Everything Varicose Veins

Is there a connection between hormones and spider veins?

2011-02-28T18:21:00.002-08:00

Yes, another factor related to increased incidence of spider veins during pregnancy is the female sex hormone- estrogen. Estrogen is known to soften the vein wall and the valves which control blood flow. The stretching of the veins is believed to cause an increase in blood engorgement- which eventually leads to spider vein formation.

During the last trimester of pregnancy, the fetus may put pressure on the leg veins by compressing the lower pelvis. For this reason it is highly recommended that pregnant females lie down on their left side to prevent the fetus from lying on top of the leg veins. Multiple pregnancies are often associated with numerous spider veins which rarely resolve.

I noticed that during my pregnancy I developed spider veins. Is there a connection?

2011-02-28T18:21:00.000-08:00

Spider veins are common during the latter stages of pregnancy. This is thought to be due to an increase in body weight and retention of fluids. The increased fluid retention leads to engorgement of veins and which causes pressure on the smaller branch veins. These small branch veins with thin walls become distended and frequently rupture.

My mother has spider veins. Does that mean I will develop them also?

2011-02-28T18:20:00.002-08:00

There is a higher incidence of spider veins in siblings if any one of the parents or other siblings has spider veins. The pattern of inheritance is not exactly known or understood. Spider veins have not been associated with any known medical disorder. They are harmless but some women find them cosmetically unappealing.

I am only 33 and have many spider veins on my face. Is this related to aging?

2011-02-28T18:20:00.000-08:00

Spider veins are rarely seen in children and teenagers. Most individuals develop spider veins after the 3^rd decade of life. As people get older, the spider veins do increase. Elderly individuals have very friable skin and easily develop bruising and spider veins.

What exactly are spider veins?

2011-02-28T18:18:00.001-08:00

Spider veins are small veins which are located just below the skin surface. They are called spider veins because on close observation they resemble a dark center with fine radiating lines in a circular fashion. Other names by which spider veins are often known as include “star” veins or telangiectasias. Spider veins are common and most individuals (especially females) have one or multiple spider veins somewhere on their body. Spider veins are generally more common on the legs, especially around the thigh and ankle area. Even though they occur in all ethnic populations, they are most obvious in fair skinned individuals. Because of their prominent bluish color, they are considered a cosmetic nuisance by most females.

Is Endovenous laser therapy for varicose veins treatment covered by insurance?

2011-02-25T14:05:00.003-08:00

Despite what doctors’ claim, the majority of health plans do not cover this procedure. It is entirely cosmetic in nature. The rare patient who has documented symptoms may be offered coverage by the health plan. For those with no medical coverage, the average cost of EVLT ranges from $300-600 per leg.

IS Endovenous laser therapy used to treat spider veins?

2011-02-25T14:05:00.001-08:00

No, spider veins are best treated with simple laser treatment or sclerotherapy

What are other minimally invasive options for treating varicose veins?

2011-02-25T14:04:00.001-08:00

Instead of using a laser, one can also use radiofrequency ablation as a probe. The entire procedure is the same except that radiofrequency ablation utilizes electrical heat instead of thermal heat. The treatment with radiofrequency ablation is only slightly longer by a few minutes. The cost, complications and recovery time is the same for both procedures.

How do I know that my varicose vein has disappeared?

2011-02-25T14:03:00.001-08:00

After 1-3 weeks, you will be seen by a doctor who will perform an ultrasound to confirm that the vein has closed off.

What happens if the Endovenous laser therapy does not close my vein?

2011-02-25T14:02:00.005-08:00

If endovenous laser treatment does not close a vein, you will need a second treatment. In some cases vein surgery is recommended.

How effective is Endovenous laser therapy for varicose veins?

2011-02-25T14:02:00.003-08:00

Most data indicate that EVLT is as good as surgery and most patients are satisfied with the results. There have been a few failures and these have mainly been due to inexperienced physicians and faulty technique.

What are the limitations of Endovenous laser therapy procedure?

2011-02-25T14:02:00.001-08:00

In those individuals with tortuous and small thrombosed varicose veins, the physician may not be able to pass the catheter through it. The procedure is only used to treat large varicose veins above the knee. Varicosities below the knee are not treated with EVLT.

Is Endovenous laser therapy procedure suitable for everyone?

2011-02-25T14:01:00.004-08:00

The EVLT procedure is only used to treat the large varicose veins. It is not suitable for spider veins. Normal veins should not be removed, because future open-heart surgery may require the use of these veins. EVLT is best for individuals with large varicose veins in the thigh area.

What are potential complications associated with Endovenous laser therapy?

2011-02-25T14:01:00.002-08:00

Complications of EVLT include:

- Vein perforation

- Blood clot formation

- Blood clot in lungs (pulmonary embolism)

- Inflammation of the vein (phlebitis)

- Blood collection (hematoma)

- Infection

- Paresthesia (numbness or tingling)

- Skin burn.

- Nerve damage

- Extensive bruising of the skin

- Pain

- Failure of the procedure to work

Complications are quite common as there are many non trained health care workers doing the procedure

I am 24 years old and 32 weeks pregnant. Can Endovenous laser therapy be done during pregnancy?

2011-02-25T14:01:00.000-08:00

No, it is best to wait until the pregnancy is over. In most cases, the varicose veins will subside after the baby is delivered

What are benefits of Endovenous laser therapy for varicose veins?

2011-02-25T14:00:00.002-08:00

Compared to the conventional varicose vein surgery, EVLT offers a number of benefits which include:

- It is relatively fast

- It is relatively safe

- Less extensive procedure

- There is minimal pain after the procedure

- There is less bruising

- There is only one very small incision

- There is little downtime, most individuals are able to return to work in 1-2 days

- There is no use of general anesthesia

What are side effects of Endovenous laser therapy for varicose veins?

2011-02-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

Side effects include:

- Skin discoloration

- Mild skin burns

- Burning pain

- Numbness

- Bruising

- Change in skin texture

The majority of these side effects disappear in 10-14 days. There are hundreds of doctor performing this therapy, most have learnt to the procedure after a weekend course and the majority of these people are technically incompetent. You always want to go to a doctor who is able to take care of the complications, when they occur. Most of the doctors who run vein clinics are able to tell the mouth from the a..e.

When will I see the results of Endovenous laser therapy for varicose veins?

2011-02-25T13:59:00.001-08:00

The vein takes about 2 weeks to shrivel up. The final cosmetic result is not seen for about 2 months. If the doctor has goofed up, then your varicose vein will be there forever.

When does one resume normal activities after Endovenous laser therapy?

2011-02-25T13:58:00.003-08:00

Most individuals return to work the following day. All individuals are encouraged to ambulate the first day. However, heavy exercise should be delayed for about a week.

Is Endovenous laser therapy for varicose veins painful?

2011-02-25T13:58:00.001-08:00

There is mild pain during the procedure. However, prior to the procedure, the doctor will inject some local anesthetic to numb the area. If your skin is thin, then you will feel a burning sensation, which is often not tolerable. Once the procedure is over, there is minimal pain

How long does Endovenous laser therapy for varicose veins take?

2011-02-25T13:57:00.003-08:00

The average time for the procedure is about 30-45 minutes. One can expect to be at the doctor’s office for about an hour. There are now hundreds of doctors running vein mills and most people are in and out in 20-30 minutes. Of course, there is no guarantee that the doctors know what they are doing but they can all count the money.

How is Endovenous laser therapy for varicose veins performed?

2011-02-25T13:57:00.001-08:00

EVLT is done as an outpatient procedure and can even be done during a lunch break. Ultrasound is required to observe the vein during the entire procedure. Your leg will be exposed from the groin to the lower thigh. A small amount of local anesthetic will be injected in your thigh and the entire leg will be cleaned with a sterile solution. Following this a small needle will be inserted in the vein at the thigh and through the vein, a small laser probe will be inserted all the way to the origin of the vein in the groin. When the probe is in the correct place, the laser is fired. The energy generated from the probe slowly causes the vein to collapse. The catheter is then slowly withdrawn while heating the entire vein. After the procedure, a small dressing is applied to the incision and a compression dressing is applied around the thigh.

Are there any preparations required for Endovenous laser therapy for varicose veins?

2011-02-25T13:56:00.004-08:00

No, but you must have the cash up front .There are no special preparations required for EVLT. During the procedure, your eyes will be protected against the laser beam with special dark glasses. If you are taking Aspirin or any blood thinners, you will need to discuss this with your doctor. In most cases, blood thinners should be stopped at least 1 week prior to the procedure.

Can Endovenous laser treat varicose veins in the entire leg?

2011-02-25T13:56:00.002-08:00

No, EVLT is only used to treat varicose veins in the upper thigh. For the lower leg, you will require surgery or sclerotherapy

Is endovenous laser a permanent cure for varicose veins?

2011-02-25T13:56:00.000-08:00

The only thing permanent in life are herpes and death. EVLT is not a permanent cure for varicose veins. Over time, anywhere from 5-15 percent of people will have recurrence of varicose veins, which are smaller. If the doctor makes an error and the vein is not properly heated, then you will have recurrence immediately.