Say Goodbye to Varicose Veins: What to Expect from the VenaSeal™ Procedure

Bulging, twisted varicose veins can make your legs ache, feel heavy, and look unsightly. And if you’ve tried compression stockings, leg elevation, and lifestyle changes without any improvements, it might be time to consider professional varicose vein treatment.

Our team at Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care specializes in VenaSeal™, a minimally invasive procedure that’s virtually painless and gets you back to your normal activities almost immediately. Here’s what to expect.

How VenaSeal works for varicose veins

Traditional varicose vein treatments use heat or chemicals to close enlarged veins, but VenaSeal takes an entirely different approach. It’s an innovative procedure that uses a specially formulated medical adhesive to seal the problematic vein shut.

We inject small amounts of this medical glue into the affected vein, which permanently closes it so blood automatically reroutes through healthier veins nearby. The sealed vein eventually gets absorbed by your body over time, and the visible varicose veins disappear.

Using adhesives instead of heat means you don't need tumescent anesthesia (the multiple numbing injections required with heat-based treatments). You experience minimal discomfort during the procedure and virtually no bruising afterward. There's no risk of nerve damage from heat, and you don't need to wear compression stockings for weeks following treatment.

What to expect before your procedure

If you’re considering varicose vein treatment, your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation at Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care. We discuss your medical history, current medications, and treatment goals. Our vein specialists use ultrasound imaging to map your venous system and identify which veins are causing your symptoms to determine if VenaSeal is the right approach for your specific situation.

If you choose VenaSeal, we schedule your procedure and give you specific information about how to prepare. We generally recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your legs. Unlike some vein procedures, you don't need to arrange time off work or extensive help at home during recovery, because there’s no need for downtime.

What happens during the VenaSeal procedure

On treatment day, you lie comfortably on an examination table throughout the procedure. We clean your skin and apply a small amount of local anesthetic at the insertion site, typically near your knee or lower leg.

The doctor uses ultrasound guidance to visualize your veins, makes a tiny access point, and inserts a thin catheter into the diseased vein. We position the catheter within the vein and send the VenaSeal adhesive in small amounts at specific intervals along the vein's length. We apply compression over each adhesive deposit to make sure the vein walls seal together properly.

The entire procedure typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on how many veins need treatment. You remain awake and comfortable throughout. There’s no burning sensation, and no extensive numbing, and many people are surprised by how little they feel.

After your VenaSeal procedure

Once your veins have been treated, we remove the catheter and apply a small bandage to the insertion site. You're able to stand up immediately, and we recommend walking as soon as possible to promote healthy circulation in your remaining veins.

You can drive yourself home, return to work, and resume most normal activities right away. The only restrictions are avoiding strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for about a week and refraining from swimming or soaking in water for several days to allow the insertion site to heal completely.

Most people experience minimal bruising, little to no discomfort, and no downtime that keeps them from daily responsibilities. You can expect to notice improvement in how your legs feel almost immediately as pressure is relieved from the sealed vein.

The visible varicose veins gradually fade over the following weeks and months as your body absorbs the closed vein. Your legs look smoother and feel lighter, without the aching heaviness that plagued you before. At your follow-up appointment, we use ultrasound to confirm the treated vein remains properly sealed and your symptoms are improving.

With VenaSeal, one simple treatment can free you from the discomfort and self-consciousness of varicose veins. Ready to find out if it’s right for you? Contact us online or by phone today to book your first appointment at one of our clinics in Hobart, La Porte, Merrillville, Munster, and Valparaiso, Indiana.