While red, blue and purple lines look pretty on a road map, they are not cosmetically pleasing on legs or faces. These colored lines are actually the result of damaged veins. Often referred to as spider or varicose veins, they show up for a variety of reasons. Women tend to be more prone to venous abnormalities than men. It has been estimated that over 25% of females suffer with some type of spider or varicose vein problem. Fortunately several methods are available for vein removal.
Determining the type of venous problem will assist in choosing the proper course to remove ht veins. Spider veins, or telangiectasias as they are sometimes known, are small thin red or purplish veins, usually close to the surface that appear on the face and legs. These veins are connected the deeper venous system, however because they are damaged, serve no benefit. They can be caused by sun damage, trauma, certain medications and certain disease processes.
Varicose veins are larger deeper superficial veins that tend to bulge from the surface of the skin. Varicose veins form as a result of a venous defect. When the valves within the veins become compromised or damaged they allow blood to reflux back into the vein. This causes the vein to swell. Over time the expanding vein begins to bulge and gravitate toward the surface of the skin. The result is the bluish wormlike appears that can be seen. Varicose veins can be caused by heredity, gender, trauma, weight, hormones, prolonged standing and venous disorders.
While spider veins may have some symptoms associated with their appearance, it is generally the varicose veins that cause issues for the person. Symptoms that can be associated with the larger veins include; achiness, burning, throbbing, cramping, heaviness, itching. and skin ulceration (usually from vascular disease).
Depending on the type of veins, several treatment types are available to assist in vein removal.
Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is primarily used for spider veins, however it can also be a very effective treatment on some of the smaller varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is the process of injecting a hypertonic saline or other concentrated solution into the damaged vessel. The solution irritates the lumen, or inside, of the vein causing it to swell, pushing out the blood and then shutting itself down. Once closed down the body naturally breaks down and absorbs the vein. Several sessions may be required to clear an area. Costs average $200-$400 per session.
Laser & IPL: Laser surgery and intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) can treat both spider and varicose veins. For vein removal both laser and IPL can accurately remove a vein by directing highly concentrated light energy to infiltrate and destroy the target. Lasers work to slowly fade and then eliminate the veins. Benefits of laser and IPL treatments are they are safe and effective and only damage the veins without affecting the surrounding areas. Some varicose veins can be treated with laser therapy, but this is usually restricted to veins under 3 millimeters in diameter.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy: An ambulatory phlebectomy is beneficial for varicose veins. The process includes making small incisions over the line of the vein. The vein is then pulled out through the incisions with a surgical hook. Veins are very malleable and therefore removing from a small hole is easily done. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and the tiny incisions do not require sutures. The leg is generally wrapped with a compression bandage and patients area able to walk out of the office the same day.
EVLT: Endovenous laser treatments (EVLT) achieve vein removal under local anesthesia while an internal laser probe is inserted into a varicose vein under Doppler imaging. As the laser is slowly withdrawn the laser light heats the inside of the vein, causing it to seal shut. The procedure is done in an outpatient setting and usually takes under an hour to complete.
Electrodesiccation: Electrodesiccation involves sealing and destroying the varicose vein with an electric current.
Surgery: Surgical ligation for varicose vein removal requires an incision over the varicose vein. The vein is then tied to cut off the blood supply to damaged vessel. Because no blood is allowed to enter the vessel, the bulging is decreased and the vein becomes less visible. A disadvantage to this procedure is the high rate of reoccurrence.
Vein Stripping: A vein stripping uses ligation and removal to eliminate the vein. Generally the varicosity is tied off at the upper end of the vein and then the remainder of the vein is surgically removed. The procedure is done in an operating room under general anesthesia. Vein stripping often has significant recovery time and scarring associated with the procedure.
Common side effects associated with vein removal treatments include hyper-pigmentation, telangectatic matting (more tiny veins appear in an area), infection, bleeding, reoccurrence, blood clots, skin ulcers, scarring, severe inflammation and allergic reaction. Consult a qualified physician to determine which treatment is right for your own particular needs. |
