebastian, Florida, break down what Varithena is, how it works, what to expect, and whether it might be right for you.

What is Varithena?

Varithena is an FDA-approved, nonsurgical treatment for varicose veins that stem from problems in the great saphenous vein (GSV) and its branches, the main veins responsible for much of the leg’s blood flow. 

When these veins become weak or damaged, blood pools instead of circulating efficiently. This backward flow (called venous reflux) causes swelling, heaviness, and those rope-like, visible veins on the surface of your legs.

Varithena works by treating the problem from the inside. Rather than removing or surgically closing the vein, your provider injects a specially formulated foam into the affected vein. The foam displaces blood in the vein, causing the vein walls to collapse and seal shut. 

Once closed, your body naturally reroutes blood through nearby healthy veins. Over time, your body absorbs the treated vein and fades from view.

Why our patients love Varithena

Varithena has become a popular choice for individuals seeking effective results without the need for invasive procedures or prolonged recovery times. It’s performed right in our office and typically takes less than an hour. 

Some of the other benefits include:

• Minimally invasive techniques (just a small injection site)
• No general anesthesia or incisions
• Relief from heaviness, swelling, and discomfort
• Noticeable cosmetic improvement
• No pain or only mild discomfort

Patients usually return to their normal activities on the same day, although we may recommend wearing compression stockings for a short period afterward to support healing.

A closer look at the procedure

Before your treatment, we use ultrasound imaging to map the affected veins and guide the placement of the foam. After cleaning and preparing your skin, your provider inserts a fine needle that delivers the Varithena foam directly into the vein.

The foam fills the targeted vein and starts working immediately to close it off. You might feel a slight pressure or mild warmth, but most patients find it very tolerable. Afterward, we wrap your leg or fit you with compression stockings and help you walk around to improve blood flow.

Life after Varithena

Recovery from Varithena is typically quick and easy. There’s no need for bed rest, and most people resume normal daily activities right away. You may experience mild tenderness or bruising at the injection site for a few days, but this is normal and typically resolves quickly.

We may recommend wearing compression stockings for one to two weeks and avoiding strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for a short time. Light walking, however, is encouraged, as it helps promote circulation and healing.

Veins begin to fade as your body processes and absorbs the treated vein. Results continue to improve over time, especially when paired with compression and follow-up care.

Unlike some older vein treatments, Varithena targets the underlying cause of varicose veins (venous reflux), not just the surface veins, making results more durable and less likely to recur.

Is Varithena right for you?

Varithena is most effective for individuals with visible, symptomatic varicose veins resulting from vein reflux, particularly in the great saphenous vein.

If you experience heaviness, swelling, pain, or visible veins that worsen by the end of the day, it’s worth consulting our vascular specialists to determine if this treatment is a good fit for you.

It may not be ideal for everyone. We carefully evaluate every patient, especially those with certain clotting disorders, recent vein surgery, or active infections, to ensure it’s a safe option.

It’s time to vanquish your varicose veins

Varithena offers a modern, minimally invasive approach to treating painful or unsightly varicose veins, without the need for surgery or extended downtime. It’s quick, effective, and proven effective.

If you’ve been putting off treatment because you’re worried about recovery or scarring, Varithena could be your step toward lighter, healthier, more comfortable legs. 

Ready to get started? You can request an appointment over the phone today or send us a message through our website. We’re eager to serve patients in and around Indian River and Brevard counties.