Do you have varicose veins that cause pain and discomfort? You are not alone. Millions of people around the world have varicose veins. What is a varicose vein? Why does it develop? Here at Beach Cities Vein & Laser Center, we will answer these questions about varicose veins and recommend suitable varicose vein treatments. If you would like to know more about these treatments, contact us to schedule your consultation.
What Is a Varicose Vein?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that appear as bulging blue or purple cords. Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern. If you suffer from varicose veins, you are likely familiar with the aching and discomfort they can cause on a daily basis. The skin around the affected area may also become dry and swollen, leading to pain and discomfort.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
- Weakened or damaged valves in the veins that prevent blood from flowing backward
- Thinning or weak vein walls that cause the veins to stretch and bulge
- High blood pressure in the veins, which weakens the vein walls and causes blood to pool
- Age-related wear and tear on the veins
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
- Obesity
- Prolonged sitting or standing
Overall, varicose veins develop when your veins struggle to transport blood back to your heart. This causes your blood to pool, making your veins stretch and bulge.
How Can You Prevent Varicose Veins?
It can be challenging to completely prevent varicose veins. However, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of varicose veins.
- Establish a regular exercise routine: Regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can improve blood circulation and strengthen the veins in your legs.
- Manage your weight: If you are overweight or obese, it puts additional strain on your veins, which can increase your risk of varicose veins.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods: Taking frequent breaks to move around and stretch improves circulation and reduces pressure on your veins.
- Elevate your legs above your heart: Lifting your legs above heart level for about 15-20 minutes a few times a day can help blood circulation and reduce swelling.
- Steer clear of tight clothing: Wearing tight clothing can restrict blood flow in your veins and increase the risk of bulges.
- Follow a balanced diet: A diet high in fiber and low in salt can prevent varicose veins from developing.
While these lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins, they may not be effective for everyone.
Varicose Vein Treatments
If you still develop varicose veins despite your efforts to prevent them, there are many laser vein removal treatments on the market. We offer a variety of varicose vein treatments to ease your pain and discomfort.
Endovenous Laser Treatment
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) is a minimally invasive treatment used to treat varicose veins. Laser energy applies heat to your vein to damage it and cause it to collapse and seal shut. The sealed vein is absorbed by the body, and blood flow is redirected to healthy veins. It can be performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be used to treat varicose veins without using invasive surgery. We use radiofrequency waves to heat and damage your varicose vein, causing it to close and redirect blood to your healthier veins.
During your treatment, we will insert a thin catheter into the varicose vein via a small incision. The catheter is guided into the vein using ultrasound imaging. Radiofrequency energy is delivered to the vein, which causes it to get hot and collapse. The collapsed vein is then absorbed by the body over time.
Varithena
Varithena is a brand name of a prescription medication used to treat varicose veins. It is a foam injected into the affected vein to close it off and redirect blood flow to healthy veins. Varithena contains a chemical called polidocanol, which acts as a sclerosing agent. When injected into the affected vein, the foam collapses, and seals the vein shut. The body then naturally absorbs the closed vein over time.
VenaSeal™
VenaSeal is a brand name for a medical adhesive used to treat varicose veins. During this minimally invasive procedure, we will inject a medical adhesive into the affected vein to seal it shut. The adhesive used in VenaSeal is cyanoacrylate. When injected into the vein, the adhesive seals the vein shut, and blood is rerouted to healthier veins.
Microphlebectomy
Microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where we make small incisions near the affected vein and using specialized instruments to remove the vein in small sections. We generally perform this procedure under local anesthesia, and patients can usually return home the same day.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (UGS) is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat varicose veins and spider veins. It involves injecting a solution, called a sclerosant, into the affected veins to cause them to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. The procedure is guided by ultrasound imaging, which helps us visualize the affected veins and ensure accurate delivery of the sclerosant.
Schedule Your Varicose Vein Treatment Today
If you are looking to ease the uncomfortable symptoms that come with varicose veins, we can help you. At Beach Cities Vein & Laser Center, we offer a variety of treatments for different severities of varicose veins. For more information on our treatments, contact us online or call us at (310) 906-2287 to schedule your appointment today.