Varicose Veins

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose Veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red or flesh colored. They are often raised above the skin on legs and look like twisted bulging cords. Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins that carry blood from the legs toward the heart no longer function, causing blood to pool in the legs.

Types of Varicose Veins

There are several types of varicose veins, such as:

  • Trunk varicose veins are near to the surface of the skin and are thick and knobbly. They are usually visible, often quite long and can look unpleasant.
  • Reticular varicose veins are red and are sometimes grouped close together in a network.
  • Telangiectasia varicose veins, also known as thread veins or spider veins, are small clusters of blue or red veins that sometimes appear on your face or legs. They are harmless and, unlike trunk varicose veins, do not bulge underneath the surface of the skin.

Treatments Available

There are several methods of treating these.

Sclerotherapy

Procedure

The thread veins are injected using a sclerosant (liquid used to cause damage to the veins) using a very fine needle. A number of injections will be necessary; each area injected will be compressed with cotton wool and a compression bandage. This procedure takes approx 20-30mins per leg.

Following procedure

Common risks that may occur:Redness of skin, mild burning, temporary bruising and discolouration of the skin.

Less common risks are: Skin ulceration or the appearance of fine red blood vessels.

Post procedure advice

  • Elasticated bandages will be applied following the procedure; these should be left in place for 5 days.
  • Compression stockings are not usually required but can be worn if it is more comfortable.
  • Normal activities can be maintained.
  • Avoid standing for long periods.
  • Avoid heavy strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting for 5 days following treatment.
  • Avoid sitting in hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas throughout treatment as this may cause your veins to open up.
  • Discomfort – Minimal discomfort may be experienced, your consultant will be able to advise about this.
  • Follow up – This depends on if any further treatments are required.
  • Driving – Can be resumed when able to do so safely.

Laser treatment

Pre-procedure

Sun exposure should be avoided for 4 weeks before procedure and herbal tablets should be stopped 6 weeks prior to treatment as they make the skin very sensitive to the laser.

A patch test will be performed of the area to be treated. This will be done a week prior to the first treatment.

Procedure

This procedure takes approx 20-30mins per leg. Special protective glasses are worn during the procedure to protect eyes from of light from the laser. Cold gel is applied to the area being treated and treatment will be carried out. During treatment some minor discomfort or stinging may be experienced. A cold compress will be applied to the treated area to cool the area and reduce any redness and swelling.

Following procedure

Common risks that may occur;

  • Redness of skin, discomfort, swelling, bruising, change of pigmentation of skin.
  • A less common risk is scarring.
  • Discomfort – Minimal discomfort may be experienced. Advice will be given by the consultant.

Post-procedure advice

  • Compression stockings are not usually required but can be worn if it is more comfortable.
  • Normal activities can be maintained
  • Avoid standing for long periods
  • Avoid heavy strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting for 5 days following treatment.
  • Avoid sitting in hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas throughout treatment as this may cause veins to open up.
  • Cold compresses or aloe vera can be applied to the treated area for comfort to help any redness or swelling.
  • Sun exposure should be avoided for 4 weeks before and following procedure or total sun block should be used.

On your first visit the Consultant will make an assessment of your veins to decide which treatment is appropriate.

Myths about Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

Here is a list of common myths and misunderstandings about varicose veins and spider veins, and the truth behind these conditions and their treatment.

  1. Myth: Varicose veins are not a result of prolonged standingTruth: Those spending significant time on their feet are at higher risk for developing varicose veins. It is recommended that those with careers where they are often on their feet, such as restaurant servers or athletes, rest each day by elevating their feet above their heart.
  2. Myth: Crossing legs often contributes to varicose veins and/or CVITruth: Crossing your legs has little correlation to varicose veins and/or CVI. However, being overweight often contributes to the formation of varicose veins, with the added pressure on the legs and ankles causing the veins to bulge and blood flow to be disrupted. Regular exercise is recommended to increase blood flow in the legs and maintain a healthy weight to mitigate conditions that can lead to CVI, particularly varicose veins.
  3. Myth: Spider veins are the same thing as varicose veins.Truth: Both varicose and spider veins are caused by hemodynamic dysfunctions. However, spider veins appear as a nest of blue or red veins just under the surface of the skin, and do not protrude from beneath the skin. Though they do not pose a medical risk, spider veins can be removed with minimally invasive procedures for cosmetic reasons.
  4. Myth: Men are not at risk for developing varicose veins and/or CVI.Truth: Men, though less likely than women to develop varicose veins, are at risk for CVI. In fact, 42% of men are expected to develop varicose veins by the time they reach their 60s.3However, a majority of those do not seek treatment until symptoms worsen.
  5. Myth: Insufficient hydration has been shown to contribute to varicose veins and/or CVITruth: Insufficient hydration has little correlation to varicose veins. However, lower limb trauma has shown to contribute to symptoms leading to CVI.And, during pregnancy, there is increased pressure on the veins in the pelvis that may contribute to the creation of varicose veins in the legs.
  6. Myth: Varicose veins are a cosmetic issue and don’t need to be treatedTruth: Varicose veins, though often thought of as a cosmetic nuisance, can actually progress to CVI, a more serious medical condition. CVI is a progressive disease that can result in increasingly serious symptoms if not treated, including leg pain, swelling, skin damage and ulcers. And, as a treatable condition, varicose veins can be mitigated by various minimally invasive treatments before they progress.
  7. Myth: Genetics and age do not factor into the development of varicose veins and CVITruth: Genetics and age are large contributors to the development of varicose veins and CVI. In fact, women older than 50 are most likely to develop CVI. And, if you have a family member who suffers from varicose veins or symptoms of CVI, you are more likely than others to develop varicose veins in your lifetime.