Varicose Veins Treatment Options

Varicose veins are a common condition that doesn’t necessarily have troublesome symptoms. Nonetheless, many people dislike the way they look and are anxious to find a varicose veins treatment. Modern science affords patients many options to get rid of varicose veins. Most of them require just a minimum of time and are not particularly painful. Because the treatment for varicose veins is also usually quite successful, most people are pleased with the results.

What Do Varicose Veins Look Like?

Varicose veins are easy to recognize. Typically, these are the enlarged blue veins seen in the lower legs, although they can appear in other parts of the body. Women seem to be far more susceptible to this condition and are similarly more likely to seek treatment for varicose veins. Sometimes this indisposition is a simple matter of heredity. If your mother or grandmother suffered from varicose veins, then you are more likely to as well. However, other lifestyle factors can also play a role. People who are overweight are more susceptible as are those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. The condition may develop as a result of old age or in the aftermath of an injury. Many women develop this complaint when they are pregnant, and some of them will seek a varicose vein laser treatment to correct the situation.

Most people who seek varicose veins treatment are more troubled by the appearance of the condition than any other symptoms. In fact, it’s unusual to experience any symptoms in addition to the unsightly enlarged veins. Nonetheless, some people do find this malady to be painful, which leads them to seek a remedy even more quickly. In rare instances patients may develop more serious conditions like an ulcer on the skin or a blood clot. When this happens a treatment for varicose veins becomes not only desirable, but also necessary for the overall health and well-being of the individual.

How Do Varicose Veins Develop?

A complex system of veins, arteries and capillaries is responsible for efficiently moving blood throughout the entire body. The blood is always on the move, traveling closer and closer to the heart, which sends it directly to the lungs where it can pick up oxygen. The blood continues on its endless journey, supplying the oxygen rich blood to the body’s tissues and organs. In every vein is found a valve that keeps the blood flowing in the correct direction. However, sometimes these valves weaken or get damaged, causing them to work less effectively or to cease to function at all. With the valves not doing what they are supposed to do, blood is allowed to collect in pools. These pools cause the veins to swell, making them visible beneath the skin.

The good news is that varicose veins are relatively easy to treat and the prognosis for patients is frequently excellent. Doctors almost always recommend a few lifestyle changes to help guarantee the success of the treatment for varicose veins. For instance, doctors may make recommendations that put more movement into the patient’s life and have them avoiding standing or sitting for excessive periods of time. Frequently, adding walking and other physical activity to the daily routine is also advisable. Exercise improves blood flow and lessens the opportunity for varicose veins to form. The doctor may also make recommendations for dietary changes to help support a healthy lifestyle and weight loss.

How To Get Rid of Varicose Veins

Of course, what most people are interested in is a means by which they can get rid of varicose veins. One of the most tried and true methods is sclerotherapy. This approach is often used on small or medium sized varicose veins. It involves injecting a chemical into the affected vein. Over time, the chemical causes the vein to weaken and close up. This prevents blood from flowing into the vein, which eventually turns into scar tissue. This causes the appearance of the vein to fade. It may be necessary to perform sclerotherapy more than once on a vein. If this is the case, the appointments are usually scheduled about four to six weeks apart. In between treatments the doctor may ask that the patient wear compression stockings to help minimize swelling.

Doctors are more frequently recommending a varicose vein laser treatment. This non-invasive procedure is often very successful. It involves shooting intense bursts of light into the vein directly through the skin. The potential downside to this approach is heat exposure to the skin, which can be painful. Fortunately, the doctor has means of cooling the area to minimize this discomfort. Each varicose vein laser treatment typically lasts less than half an hour, and most patients require between two and five treatments to achieve a lasting effect.

Not everyone is a good candidate for varicose vein laser treatment. Some skin types and colors do not respond as well as others. Doctors make a practice of spending a great deal of time explaining the available varicose veins treatment options with their patients before deciding upon the approach that’s right for them. Whichever treatment is recommended, it’s essential that patients follow all care instructions to the letter to ensure a more successful experience.

Modern varicose veins treatments have been enormously refined from the more painful and invasive procedures that used to prevail. Most patients experience little to no downtime after the treatment, with the majority of people returning to normal activities immediately afterward. With a minimum of discomfort and a high likelihood for success, more people are finding out how to get rid of varicose veins in an effort to improve their lifestyle and appearance. Contact a board certified dermatologist to learn more.