Varicose Veins
WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS?
Varicose veins are a condition mainly caused by weak vein walls and valves. Inside the veins, there are small one-way valves that keep the blood flowing from the different tissues back to the heart. Sometimes these valves are not working efficiently, and due to this, the blood starts flowing backward. This results in enlarged veins, swelling, pressure, and pain.
WHAT CAUSES VARICOSE VEINS?
Varicose veins can affect any part of the body, the legs being the most common due to long-standing for long periods of time. There are different causes of varicose veins. The condition is usually more common in women than men and has an influential genetic factor. Certain conditions can exacerbate the condition, such as obesity, pregnancy, and aging.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Symptoms of varicose veins include soreness, swelling, skin discoloration, bulging veins, and a bluish appearance of veins showing from beneath the skin.
WHAT ARE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
At Itsy Aesthetic, we offer two types of treatment for varicose veins, Sclerotherapy and Fotona Laser Treatment.
SCLEROTHERAPY:
If you receive sclerotherapy, the treatment is as follow:
- A chemical will be injected into the spider or varicose vein; this irritates the wall of the vein. Several injections may be required depending on the number of veins or the size of the vein.
- After injecting the site, the area may be massaged, and an elastic band or compression stocking may be placed on each leg.
- For patients to have optimal results and to prevent possible side effects, daily walks would be required, as well as the use of compression. Most patients wear compression stockings for 2 to 3 weeks.
- You will be able to return to work and most activities the following day.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Sclerotherapy works by causing the walls of the veins to stick together so the blood doesn’t flow through them anymore. This improves circulation in the treated leg and reduces swelling.
Spider veins usually disappear in 3 to 6 weeks. Varicose veins take 3 to 4 months.
To get the best results, you may need 2 or 3 treatments. This treatment can be performed during an office visit. No anesthesia is required. Some hematomas may be visible after the treatment.
LASER TREATMENT:
The laser is used to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. During laser treatment, the laser light is placed directly at the vein. The use of a cooling device may be used to decrease the pain.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Small spider veins may disappear immediately after treatment. Larger spider veins and varicose veins will darken, and you’ll likely see them for 1 to 3 months before they disappear. To get complete clearing, you may need three or more treatments.
Most patients can return to work and many of their normal activities the next day. After each treatment, some patients need to wear compression stockings for a short time. Every patient will need to protect the treated area from the sun for 3 to 4 weeks. This helps prevent dark spots from developing. Protecting your skin from the sun year-round helps to prevent new spider veins and skin cancer. Some hematomas may be visible after the treatment.
