Non-Surgical Varicose Vein Treatment Methods in Antalya: Comfortable and Effective Solutions

Dear patients, I am Prof. Dr. Aykut Recep Aktaş. My field of expertise is Interventional Radiology, which involves treating many diseases in the body using minimally invasive methods without the need for surgery. With my experience in this field, I offer our patients the most modern and comfortable treatment options for vascular disorders such as varicose veins and venous insufficiency.

Many of our patients living in Antalya and struggling with varicose vein problems often delay seeking treatment due to fear of surgery and long recovery periods. However, thanks to today's medical technology, varicose vein treatment is now possible with pain-free, fast, and highly successful non-surgical methods.

What are Varicose Veins and Why Should They Be Treated?

Varicose veins are veins in the legs that become enlarged, twisted, and visible on the skin's surface. This condition usually arises from blood reflux (venous insufficiency) due to improperly functioning valves within the veins. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues such as pain, swelling, itching, cramps, skin discolouration, and even open sores (ulcers).

Non-Surgical Varicose Vein Treatment Methods We Apply in Our Antalya Clinic

At our clinic in Antalya, we apply the following interventional radiology methods, which are tailored to each patient's condition and type of varicose veins, are accepted internationally, and boast high success rates:

1. Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

• These methods are considered the gold standard for treating enlarged main varicose veins. Under local anaesthetic, a thin catheter is inserted into the varicose vein. Laser or radiofrequency energy is used to heat the vein from within, causing it to shrink and close.
• Advantages: Highly effective, minimal pain, short procedure time, same-day discharge, rapid recovery, and quick return to daily activities.

2. Microwave Ablation

• This is another thermal ablation method that operates on principles similar to laser and radiofrequency ablation. It relies on the controlled heating and closure of the varicose vein using microwave energy. It can be an effective option, especially for veins with certain anatomical variations.
• Advantages: A safe, fast, and highly successful method.

Although the endovenous glue (cyanoacrylate) method is used by many physicians today, in my own clinical practice, I choose not to use this method due to some reported long-term results and potential complication risks in the literature. For the long-term health and comfort of our patients, I primarily consider proven and reliable thermal ablation methods such as microwave, radiofrequency, or endovenous laser ablation (EVLA).

3. Foam Sclerotherapy

• This is an effective method used for treating large and medium-sized varicose veins. It is based on the principle of mixing a special drug solution with air to create foam, which is then injected into the varicose vein under ultrasound guidance. The foam irritates the inner surface of the vein, causing it to close.
• Advantages: Non-surgical, performed with an injection, does not require local anaesthetic, can be applied in an outpatient setting, and yields very successful results.

4. Sclerotherapy (Liquid)

• This is a cosmetic method primarily preferred for treating fine capillary veins (spider veins) and reticular veins. It aims to close the vein by directly injecting a special sclerosant liquid into it with fine needles.
• Advantages: Non-surgical, fast, minimally invasive, and offers aesthetically pleasing results.

It is always of great importance to consult an experienced interventional radiology specialist for the correct diagnosis of your varicose vein problems and to determine the most suitable treatment plan tailored to you. Remember that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods can improve your quality of life and help prevent potential serious problems caused by varicose veins.