|
Varicose Veins |
|
What Are Varicose
Veins |
|
Varicose veins are abnormal superficial veins
that develop in the soft tissue beneath the skin. The veins
appear swollen and knotted. The veins are similar to empty water
balloons, in that when they are forced to carry more blood,
because of leaking valves, become distended and tortuous. These
veins are abnormal and do not transport blood back to the heart
efficiently; therefore, they can be removed without causing
problems and in fact improve the venous circulation. |
|
|
|
Causes Of Varicose Veins
|
|
Many factors
play a part in the development of varicose veins.
Heredity There is a significant
relationship between heredity and the development of varicose
or spider veins.
Age Varicose and spider veins
generally occur between the ages of 18 and 35, and peak between
50 and 60 years.
Gender Females are effected
by varicose veins more often than males.
Pregnancy Varicose veins may
form during pregnancy but may also disappear shortly after
delivery. The incidence of varicose veins during pregnancy
is approximately 8% - 20%.
Lifestyle/Occupation People
who are involved with prolonged sitting or standing in their
daily activities have an increased risk of developing varicose
veins.
|
|
|
|
Minimally Invasive Treatment
|
|
Minimally invasive
vein surgery is the treatment of choice for larger varicose
veins to achieve both the desired cosmetic results and to relieve
symptoms such as aching, swelling and pain caused by leg varicosities.
Todays surgical techniques for varicose veins require
minimal incisions and are performed on an outpatient basis.
Meticulous effort is made to achieve optimal cosmetic and therapeutic
results.
Learn more about Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Ablation. |
|
|
Spider Veins |
|
|
What Are Spider Veins |
|
Spider veins are superficial telangiectasias,
tiny vessels, red, blue or purple
in color. The majority of these veins present as a cosmetic
problem. |
|
|
|
What Is Sclerotherapy |
|
Sclerotherapy is an injection treatment
used to eliminate small to medium size varicose veins and spider
veins. |
|
|
|
How Does
Sclerotherapy Work |
|
A very small needle is used to inject
a sclerosing solution into a varicose or spider
vein. Once the vein is sealed and can no longer transport blood,
the body will break down and absorb the compressed veinmuch
like your body heals a bruise. Spider veins do not
have any useful function and eliminating them will not affect
your circulation.
No pre-treatment patient preparation is needed. Most patients
report minimal discomfort from Sclerotherapy.
|
|
|
|
How Many
Treatments Are Needed |
|
The number of treatments needed
varies from patient to patient depending on the type, size and
quantity of veins to be treated. Varicose veins and spider
veins may require multiple injection sessions. Subsequent treatments
are usually scheduled every four to six weeks to allow time
for the body to respond to the treatments. Your body will continue
to heal and fade injection sites for months after
treatment.
After your initial screening exam the doctor will give you
an estimate as to the number of treatments that may be required.
It is important to discuss your expectations with the doctor
at this time.
|
|
|
|
What To Expect |
|
Your legs will look worse before
they look better. Your body needs time to heal. Most people
will notice a dramatic improvement approximately four weeks
after their initial treatment. It is important to realize that
the best results require patience. Maximal improvement often
takes several months and several treatments. There is no guarantee
sclerotherapy will be effective in every case. Some veins and
areas will need to be retreated. While recurrence of a treated
vein rarely occurs, new varicose veins or spider veins may form
requiring subsequent treatment. Periodic re-evaluations are
encouraged so that any new veins that develop can be treated
before they become too large or too numerous. |
|
For more detailed information regarding
Varicose and Spider Veins
»
The American
College of Phlebology. »
Web MD |
|
|
We accept Medicare
and most major HMO's & Insurances |
|
|