Vein Procedures
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(Treating both Spider Veins and Varicose Veins)
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are large, dilated and tortuous veins that have lost their ability to carry blood back to the heart. They can cause any combination of aching, fatigue, a heavy feeling, itching, burning, cramping, discomfort and pain in the leg. In advanced cases, they may also cause swelling, bleeding, phlebitis (inflammation), thrombosis (blood clots) or ulceration.
What are the Causes of Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins develop from the improper functioning of valves within the veins. Normally, valves work to direct blood up the leg so it can be re-oxygenated by the heart. When the valves are not functioning properly the veins become susceptible to blood pooling, as the force of gravity causes blood to flow backwards in these veins. This pooling is seen as the veins bulge and become painful.
Heredity is the most common cause of faulty valves. Frequently, the stresses of pregnancy also lead to stretching and wear on the valves. Other common factors include prolonged standing, age, hormones, and injury to the veins
What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are tiny venous capillaries in the skin that get dilated and become noticeable as blue or red blemishes. They are usually associated with varicose veins. Despite their physical appearance, they usually do not cause any symptoms.
How can Spider Veins be treated?
Spider veins are treated by Sclerotherapy. These veins are injected with a chemical solution to collapse them, causing them to slowly disappear. In recent years there have been technological improvements, making it possible for lasers to treat some cases of spider veins. Sometimes a combination of laser treatment and Sclerotherapy offer the best overall results.
