Why is Fall the Best Time of the Year to Treat Varicose Veins?

If varicose veins have kept you from fully enjoying summer, let the colorful leaves of autumn be your cue. Fall is a great time to treat your varicose veins.

Your vein specialist can explain the different treatments available for varicose veins. Most are better done in the cooler months. 

Of course, everyone’s schedules are different. What time of year should you treat varicose veins? Let convenience guide you. If it happens to be spring, summer, or winter when you decide on treatment, don’t feel that you should delay, but do consider these reasons why fall may be best. 

You Can Cover While You Heal

When you’ve had a medical vein treatment, you may need a little time to heal. During fall, you’ll probably sport a covered-up look, but you won’t be wearing lots of layers. That means that your skin won’t be exposed to view, but also it won’t be smothered in warm fleece. A light covering is perfect for healing.

 Like most things that make you look better, vein treatment can result in a short period of looking worse. If you have your treatment in the fall, you won’t need to wear shorts or swimwear for a while. You can recover privately, without the need to answer questions.

You’ll Be Ready for Spring

After treatment, your veins won’t disappear instantaneously.  Most varicose vein treatments work by closing off the troublesome vein. The blood flow then goes through a different vein, and the body gradually absorbs the closed-off vein. This process takes some time, usually a few weeks or months. 

Depending upon what type of varicose vein treatment you choose, you may need more than one treatment. That’s another reason not to delay. Starting your treatment in the fall means that you could be done by spring. When warmer weather arrives, you’ll be ready for shorts, sandals, and sundresses.

Compression Therapy Is Better in the Cool

After many varicose vein treatments, your doctor will advise you to wear gradient compression stockings. These snugly fitting stockings can reduce swelling. They also promote blood flow for better healing. 

Gradient compression stockings are thicker than most stockings. They can be hot and uncomfortable in the summer. In the fall and winter, they can provide a toasty layer of warmth.

Which Varicose Vein Treatment Is Best?

Vein specialists offer a variety of treatments for varicose veins. Your doctor will consider any health conditions you may have when recommending a treatment. Which treatment is best for a particular vein can depend upon several factors:

• Is the vein large or small?
• Is it straight or twisted?
• Where is the vein located?
• Is the vein close to the surface of the skin?
• Is there bleeding or an ulcer associated with the vein?

Doctors sometimes recommend a combination of therapies.

What Are the Treatment Choices?

Insurance covers most treatments for varicose veins, but check your coverage before scheduling a procedure. You’ll want to know the cost of your vein treatment before going ahead. Treatment options include:

• Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA). In this procedure, the doctor will make a small incision and insert a tube into the vein. There is a laser on the end of the tube. The laser creates heat that collapses the vein. 
• Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). Doctors use heat generated by radiofrequency energy to collapse the vein.
• Microfoam Injection (Varithena). The doctor will inject a special foam intothe vein, causing it to close. 
• Cyanoacrylate. In this procedure, doctors use medical-grade glue to close the vein. 
• Microphlebectomy. This minimally invasive procedure removes the varicose vein directly from the leg without surgery.
• Endovenous Mechanochemical Ablation (MOCA).  Doctors apply a substance that collapses the vein using a special rotating tool. This tool allows full coverage of larger veins. 

What Happens After Treatment?

After most varicose veins treatment, you may need to:

• Stay active but avoid strenuous exercise.
• Stay out of hot tubs and opt for warm showers and baths.
• Keep the treatment site out of the sun.
• Wear gradient compression stockings.

‌Your doctor will give you specific instructions for the post-treatment period. Most importantly, after treatment, your unsightly veins will gradually disappear!

Why Wait?

When should you treat varicose veins? Only you can choose when the time is right. Maybe you have discomfort from your varicose veins. Perhaps you don’t like the way they look. Maybe they keep you from wearing the clothes you’d like to wear. All of these are valid reasons for treating varicose veins. 

Most people find the energizing days of autumn perfect for getting things done. Is getting rid of varicose veins on your fall to-do list? If so, you’ll need to consult a vein specialist. Find one by using My Vein Treatment’s locator tool. Get that first appointment scheduled, and you’ll be on your way to legs that look better and feel better, too.