Alternatives to vascular surgery in Portland
An estimated 35 to 60 percent of our population has varicose veins. These twisted, enlarged blood vessels are usually on the lower legs, but can occur on other body parts. They are usually caused by faulty valves in the veins that allow backflow of blood. Varicose veins may trigger discomfort, swelling, cramps, and restless leg syndrome. Even when they are symptom-free, most people are embarrassed by the appearance of varicose veins.
For many years, surgical treatments – ligation or tying off veins, stripping (removing a portion of a vein), or ambulatory phlebectomy, removal of veins through small incisions – were “go-to” remedies for this condition. Vascular surgery requires anesthesia, carries risk of infection and surgical complications, and entails a recovery period of several weeks. Dr. Adam Maddox and his team at Thrive bring alternatives to vascular surgery to patients in the Portland area.
Hormone replacement therapy
A drop in hormone levels, such as occurs from menopause or other hormonal imbalances, contributes to weakened valves in veins. Thrive evaluates your personal physiology. Dr. Maddox may recommend exercise and compression legwear to relieve varicose veins, and dietary changes and supplements to improve hormonal harmony. Treatment may include BHRT. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (for women and men) restores hormone levels with natural ingredients.
Laser and light therapies
Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies are utilized for veins that don’t improve with lifestyle changes and supplements, and are too large for sclerotherapy. These devices use heat energy to create carefully-controlled internal injury to abnormal veins, causing blood flow to harmlessly redirect through healthy ones. Treated veins shrink and are gradually absorbed by the body.
At Thrive, our goal is to help each patient find a personal “fountain of youth,” utilizing the least invasive and most holistic approaches possible. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Maddox to learn more about non-surgical leg rejuvenation. Thrive’s number is (503) 928-6505.
