FYI Cosmetics

Treatment of varicose veins is undergone by individuals for many reasons. While these unsightly veins are ultimately removed due to medical reasons, many men and women suffer with the emotional stress that they can create—embarrassing, unwanted varicose veins can reduce confidence levels and inhibit individuals from living their daily lives to the fullest. Whether they are causing physical pain, mental anguish, or both, varicose veins are true problem for many individuals, which is why several treatment options have been developed to remove them.

Varicose veins not only cause problems for men and women on the inside of their body’s, they also can be visually unappealing. Bluish or purple colored enlarged, distended and twisted varicose veins that lie at the surface of the skin are both a medical and a cosmetic problem; and one that men and women suffering with varicose veins often go to great lengths to remove. Over the years, many vein removal treatments have been developed, two of the most popular being Ligation and Laser Surgery.

Varicose Vein Ligation Procedure

Varicose vein ligation, which is also commonly known as vein stripping, is a procedure that involves small incisions made by a doctor to remove the damaged parts of the varicose vein in order to reduce the twisted, bulging sections without diminishing normal blood flow. During this procedure, sections of the damaged vein are removed and the remaining vein is reconnected to the central venous system in order to help the blood flow normally. The procedure usually involves two incisions, one in the groin area and then another at either the knee or the ankle. Through these incisions the surgeon will tie off the vein and will then pass a wire through the severed vein and will pull or ‘strip’ the vein out through the lower incision. This procedure can successfully remove unsightly varicose veins while restoring normal blood flow to the lower extremities.

Laser Vein Removal

Laser vein removal involves removing unwanted varicose veins with laser technology. During the vein procedure, the technician will insert a tiny probe into the vein, that probe contains a small laser. The laser will deliver a brief pulse of light that will target the hemoglobin in the vein. The laser light will then be absorbed by the hemoglobin (the substance in the blood that gives it its reddish, purple color), and when absorbed will be converted into heat. The heat collapses the walls of the vein which halts the flow of blood. Once the blood flow stops, the vein will be slowly absorbed into the body, making it no longer visible.

Other vein removal procedures are very invasive; they require incisions and lengthy recovery time. Laser technology, on the other hand, allows the physician to collapse the unwanted veins with minimal incisions and minimal damage to outer layers of skin. The lasers technology allows the light to target and treat the unwanted veins without causing any damage to the surrounding skin and tissue.

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Both of these surgical varicose vein procedures can help men and women to remove unsightly varicose veins with lasting results. Before undergoing treatment, consult with your physician and find the varicose vein treatment that will get you the results you desire.

Anyone searching for vein treatments knows the embarrassment and aggravation that can be felt due to visible, unwanted spider and varicose veins. The harsh red, purple and blue lines can truly stand out whether they reside on the face or on the legs and can cause many individuals to become self conscious. What many individuals may not know is that both varicose and spider veins become present because of vein damage; which is why once they appear, they will never disappear. There are many other causes for their appearance as well, but the most important thing for vein sufferers to know is that now there is something you can do about it.

Both men and women suffer from unsightly veins, however women tend to be more prone to venous abnormalities; it has been estimated that over twenty-five per cent of adult females are currently suffering with some type of vein problem. Whether man or women, or whether suffering with spider or varicose veins, know that there are several treatments currently available that can help to diminish their appearance with lasting results. In order to choose the treatment that is right for you, it is first essential that you determine exactly which type of vein disorder you have.

The two main types of vein disorders are spider veins and varicose veins. Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are the small, thin red and purple veins that lie very close to the surface of the skin and are prevalent on both the face and the legs. These veins keep their color because they are still connected to the deeper venous system, however because they are damaged, they serve no purpose and therefore can be removed without altering normal vein function. There are several causes for these small, spider like veins to appear and some of the most common are hereditary, sun damage, trauma, certain medications and certain disease processes.

Varicose veins are much larger and deeper than spider veins, and more often than not tend to bulge from the surface of the skin. Varicose veins form due to valve malfunction within veins. When the valves become damaged they allow blood to reflux back into the vein which can cause the vein to swell. Over time, this swelling leads to vein expansion and the bulges gravitate towards the surface of the skin. The end result is the bluish, bulge-like veins that appear on the legs. There are several causes for varicose veins, the most prominent of which are heredity, weight, hormones, trauma, gender, prolonged standing or venous disorders.

Depending on the type of venous ailment you currently suffer with, there are several vein treatment types available to assist in removal.

Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is primarily used for spider veins and is the process of injecting a hypertonic saline or other concentrated solution into the damaged vessel. The solution irritates the vein which causes it to swell, effectively pushing out the blood and then shutting itself down. Several sessions may be needed in order to completely clear the veins.

Laser Vein Removal: Laser vein removal can be used to treat spider veins and some smaller varicose veins. The laser energy targets and cauterizes the veins, effectively cutting off the blood supply. Once blood is no longer supplied to the vein, it will be naturally absorbed and expelled by the body. Smaller varicose veins (those that are 3mm and less in diameter) can be treated with this method, but larger veins will require other treatment options.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Ambulatory phlebectomys are very beneficial for treating varicose veins. The process consists of making small incisions over the line of the vein through which the vein is then pulled out with a surgical hook. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the incisions are so small they do not even require sutures.

EVLT: Endovenous laser treatments (EVLT) are varicose vein treatments that utilize an internal laser probe and Doppler imaging to cauterize the veins with the heat from the laser light. Sealing the veins will inhibit blood flow, causing the vein walls to collapse and be absorbed by the body.

Vein Stripping: The vein stripping treatment uses ligation to eliminate unwanted varicose veins. Generally the vein will be tied off at the upper end and then the remainder is surgically removed. This procedure is no longer widely used because it is highly invasive and requires significant recovery time. In addition, patients experience visible scarring.

Whether you are looking to treat unsightly spider veins or complication causing varicose veins, consult with your physician today and determine which treatment is right for your own particular needs.