vein surgery -- any experience?

I've lost 70 lbs and am in my healthy BMI range, but still have big ugly varicose veins on my outer thighs. My doctor says they may be permanently damaged. I could have surgery to remove them, but he also said sometimes people have complications, because even the blood circulation from the bad veins is better than none.
So -- has anyone done it? Are you happy with the results?
Or has anyone found an alternative that works? Its frustrating after all this work to still look bad in a bathing suit.

Tue. Jul 25, 11:38pm

You might also look into laser treatments or I think it is called saline treatments. The idea is to reduce the appearance of the veins. These treatments are much less invasive than surgery. Perhaps a second opinion from another doctor might be helpful. Also - check webmd.com :)

Wednesday, July 26, 2006, 7:40 AM

I am so with you here.....

I can't believe there is a thread about this!! I am going through a difficult pregnancy and have to wear medical compression stockings to reduce my risk of blood clots. After I am postpartum 3 - 4 months, i am going to have schelerotherapy (where they inject the veins with saline. It causes the veins to collapse and the other, healthy veins to take over) Your legs are wrapped from thighs to toes for 1 week and you HAVE to walk at least 1 hour a day to keep your circulation good. I was going to have it after my last pregnancy but they Dr. said I couldn't breastfeed and have this done at the same time (not true anymore). After I was done nursing, they told me it was more cosmetic than anything and insurance woudln't pay for it. Now my veins are so bad I am for sure going to have it and insurance should cover it. I will need an ultrasound on my legs first. My advice is to get the ultrasound done, then they will know what kind of shape your veins are in, then look into your options. Scherotherapy is definitly the way I will go when I can get it done! Good luck to you!!!

Wednesday, July 26, 2006, 9:37 AM

Had it done

I had terrible veins in one leg and had them pulled several years ago. Hardly anyone does it like that anymore, it was pretty quick, but major surgery. You have to get an ultrasound so they can see where to pull the vein or where to start the saline. Make sure you go to a doctor that specaliizes in these treatments. I've tried to get my other leg done (it's not that bad, one vein popping, but looks ugly to me) and it appears there are doctors out there who are just pushing the latest treatment and it will be considered cosmetic, versus seeing a doctor of Phlebology, where it's not considered cosmetic but a medical need.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006, 12:34 PM

OP

Thanks for the comments and advice!
If the poster above revisits this, tell me: the surgery you already had, you're happy with it? Did any bad veins reoccur on that leg? and can you tell you have less circulation, or is it just fine after the surgery?
I think that is good advice, I will see a specialist rather than a cosmetic surgeon who does other stuff as well.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006, 11:45 PM

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