Varicose veins are a common complaint that many people live with. These unsightly and sometimes painful veins usually appear on the legs and can cause an understandable amount of distress among those who have to live with the condition.
Varicose veins can have several causes, including veins weakened from age-related diminishing of the circulatory system, pressure from being on your feet all day, and even situations like pregnancy.
Luckily, effective treatments exist to eliminate varicose veins. Depending on your insurance coverage, your symptoms, and the severity of your varicose veins, you may have several treatment options from which to choose.
Varicose Veins Self-Care
For small, newly-formed varicose veins, self-care is often the first step. Self-care usually involves implementing easy-to-follow measures, such as increasing exercise, elevating the legs, and staying off your feet for extended periods of time. Your specialist may also recommend that you wear compression stockings for a few weeks or months. Self-care can help relieve minor aches due to varicose veins and also minimize their appearance.
However, more intensive treatment might be called for to treat larger, more noticeable veins.
Laser Varicose Vein Treatment
Laser treatment is an effective method for eliminating varicose veins. Two main forms of laser treatment are available: simple laser treatment and endovenous laser treatment. Simple laser treatment is performed by using focused light on the surface of the skin. Endovenous laser treatment is for larger varicose veins, and involves passing a catheter through the skin into the vein. Both treatments cause the development of scar tissue, which, over time, causes the vein to collapse and disappear.
Those who choose laser treatment for varicose veins and spider veins might experience side effects — although for most patients these are extremely mild. Potential side effects include skin tone changes, burns, and rarely, the risk of blood clots. Following post-treatment recommendations can go far in minimizing the possibility of these complications. We give you all the concentrated aftercare you need at Rejuva Medical Aesthetics.
Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins
In sclerotherapy, a solution called a sclerosant is injected into the troublesome vein. Much like with laser treatment, this irritates the vein and causes scar tissue to form, which eventually leads to the vein collapsing and disintegrating. Some sclerosants can cause mild pain and external irritation, as well as a risk of the same side effects as laser treatment.
While sclerotherapy is extremely effective for mild to moderate veins, it may not be appropriate for all cases.
Prior to any treatment, your specialist will perform an initial examination and consultation. This will help determine which options are appropriate for your individual case. With proper treatment, you can be free of varicose veins.