Regardless of our age, veins can start to appear on the surface of the skin and can become unsightly in short order. While it is a natural part of the aging process, it does not make it easier to live with on a day-to-day basis. Many people are so self-conscious about veins on their legs that they never wear shorts or skirts or dresses. When you live in California, every day is a day for shorts, so people really feel like they are missing out on life! At our medispa in West Hollywood, we can help reduce or eliminate the look of veins on your body with laser treatment today.
Vascular Vein Treatment
Varicose veins appear when the veins become dilated, enlarged, and overfilled with blood. Typically, they look swollen and raised on the skin’s surface, with a blueish-purple or red color. In most cases, varicose veins are painful. However, those suffering from varicose veins can seek vascular vein treatment to reduce symptoms and provide relief.
Causes
Also known as varicosity or varicosities, varicose veins occur when the veins in the body no longer function properly. For example, when vein valves fail, blood collects rather than continuing on the journey to the heart. When this occurs, veins become enlarged.
Potential causes for varicose veins include pregnancy, being over 50, menopause, obesity, standing for long periods, and having a family history.
Symptoms
The most common symptom associated with varicose veins is the fact they are apparent, misshapen veins. Other symptoms include pain, heaviness, achiness, and swelling over and around the affected area. Varicose veins are typically found on the legs but can develop on other parts of the body. In more severe cases, discoloration, bleeding, and ulcers can develop in associated with varicose veins.
Those with varicose veins can seek vascular vein treatment to help reduce the symptoms and appearance.
Preparing for an Appointment
Those suffering from varicose veins need to schedule an appointment with their primary care physician. The doctor will look at the veins to diagnose the condition or refer the patient to a specialist for treatment. Preparing for this appointment involves working in self-care and documenting any problems associated with the varicose veins.
When seeking diagnosis and treatment, the primary care physician can help and provide referrals. It is best to seek treatment with a doctor specializing in vein conditions, a vascular surgeon, or a dermatologist.
Diagnosis
Those suffering from symptoms associated with varicose veins should consult with their physician. The doctor will conduct an exam of the affected area and inspect visible veins. They may ask about symptoms and any associated pain. To assist with the diagnosis, the doctor will check the blood flow of the veins using an ultrasound, and a venogram may be used to assess the condition of the veins further.
Vascular Vein Treatment
In the early treatment of varicose veins, doctors tend to recommend lifestyle changes to help ease symptoms. Then, if signs and symptoms do not dissipate, the doctor may recommend a more aggressive vascular vein treatment option. Here are some of the different options used to help treat varicose veins:
- Lifestyle changes: Avoid sitting or standing for long periods, elevating the area, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise to improve circulation.
- Compression: Compression socks or stockings may be recommended to apply pressure to the legs, promoting blood flow more easily to the heart.
- Surgery: If other options are not working and the varicose veins are causing a lot of pain, the doctor may try surgery to remove it.
- Sclerotherapy: A liquid or foam chemical gets injected into the more prominent veins to block them off.
- Microsclerotherapy: Similar to sclerotherapy, but instead of blocking off more prominent veins, this treatment blocks off smaller veins.
- Laser surgery: The use of light energy to block off veins.
- Endovenous ablation therapy: This method uses a combination of heat and radio frequencies to block veins.
- Endoscopic vein surgery: This method uses a small scope through an incision to block off a vein.
Those suffering from varicose veins should consult with their doctor about treatment options. The doctor can recommend which treatment is best based on patient history, symptoms, and size/location of the varicose vein. Until the appointment, continue with self-care and do everything possible to reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.
