Varithena is a minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins, including diseased veins that may lie below the skin’s surface and are difficult to treat with traditional surface-level sclerotherapy. At Hawaii Vein Institute, Varithena is performed using ultrasound guidance to help identify the affected vein and deliver treatment with precision.
Care is led by Dr. W. Y. Chung, MD, RPh, DABVLM, a board-certified physician with more than 23 years of experience in venous, cosmetic, and laser medicine. He is board-certified by the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine and serves as Medical Director of Hawaii Vein Institute.
With this experience and ultrasound-guided approach, Varithena can help patients address certain varicose veins through a targeted, office-based procedure.
What Is Varithena?
Varithena is a minimally invasive treatment used to close diseased varicose veins. It is a specialized injectable foam sclerosant delivered directly into the affected vein, causing the vein to collapse and be gradually absorbed by the body.
Using ultrasound guidance, Dr. Chung can clearly visualize veins beneath the skin’s surface and precisely guide the treatment to the problem area. This makes Varithena especially useful for veins that are deeper or more difficult to treat with traditional surface-level sclerotherapy.
The Benefits of Varithena Treatment
Varithena offers several advantages for patients seeking relief from varicose veins without surgery. Because the treatment is performed under ultrasound guidance, it enables a precise, targeted approach while keeping the procedure simple and convenient.
- Precise Treatment: Ultrasound guidance allows Dr. Chung to target the affected veins while avoiding surrounding tissue accurately.
- Minimally Invasive: Varithena does not require surgical incisions, general anesthesia, or a hospital stay.
- Quick and Convenient: Treatment sessions typically last 15 to 45 minutes.
- Minimal Downtime: Most patients can return to normal daily activities shortly after the procedure.
- Effective for Deeper Veins: Because the treatment is performed with ultrasound guidance, it can be used for veins that may not be suitable for traditional sclerotherapy.
Together, these benefits make Varithena a practical option for treating certain varicose veins with minimal disruption to your routine.
The Varithena Procedure
The Varithena procedure is performed in the office and is designed to be efficient, comfortable, and highly targeted. Each step is guided by ultrasound imaging to help ensure the treatment is delivered exactly where it is needed.
- Initial Evaluation: Treatment begins with an ultrasound examination to evaluate the affected veins and create a personalized treatment plan.
- Treatment: During the procedure, Dr. Chung uses ultrasound guidance to place a small needle into the targeted vein. Varithena foam is then injected into the vein, causing it to close. Over time, the treated vein shrinks and is naturally absorbed by the body.
- Recovery: After treatment, patients are usually advised to wear compression stockings and walk regularly to support circulation and promote healing.
This step-by-step approach allows the vein to be treated accurately while supporting a smooth recovery.
Recovery After Varithena
Most patients can resume normal daily activities soon after the procedure. Walking is often encouraged, although strenuous activity may be limited for a short period depending on your treatment plan.
The treated veins gradually fade over several weeks to months as the body absorbs them. A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled to monitor your progress, evaluate the treated veins, and determine whether any additional treatments are needed.
Before & After
Frequently Asked Questions
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy uses ultrasound imaging to locate and treat veins that are not visible on the surface, making it ideal for deeper, larger veins.
Little preparation is needed, but you should avoid shaving or applying lotions to your legs before the procedure. Wearing loose clothing on the day of treatment is also recommended.
Some people have mild itching that only lasts a couple of days. Brown spots, or “hyperpigmentation,” are a temporary problem that some people have after sclerotherapy and resolve on their own—70% resolve at 6 months, and nearly 99% at 12 months. Ulceration and blistering occur when sclerotherapy solution is accidentally injected into an artery.
With the VeinViewer machine we use (the only one in Hawaii), we greatly reduce the risk of this occurring. With proper care of this uncommon complication, most people heal without any problems.
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, although an essential part of comprehensive vein care, is considered cosmetic and is not usually covered by insurance.
Why Choose Hawaii Vein Institute for Varithena Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy?
Varithena treatment requires accurate vein evaluation, ultrasound guidance, and experience with venous disease. At Hawaii Vein Institute, care is provided by Dr. W. Y. Chung, MD, RPh, DABVLM, a board-certified vein physician with more than 23 years of experience in venous, cosmetic, and laser medicine.
Dr. Chung is board-certified by the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine and the American Board of Emergency Medicine. His background includes specialized training in venous and lymphatic medicine, as well as extensive experience treating varicose veins, spider veins, venous ulcers, and other circulation-related conditions.
Patients choose Hawaii Vein Institute for Varithena because treatment is ultrasound-guided, medically informed, and tailored to each patient’s vein anatomy, symptoms, and long-term vascular health.
Ultrasound-Guided Varithena Treatment in Honolulu & Oahu, HI
Varithena offers a minimally invasive option for treating certain varicose veins using ultrasound guidance. At Hawaii Vein Institute, Dr. Chung provides personalized vein evaluations to determine whether Varithena is the right approach for your condition and goals.
To schedule a consultation and learn more about Varithena in Honolulu and Oahu, HI, call 808-949-8346 today.