Vein treatments are an excellent solution for anyone suffering from the effects of a vein condition. Learning that you don’t have to live with the effects of a vein condition is life-changing for many. However, a vein condition is progressive, and while vein treatments do work, their effects aren’t permanent. So the question is, how often does vein treatment last?
A vein condition is the result of vein reflux in which the valves in the lower leg veins loosen and are no longer 100% effective at stopping the backflow of blood as it is pumped back up the vein to the heart. Vein reflux causes stagnant blood to pool in the lower legs, which in turn results in all the symptoms you hear about with a vein condition, both the visible (varicose veins/spider veins/leg ulcers/skin staining) and the invisible ones (leg cramps, leg pain, fatigue, restless legs and more). Vein treatment is 100% effective in treating these symptoms because it treats the source of the problem.
However, it’s important to note that vein conditions are progressive, meaning they will slowly worsen with time. It’s also important to note that even after treatment, it is likely that the condition will reoccur. After treatment, new veins always form. The good news is that your body produces new veins every year. The bad news is that some of those new veins will become abnormal over time which means most people will develop a recurrence of their symptoms.
You can’t predict when the recurrence will start to appear. It will most likely develop slowly over time. When it does, repeat treatment will be needed. The time frame between treatment and when symptoms will reoccur differs for everyone, though the range is typically between 1-10 years. The average is 5 years before patients feel they need treatment again. Pay attention to your body and the signs it is giving you. When your symptoms return to the point that you are struggling again, that your physical, mental, and emotional health is suffering, it’s time to seek retreatment.
Don’t let the fact that a vein condition will return stop you from seeking treatment. Patients repeatedly tell me they wish their treatment had been done a long time ago…it would have prevented years of suffering. Most patients that come in for their first treatment have suffered for at least several years. Additionally most patients who return for repeat treatment come in immediately after developing new symptoms. They remember how much the treatments helped initially and they know they don't have to suffer like before.