If you’ve been told you have varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency and are looking for a minimally invasive option that works on both visible and hidden problem veins, you may have heard of Varithena®.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we use Varithena® to treat certain types of vein disease without surgery, stitches, or lengthy recovery. It’s a great solution for patients who want relief from leg pain, swelling, and heaviness—and for those who want to improve the appearance of bulging, twisted veins.

What Is Varithena®?

Varithena® is an FDA-approved prescription foam used to close diseased veins, particularly the great saphenous vein (GSV) and its tributaries. The foam contains a small amount of polidocanol, a proven sclerosing agent, combined with gas to create a microfoam.

The microfoam works by:

1. Displacing blood in the vein so the medication comes in direct contact with the vein wall
2. Irritating the inner lining of the vein, causing it to collapse and seal shut
3. Rerouting blood flow into healthier veins, improving circulation and relieving symptoms

Over time, the treated vein is absorbed by your body, and the visible bulging improves.

Why Use Varithena® Instead of Other Treatments?

Varithena® is part of the modern wave of minimally invasive vein treatments, but it offers some unique benefits compared to other options like endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) or traditional liquid sclerotherapy:

• No Heat or Tumescent Anesthesia: Unlike EVLT or radiofrequency ablation, Varithena® doesn’t use heat, so there’s no need for multiple injections of numbing fluid along the vein.
• Treats Difficult Veins: Works well for tortuous (twisty) or hard-to-reach veins that a catheter can’t navigate.
• Minimally Invasive: Just a small needle is required—no surgical incisions.
• Quick Procedure: Most treatments take less than 30 minutes in the office.

Who Is a Candidate for Varithena®?

Varithena® is ideal for patients with:

• Symptomatic varicose veins in the GSV or its branches
• Leg heaviness, aching, swelling, or cramping from venous insufficiency
• Visible bulging veins that affect confidence or daily comfort
• Recurrent varicose veins after previous vein treatment

We confirm candidacy with a comprehensive duplex ultrasound, which maps your vein anatomy and identifies reflux (backward blood flow) before recommending treatment.

What to Expect During a Varithena® Procedure

Here’s what happens at our St. Louis vein clinic when you come in for Varithena®:

1. Ultrasound Mapping
   We use ultrasound to locate and mark the diseased veins.
2. Small Needle Insertion
   A very fine needle is inserted into the targeted vein.
3. Foam Injection
   Under ultrasound guidance, we inject Varithena® microfoam into the vein. You may feel a slight pressure or tingling but no significant discomfort.
4. Compression
   After the injection, a compression stocking is placed on your leg to help the vein close and promote healthy circulation.

The entire visit usually takes less than an hour, and you can walk immediately afterward.

Recovery After Varithena®

One of the main advantages of Varithena® is the minimal downtime:

• You can return to most daily activities the same day
• Walking is encouraged to keep blood flowing
• Compression stockings are worn for 1–2 weeks to optimize results
• Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for a short period

Some patients experience mild tenderness, bruising, or firmness along the treated vein, which resolves within days to weeks.

Results You Can Expect

Most patients notice improvement in symptoms—such as heaviness, fatigue, or swelling—within days to weeks. The visible cosmetic improvement often continues for several months as the vein is gradually reabsorbed.

Studies show Varithena® offers high closure rates for treated veins and excellent patient satisfaction, making it a reliable alternative to more invasive procedures.

Why Choose Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) for Varithena®

As a physician-led vein clinic in St. Louis, we combine advanced technology with a functional medicine approach to ensure your treatment is safe, effective, and tailored to your needs.

When you choose us for Varithena®, you benefit from:

• Expert Ultrasound Guidance from an RVT- and RPVI-certified physician
• Comprehensive Vein Evaluation to identify and treat all diseased segments
• Long-Term Prevention Strategies to reduce recurrence and maintain leg health

We don’t just treat the vein—we treat the underlying circulation problem and help you maintain results for years.

Bottom Line

Varithena® is a safe, quick, and effective treatment for varicose veins caused by venous insufficiency, especially in the great saphenous vein. It requires no incisions, no heat, and no lengthy recovery—making it an excellent choice for patients looking for relief from both symptoms and cosmetic concerns.

If you’re in the St. Louis area and wondering whether Varithena® could help you, our team at Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) can provide a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

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