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Advanced Varicose Solutions
Minimally Invasive Varithena Near You in New Jersey
If you’ve been living with aching, swollen, or visibly bulging veins, you may have heard that surgery isn’t your only option. Varithena is a non-surgical foam treatment that closes varicose veins from the inside, without incisions, general anesthesia, or a hospital stay. At Kurdali Spine & Pain, we offer Varithena foam treatment for varicose veins at locations near you in New Jersey. This treatment is part of our personalized approach to vein care that is centered around the long-term health and comfort of all our patients.
Key Takeaways
- Varithena is a prescription microfoam injection used to treat varicose veins caused by a specific vein, called the great saphenous vein, and its branches.
- The procedure is minimally invasive, performed in-office, and typically completed in under an hour.
- Most patients experience noticeable improvement within a few weeks.
- Side effects are mild and temporary, and serious complications are rare.
- Varithena is one of several effective treatment options at Kurdali Spine & Pain. Dr. Kurdali will recommend it only if it’s the right fit for your specific condition.
What Does Varithena Foam Treat?
Varithena is specifically approved to treat incompetent veins in the great saphenous vein (GSV) system, meaning the internal valves of these veins have stopped working correctly. The great saphenous vein runs along the inner leg from the ankle to the groin, and it’s one of the most common sources of vein problems.
When this vein fails, blood pools in the lower leg and causes a cascade of symptoms and changes that many people recognize immediately:
- Bulging, rope-like veins visible under the skin
- Aching, throbbing, or heaviness in the legs, especially after standing or sitting for long periods
- Leg swelling, particularly around the ankles and feet at the end of the day
- Skin discoloration or hardening around the lower leg or ankle
Beyond the physical symptoms, many patients feel self-conscious about the appearance of their legs. That is a completely understandable concern, and it’s a valid reason that many of our patients seek care.
Who May Be a Candidate for Varithena?
You may be a good fit for Varithena if you have symptomatic varicose veins that haven’t responded to conservative treatments. Ideal candidates generally have:
- Varicose veins connected to the great saphenous vein system, confirmed by ultrasound
- Symptoms that affect daily comfort or functioning
- No active blood clots in the area to be treated
- No known allergy to the foam or its ingredients
Not every patient is a candidate. Dr. Kurdali will conduct a full evaluation, including a duplex ultrasound, to confirm whether Varithena is appropriate for your anatomy and health history.
How Does Varithena Foam Treatment for Varicose Veins Work?
Varithena works through a process called chemical ablation. Rather than cutting out or heating the vein, the foam destroys the vein wall from the inside, so it collapses, seals shut, and gets absorbed by the body. Then, blood naturally reroutes through nearby healthier veins.
How the Foam Closes the Vein
The active ingredient in Varithena is polidocanol, a sclerosing agent that irritates and damages the inner lining of the vein wall. Unlike traditional liquid sclerotherapy, Varithena is a microfoam. This distinction matters because foam displaces blood inside the vein, allowing the medication to make sustained contact with the vein wall rather than being diluted or washed away. The result is a more thorough and consistent closure, even in larger veins where liquid sclerotherapy would be less effective.
Once the vein seals, it’s no longer functional. The body treats it like any other piece of tissue that has broken down and slowly absorbs it over weeks to months. The vein fades from view, and the symptoms it was causing fade along with it.
Ultrasound Guidance and Imaging
Varithena is administered under continuous duplex ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create a real-time image of the veins beneath your skin, allowing Dr. Kurdali to visualize exactly where the catheter is placed and confirm that the foam is reaching the correct area.
This precision matters. Varicose vein systems can be complex, with multiple branches extending from a central trunk. Ultrasound guidance ensures the treatment reaches the source of the problem, which reduces the likelihood of the veins recurring or branches being missed.
What Should I Expect from a Varithena Procedure?
At Kurdali Spine & Pain, we strive to help our patients feel confident in their treatment, which is why we take the time to explain the entire treatment process. Understanding what happens before, during, and after your treatment helps reduce your anxiety and helps you set realistic expectations.
Before Your Procedure
Dr. Kurdali will review your medical history and perform or review your ultrasound results. You may be advised to avoid shaving the treatment area, to wear loose-fitting clothes on the day of your appointment, and to arrange for a ride home if needed. Luckily, you don’t need to fast. Most patients arrive, complete their procedure, and leave within an hour or two.
During the Procedure
You’ll lie comfortably on a treatment table. The skin over the treatment area is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic, a small injection similar to what a dentist uses. Then, Dr. Kurdali inserts a thin catheter, or a small flexible tube, into the vein through a tiny entry point, typically the size of a pinprick.
Under ultrasound guidance, he will then inject Varithena foam through the catheter. You may feel mild pressure or a brief warmth as the foam moves through the vein. The entire injection process takes only a few minutes, and most patients describe the experience as less uncomfortable than they expected.
After the Procedure
You’ll be given compression stockings to wear immediately after the treatment, and you’ll be asked to walk for 10 to 15 minutes before leaving the office. Walking helps the foam work effectively and reduces the risk of clotting. Additionally, you can return to light normal activity the same day.
Dr. Kurdali will also give you after-care instructions for you to follow at home, typically consisting of:
- Compression stockings: Wear compression stockings for several days to a few weeks, depending on your specific instructions.
- Activity: Walk regularly in the days following your procedure. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and prolonged sitting or standing for the first week or two.
- Sun exposure: Avoid direct sun on the treated area for several weeks to reduce the chance of skin discoloration.
- Follow-up: Dr. Kurdali will schedule a follow-up ultrasound for one to two weeks after your procedure. This helps him confirm the vein has closed properly.
Results and Timeline
Varicose veins don’t disappear overnight. After Varithena, most patients notice improvement within two to four weeks. The treated vein gradually fades, and symptoms like aching and heaviness typically resolve as their circulation improves. However, it may take one to three months for you to notice full cosmetic and symptomatic changes.
Number of Sessions
Many patients achieve their goals in a single session. However, if you have an extensive varicose vein system or multiple affected branches, you may need additional treatments. Dr. Kurdali will assess your response to treatment at your follow-up and provide you with further treatment recommendations if needed.
Does Varithena Treatment Have Risks?
Like any medical procedure, Varithena carries some risks. Most are mild and resolve on their own. However, some serious complications may occur, but they are uncommon:
Common Side Effects of Varithena Treatment
Many patients experience these side effects. They’re expected, and they typically resolve within days to a few weeks:
- Bruising, tenderness, or discomfort along the treated vein
- Temporary swelling or firmness in the leg
- Skin discoloration or brownish staining along the treated area, which often fades over time
- A sensation of tightness or pulling as the vein closes and the body absorbs it
Less Common Risks of Varithena Treatment
These occur in a smaller number of patients, and they may require additional medical attention:
- Superficial thrombophlebitis: This inflammation of a vein near the surface feels like a firm, tender cord. It’s treated conservatively and resolves with time.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): While rare, this is a blood clot that is deeper in the vein. Dr. Kurdali will monitor you closely at your follow-up to help minimize your risk.
- Nerve irritation: You may experience temporary numbness near the treatment site.
- Allergic reaction: You may have an allergic reaction to polidocanol.
Dr. Kurdali will review your personal risk profile before the procedure and explain any specific concerns he has regarding your situation. If you experience significant pain, sudden swelling, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort after treatment, contact our office or seek emergency care immediately.
What Are Some Alternatives to Varithena?
When it comes to treating varicose veins, Varithena is an excellent option, but it’s not the only one. At Kurdali Spine & Pain, we match the treatment to the patient, not the other way around. Depending on your vein anatomy, symptoms, and preferences, one of the following alternatives may be more appropriate:
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA is another minimally invasive option for treating the great saphenous vein. Instead of foam, RFA uses heat generated by radiofrequency energy to collapse and seal the vein. A thin catheter is inserted into the vein and heated in controlled segments from the inside out. RFA is highly effective and is often preferred for larger trunk veins. Like Varithena, RFA is used with local anesthesia and requires no hospital stay.
Liquid Sclerotherapy
Traditional sclerotherapy uses a liquid form of the same type of sclerosing agent used in Varithena. It works well for smaller varicose veins and spider veins, but it’s less effective for larger or deeper veins. It can often be used alongside Varithena or RFA to treat surface veins that remain after the main trunk has been addressed.
Conservative Care
For patients with mild symptoms or those who aren’t yet ready for a procedure, conservative management is always a reasonable first step. This includes:
- Wearing graduated compression stockings to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Regular walking and leg elevation throughout the day
- Managing weight and avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting
We never push patients toward procedures they don’t need. If you’re managing your symptoms with conservative care, we support that approach and will monitor your condition over time.
Get Relief for Varicose Veins Near You in New Jersey
Dealing with varicose veins can be frustrating, especially when they affect not just how your legs look, but how they feel. At Kurdali Spine & Pain, we specialize in non-surgical relief for neck, back, nerve, muscle, and joint pain. We bring that same commitment to patient-first care to vein treatment.
Additionally, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every patient gets a thorough evaluation, an honest conversation about their options, and a plan built around their specific needs and goals. Find your path forward from varicose vein pain. Contact our office today to schedule your evaluation for Varithena foam treatment for varicose veins at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.
