There is an extensive network of veins and arteries found throughout the human body, all of which make up an essential part of our body’s health. When things “go wrong” with our veins, it’s likely the result of an underlying condition or recent change we’ve experienced. Veins affect so many primary systems within our body, so taking notice of these changes and giving them serious attention is extremely important. While it’s often little more than a cosmetic issue when dealing with our veins, it’s always worth it to double-check with your doctor. Check out our list of 6 vein facts you probably didn’t know about your veins!
1. Varicose and spider veins are widely painless unless the underlying condition is inflammation.
While the bulging nature of varicose veins and the red, blue, or purple coloring of spider veins may look painful, both conditions are typically painless, which is why many patients wait until the appearance is too much of a nuisance before they get treatment. Some people report feeling small aches or itchiness from time to time, but it’s usually cosmetic concerns that bring them into our office.
2. Varicose and spider veins are extremely common, and might run in your family!
Around 20% of men worldwide and 30% of women reportedly have varicose and/or spider veins in one or more areas of their body, most commonly the legs, arms, or hands. These instances increase with age as skin becomes less elastic and collagen production decreases, so nearly 50% of both men and women reportedly experience varicose or spider veins by the time they are 60 years old.
Genetics influence the likelihood of having varicose veins. If your parents have them, you might, too! When in doubt, blame your mom, right?
3. Pregnancy and childbirth can cause varicose and spider veins.
Some women develop spider veins in their face as well as other areas of their body during and after pregnancy when their estrogen hormone levels increase, leading to broken blood vessels. Since the body produces more estrogen during pregnancy, women may suffer vein weakness, blood flow is also increased, and the veins may become enlarged.
4. We have more veins than we need!
Our veins work to move blood through our body and then return it back to our heart. And throughout our body, we actually have more than enough veins for them to work efficiently. In fact, we have so many that we can treat and remove any unsightly veins without disrupting the process of returning blood to our heart. By the time treatment is complete and the ineffective veins are closed, their function has already been taken over by our body’s health veins!
5. Most patients can be treated without surgery!
Broken veins in the skin, in the absence of ultrasound evidence of major varicose veins or venous insufficiency, can be treated on an outpatient basis using treatments like sclerotherapy, endovenous laser treatment, or radiofrequency ablation.
6. There are three vein treatment options, depending on if you’re treating varicose or spider veins.
Sclerotherapy Treatment for Spider Veins
Sclerotherapy treatment is a cosmetic vein treatment that is frequently requested by our patients. This treatment option is a quick and permanent way to address the culprit of your spider veins: the veins that had previously dilated and led to the burst. Dr. Wright injects your spider veins with a substance called a sclerosant. This chemical works by causing the dilation of your vein to diminish, and the vein will permanently shut and be naturally absorbed back into the body. Typically, our patients will receive multiple injections during their treatment for maximum results. Occasionally we will use a saline solution in place of the sclerosant with the same results and effectiveness.
Sclerotherapy treatment is the most recommended treatment for veins due to its precise nature. Other forms of vein disease, such as varicose veins, involve the bodies of larger veins. It is much easier to find these veins and treat them effectively, but spider veins are significantly smaller! Because of their tiny and thin size (sometimes these veins are as small as a needle tip!) it can be difficult for other forms of treatment. Sclerotherapy is also a minimally invasive procedure that is safe on the body and does not require any significant recovery time. In fact, most patients are able to get up and leave right after their procedure is over. Some patients may experience mild side effects such as an allergic reaction or inflammation after the procedure is completed, but these side effects typically fade within a day or two.
Endovenous Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins
One of our most popular and common vein treatments is endovenous laser treatment. This type of procedure maps out your veins with ultrasound mapping to find the root of the problem. The problem vein (known as the saphenous vein) is then removed. Older treatments required vein stripping that physically removed the vein from the body. However, endovenous laser treatment uses state of the art technology to safely shut down these problem veins. Specifically, Dr. Wright uses a small fiber that’s inserted into the damaged vein and directs laser energy at it. This causes the vein to permanently collapse and then be reabsorbed back into the body.
Endovenous laser treatment is a minimally invasive treatment meaning you will not have to go through lengthy recovery times. Local anesthesia makes sure you remain comfortable. Only a small incision is needed for the procedure and will heal quickly, and we use compression stockings to help accelerate the healing process.
Radiofrequency Ablation for Varicose Veins
Another option that works similar to endovenous laser treatment is called radiofrequency ablation. This procedure also uses a tiny probe and is inserted into the problem vein. Instead of laser energy, this procedure will direct radiofrequency energy to heat up the vein and cause it to collapse. This collapsed vein will also be safely absorbed into your body and blood flow will be naturally redirected. After the treatment is complete your treatment area will start to regain its previous appearance. Most individuals can head home right after the treatment is complete. The usual side effects include some swelling around the treated area but will heal quickly especially when compression stockings are worn. Most people return to full activities 48 hours later and the cosmetic results are excellent.
Have More Questions? We’re here to help!
Have more questions about your veins or possible treatment options? Perhaps the best part of getting vein treatment is how easy it is to start the process! It’s as simple as contacting St. Louis Laser Vein for an open appointment, discussing your ideal outcomes with Dr. Wright and our team, and getting the treatment scheduled! We’re here to help talk through what you’re looking for and how we can help you get those desired results to feel your best!
Contact St. Louis Laser Vein today to speak with Dr. Wright and his team of experts. He’s here to help answer your questions and concerns, and help you decide on what plan might work best for you!
