Varicose Veins

What are Varicose Veins?

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that appear in a branching pattern on the surface of the skin. Varicose veins can be minor and only affect someone cosmetically, or they can be more severe and lead to other health concerns. Someone with varicose veins may have other circulatory issues.

How do unwanted varicose veins occur?

Varicose veins are typically only caused by the aging process or by pregnancy. Blood can pool in certain veins, especially in the ones near the lower body as they must work harder to return the blood to your heart. When the blood pools, these veins become visible on the surface of the skin.

Where are these types of veins visible?

They are typically visible on the legs or feet, but they can appear in other places as well. Since the veins in your legs and feet work much harder to move blood, the strain combined with aging or pregnancy can be enough to create varicose veins. The veins appear blue because the blood is deoxygenated.

What type of methods are used to treat varicose veins?

Taking care of your health can help prevent or lessen varicose veins. Wearing compression socks also helps improve the look of the veins. Laser procedures are also now available and are a better choice when compared to more invasive procedures.

What types of lasers are used to treat varicose veins?

Some simple laser procedures are used to treat varicose veins. These are non-invasive and don’t require downtime. There are also some procedures that are more suited to larger varicose veins, such as endovenous laser treatments. These treatments are somewhat invasive, but still use a laser to dissolve the vein.

What are the benefits of varicose vein removal?

Laser treatments, when done on smaller veins, do not require downtime and are painless. They’re also non-invasive, and typically they are very effective at removing the veins. Also, lasers will not affect the surrounding skin.

Who is a good candidate for varicose vein removal?

Most people can receive treatment for varicose veins via laser without issue. However, if you have larger varicose veins to remove, you’ll need to speak with your doctor to determine if it’s safe to have a treatment performed. Patients who have any illnesses that affect clotting should not have laser therapy for large varicose veins.

What is the cost of varicose vein removal?

The cost of treatment will depend on the type of laser and the amount of sessions needed. Many patients can expect to pay between $600 and $1000 for laser therapy. Insurance may cover the cost of the treatment if the veins are painful. However, if the veins are only a cosmetic irritation, insurance will not cover the fee.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments can fluctuate based on how many areas need treatment and how large the veins are. Typically patients need anywhere from two to six treatments in order to remove all of the varicose veins. If the veins are particularly large, more sessions may be required.

How long will each treatment take?

Each treatment typically lasts between half an hour to 45 minutes. The length of the procedure will depend upon the size of the area being treated.

How far apart are treatments?

Treatments are usually scheduled between four to six weeks apart. You can expect extra sessions to be added on if new veins appear.

What should I expect before the treatment?

You should write down your symptoms and questions for your doctor and make an appointment to see your general practitioner or a dermatologist. Your doctor can recommend you to the appropriate specialist. Your doctor will go through a list of questions with you prior to scheduling any treatment.

What should I expect after the treatment?

You may notice bumps under your skin after treatment. These will disappear quickly. The treated areas may appear red and irritated, but this is normal. Some patients experience slight bruising. You should also expect to stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen whenever going outside.

How permanent is the treatment?

The treatment is permanent for the varicose veins that are treated. There is no cure for the underlying issue, so new varicose veins can appear. However, the veins that were previously treated should not resurface.

Where can I go to find a treatment?

Most dermatology clinics and other specialty cosmetic skin clinics can treat varicose veins. Some hospitals also offer treatments.