Quick Summary About Varithena Procedure
Varithena is an office-based procedure that uses small needles to treat unwanted varicose veins in the leg. Varithena uses a proprietary polidocanol and air mixture to achieve closure of the veins. It is very safe and effective, especially when it is used against recurrent varicose veins after previous vein procedures. Varithena is typically covered by insurance and out-of-pocket costs are minimal after meeting deductibles.
What is Varithena?
Varithena is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved treatment for varicose veins. It is a non-surgical option that uses a microfoam solution to collapse and shrink problematic varicose veins, improving both cosmetic appearance and symptoms like pain, swelling, and heaviness.
How Does Varithena Work?
Varithena is an injectable foam that is injected into the varicose veins directly. The foam treats the inner surfaces of the veins, rendering them ineffective. The veins will clot, shrink, and get reabsorbed by the body over time.
The active medication in Varithena is 1% polidocanol. It is the same medication used in sclerotherapy. What sets Varithena apart from traditional sclerotherapy is its proprietary gas mixture that is used to generate the foam. The gas is a mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide with very little nitrogen content. Not only is this foam more stable and lasts longer in the veins, its low nitrogen content also minimizes side effects on the body.
How is Varithena Performed?
Varithena is an outpatient, office-based procedure. There is no special precautions that the patient needs to take prior to the procedure as it does not involve anesthesia. Because only small needles are used, topical anesthesia is typically not required and most patients do not experience significant discomfort during the procedure.
The procedures are broken down to several steps:
- The patient is placed on a procedure chair and his or her leg is prepped with sterile solution
- Typically one or two very small needles are placed in the leg under physician directed ultrasound technique
- Varithena is injected into the leg
- The physician checks the results of the procedure
- The leg is wrapped in the compression dressing to maximize effectiveness
- The patient walks out of the office
Who is Varithena for?
Many patients who suffer from varicose veins are candidates for Varithena. Varithena is especially effective for patients with:
- Extensive varicose veins on the skin surface that otherwise would require surgical microphlebectomy to remove the veins
- Patients with active venous stasis ulcers where the underlying varicose veins cannot be easily treated with other methods
- Recurrent varicose veins where the patients already had prior venous ablation. Because Varithena microfoam is able to disburse throughout the varicose vein systems, it is especially useful in treating recurrent venous disease with tortuous varicose veins.
Varithena Before and After Pictures
This is a female patient in her 70s who had 2 sessions of Varithena performed by Dr. Jason Le. The sessions were 3 months apart. The after picture was 2 months post treatment. Note near resolution of the varicose veins around the knee area and mild inflammation that improves with time.
What are the Risks or Side Effects of Varithena?
Because Varithena is a medication-based treatment, it will take time before the varicose vein condition improves. Some common side effects include:
- Clotting of the varicose veins. Varithena induces clotting of the varicose veins, you may feel hard the lumpy clots over the treated varicose veins. This may be accompanied by some skin inflammation and discomfort. This is normal and will improve over time
- Skin discoloration. The skin over the treated area may become discolored for a few weeks. This is typically transient and will resolve over time.
- Itching, swelling, and bruising. These are signs of effective treatment and inflammatory response.
Just with any medication, serious side effects are rare and are treated seriously:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) involves clot formation in the deep muscle veins. Symptoms include pain and whole leg swelling and is typically treated with blood thinners for several months.
- Skin ulceration may happy if large amount of medication is injected outside of the veins.
- Allergic reactions to the active ingredient polidocanol are rare, but possible. Whole body reactions such as redness, itching, and swelling may occur and should be treated promptly with medications. If there is any concern for airway compromise, emergency room care would be needed
How much does Varithena Cost?
Varithena is typically covered by insurance. With our expert evaluation and diagnosis, most patients with appropriate indications can have Varithena covered as medically necessary procedures. Our office will obtain any necessary pre-authorizations prior to the procedure. The patient is responsible for his or her deductibles.
If there is no insurance coverage, the out-of-pocket cost for Varithena is around $3,000 and we typically do not recommend using it for cosmetic treatment.
What is the recovery time after Varithena
Due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, most patients are able to return to work quickly. If you have an office-based job, no time of work is typically needed. If your job is more manual, your physician may recommend 1-3 days off of work. Walking and household chores are safe and recommended after Varithena. Workout and exercises can be resume 1 week after treatment.