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As blood flows through your veins to the heart, stop valves are supposed to prevent the blood from flowing backwards as gravity pulls it down. If the valves don't close properly, blood pools in the vein, forcing the walls to enlarge and bulge out.
Varicose veins occur when the valves in these superficial veins malfunction. The vein walls can lose elasticity (due to age or hormones) causing them to stretch. When this occurs, the valve may be unable to close, allowing blood that should be moving towards the heart to flow backward (called venous reflux). Blood collects in your lower veins causing them to enlarge and become varicose. In this manner, faulty valves high on the leg may cause varicose veins lower down (e.g., mid or lower leg).
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Before & After Pictures |
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Consultation and treatment is offered at our Regents Imaging Location |
Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins
Laser treatment is simple, effective, and is the first choice of patients and physicians. The treatment takes less than an hour to eliminate varicose veins.
During the procedure, a laser is fired along and inside the varicose vein. The energy from the laser damages the vein walls, shrinking them closed to prevent blood from flowing through. Research shows a success rate of 93%-98% in individuals undergoing laser treatment for varicose veins (based on clinical data with up to five years of follow-up). This is much higher than the alternative treatments, including: injection sclerotherapy, radiofrequency, and surgical ligation and stripping. Due to its increased efficacy and lower morbidity, market researchers predict that endovenous laser treatment will be the new "gold standard."
Like all other minimally invasive procedures, Laser treatment can potentially result in some minor bruising, which usually goes away during the first several weeks. With this procedure, you will feel a "pulling" sensation as well as delayed tightness about 4 to 7 days after the varicose vein treatment procedure is completed. These side effects are normal and are expected after a successful treatment procedure. During the procedure, you will be provided with special glasses to wear in order to protect your eyes. This is just a precaution against accidental laser energy firing outside an individual's body.
When medically necessary for symptom relief, laser treatment is usually reimbursed by the majority of carriers, including Medicare - which limits cost for the patient. You should contact your insurer in order to obtain more details.
Varicose veins are a very common problem, generally appearing as twisting, bulging rope-like cords on the legs, anywhere from groin to ankle. Spider veins are smaller, flatter, red or purple veins closer to the skin surface. While many people have heard about varicose veins, very few truly understand their underlying cause, and the potential they have for developing into a serious medical issue. Fortunately, there are new and exciting treatments for varicose veins that make solving your problem easier than ever.
Endovenous Ablation (e.g. Laser). These minimally invasive procedures offer the latest advance in the treatment of varicose veins and are quickly supplanting surgery as the ‘gold standard’. The fastest growing of these are endovenous laser procedures which offer
superior results with minimal side effects.
Advantages include:
Designed to be a 45-minute, office procedure
Uses only local anesthetic
High success rate (93-98%)
No scarring
No hospitalization
Lower risk of complications
Fast return to normal activities (normally 1-2 days)
Reimbursable by most health insurance plans
Facts about varicose veins
Varicose veins affect an estimated 40% of women and 25% of men.
There are a number of factors which lead to varicose veins, including:
Heredity – One of the most important factors. If your parents and grandparents had the problem, you are at increased risk.
Gender – Women have a higher incidence of varicose vein disease due in part to female hormones and their effect on the vein walls.
Pregnancy – Blood volume increases during pregnancy and hormonal effects contribute to vein enlargement
Age – The tissues of our vein walls lose elasticity as we age causing the
valve system to fail.
The following additional factors, while not directly causing varicose veins,
may speed up the development of this disease and make the veins worse:
Prolonged standing - Occupations that involve standing for a long period of time cause increased volume and pressure of blood in the lower limbs due to the effects of gravity.
Obesity – Increases in weight often increase abdominal pressure which may worsen vein problems
Hormone levels –Treatments like birth control pills and post-menopausal hormone replacement may cause the same hormonal effect as pregnancy
Physical Trauma – Injury to the lower limbs can damage underlying blood vessels and add to the problem
Can varicose veins be prevented?
The underlying conditions described above usually make ‘curing’
varicose veins impossible, however certain measures may help relieve
discomfort from existing varicose veins and prevent others from arising:
Exercise regularly to improve leg strength and circulation (walking is ideal).
Avoid standing for long periods of time.
Avoid sitting for long periods of time by taking short walks every 30 minutes. If possible, try to elevate your legs.
Control weight to avoid placing increased pressure on leg circulation
Avoid clothing which limits the use of the calf muscles (e.g. high heels) or restricts blood flow in the groin or calf
Since the above measures do not treat the underlying cause of the disease, varicose veins will usually enlarge and worsen over time. Legs and feet may begin to swell and sensations of pain, heaviness, burning or tenderness may occur. If and when this happens, consult your physician immediately.
Schedule an appointment: 760-630-0014
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Before & After Pictures |
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Consultation and treatment is offered at our Regents Imaging Location |
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Learn more about veins |