What are Varicose Veins?
- Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) – Anyone with varicose veins is at increased risk of clots forming in the deep veins of the leg resulting in DVT. This can occur especially during periods of prolonged immobility, and can be life-threatening if the clots dislodge and travel to the lungs. It is highly advised that anyone with varicose veins wear compression stockings if they will be sitting for a prolonged period (such as during a long-haul flight).
How are Varicose Veins Diagnosed (Investigations for Varicose Veins)?
What are the Risks (Complications) of Varicose Vein Surgery?
What Should I Expect After Varicose Vein Treatment?
Technical failure of varicose vein surgery is small with a reported recanalization rate of <5% after endovenous heat ablation surgery and around 10% after sclerotherapy, thus more than 90% of patients can expect to have successful treatment of their varicose veins. There is however a chance that the other veins in the leg, which were initially normal, begin to swell up and bulge out over time leading to a recurrence of varicose veins. This recurrence can be avoided by minimizing the risk factors leading to the development of varicose veins (see “What Causes Varicose Veins?” for more details).
How To Manage and Reduce the Risk of Varicose Veins
There are both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins (see “What Causes Varicose Veins?” for more details on the risk factors). Lifestyle changes that can be implemented to reduce the risk of varicose veins include:
- Weight reduction
- Regular graduated compression stocking wear (especially if sitting of standing for long periods)
- Avoid prolonged sitting/standing
- Avoid smoking/tobacco use
Afterword and personal comments
Varicose veins are a very common condition which if not treated early, can lead to debilitating symptoms of dry, itchy skin with unsightly pigmentation and recurrent wounds. The good news is that treatment these days is both effective and minimally invasive, allowing patients to walk home the same day of the operation.
Best results are achieved when surgery is performed for early stage (spider/reticular/varicose veins) disease. When the condition progresses to leg swelling (edema) or pigmentation (lipodermatosclerosis), treatment can only aim to minimize progression and complications, and is unable to reverse these permanent skin changes. Thus, for best results, do seek treatment as early as possible.
FAQs:
What is the difference between spider (reticular) veins and varicose veins?
Spider veins appear on or near the surface of your skin as small blue or red lines, while varicose veins are larger veins located deeper underneath the skin that bulge out and may bleed if accidentally scratched. Please see section “What Are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?” for a more detailed explanation of the various stages of venous disease.
How do I know if I have varicose veins?
Varicose veins can manifest in various ways from posing just a cosmetic issue in the early stages, to developing leg cramps and swelling, skin pigmentation and even skin ulcers. Sometimes leg swelling without the presence of any obvious varicose veins, may still be a result of venous insufficiency and an ultrasound scan will be required to detect the presence of vein disease. Please see section “What Are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?” and “How are Varicose Veins Diagnosed (Investigations for Varicose Veins)?” for more details.
Are varicose veins painful?
Varicose veins can cause moderate to severe discomfort depending on how advanced they are. Common symptoms include cramps and heaviness in your legs, as well as swollen ankles. They can also lead to more serious complications, such as ulcers and even blood clots, if not treated properly.
Are there any home remedies for varicose veins?
There are no home remedies that will completely eliminate the presence of varicosities, but there are a few things you can do at home to help reduce their visibility and the discomfort associated with them. These include elevating your leg when resting, wearing compression stockings, avoiding high heels, which put extra pressure on your calf muscles, and exercising regularly to improve circulation in the affected areas.
Is varicose vein treatment covered by insurance in Singapore?
Most good insurance plans will cover treatment related to varicose veins especially if they are causing symptoms, thus making treatment a medical necessity. It is best however to check your individual plan as coverage may vary.
What are the long-term results of varicose vein treatments?
The surgery is successful in more than 90% of cases. Most patients will experience relief from their symptoms after just a few weeks and maintain improved circulation in the affected areas for several years following treatment. A small percentage of patients may notice varicose veins reappearing after a few years, and this is mainly due to enlargement of previously normal veins (see “What Should I Expect After Varicose Vein Treatment?” for more details). This recurrence can be avoided by minimizing the risk factors leading to the development of varicose veins (see “What Causes Varicose Veins?” for more details).
Does varicose vein treatment require hospitalization?
Varicose vein surgery can almost always be done without requiring an overnight hospital stay. however in certain circumstances where more complex surgery is needed, an overnight stay may be necessary. Your doctor will advise you accordingly, depending on your individual situation.
How often do I need to have varicose vein treatment?
Endovenous thermal or glue ablation is usually effective at sealing off the main saphenous veins after just one session. Ablation of spider veins using sclerotherapy and/or laser therapy, may require more than one session (up to 4-6 sessions) done 4-6 weeks apart to achieve optimal results.
Are there any lifestyle changes to be made after varicose vein treatment?
Varicose vein surgery improves the circulation in the leg and patients will be able to walk home the same day of the operation while maintaining light activities for the next 2 weeks. Most people can return to full activity after 2 weeks with no limitation to movement.
Lifestyle changes after successful varicose vein surgery is geared towards prevention of new varicose veins from forming. This recurrence can be avoided by minimizing the risk factors leading to the development of varicose veins (see “What Causes Varicose Veins?” for more details).
Is there any scarring after varicose vein treatment?
There may be slight bruising around the area where injections were administered. These however generally fade within a few hours to days. The skin incisions made during varicose vein surgery are typically 3-5mm long and once healed, are barely noticeable.
Sometimes the treated vein may appear more reddish and prominent a few days after the surgery. This discoloration usually fades after a few weeks to months, and creams or lasers may help to lighten such pigmentation should they persist.
What are the side effects of varicose vein treatments?
Possible complications associated with varicose vein treatments can include infection, blood clots, or allergic reactions to certain medications used during the procedure. It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor beforehand, so that they can inform you of all potential risks (see “What are the Risks (Complications) of Varicose Vein Surgery?” for more details).
How much does varicose vein treatment cost in Singapore?
The cost of varicose vein treatment in Singapore varies depending on the type of procedure chosen. You can use your Medisave and insurance to cover for your varicose vein treatment in Singapore.
Dr Chen Min Qi profile
Dr. Chen Min Qi is a fellowship-trained Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon who graduated from the National University of Singapore in 2005. He subsequently completed his basic and advanced training in General and Vascular Surgery while obtaining the Member of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (MRCSed) qualification in 2010, and the Master of Medicine (General Surgery) qualification in 2015. Dr Chen was subsequently successful at the fellowship exams obtaining the Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCSed) qualification in 2016.
Upon completion of his advanced surgical training, Dr Chen Min Qi joined the newly opened Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) as a specialist in the Vascular Surgery division. In 2018, Dr Chen was awarded the Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) grant from MOH to undergo further subspeciality Vascular training at the internationally renowned St Mary’s Hospital in London, United Kingdom. There Dr Chen gained further experience in surgeries on complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, redo open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms following failed EVAR surgeries as well as carotid endarterectomy surgery and lower limb revascularization surgeries.
Upon his return in 2020, Dr Chen Min Qi joined the newly formed Woodlands Health as head of their Vascular service, before joining his current practice at the Vascular and Interventional Centre in January 2023.
