At enhanceskin, we’ve been treating varicose veins throughout Nelson & Marlborough for many years. Experience has shown us that there is still a lot of misinformation about veins out there. So, in this article, we’re sharing a few things you need to know. Read on to discover ‘Four Varicose Vein Facts’!
4 Varicose Vein Facts:
The Causes:
Veins form an essential part of the circulatory system. They return blood to the heart after body cells exchange waste products for Oxygen. Varicose veins, however, are a sign of an underlying problem. Varicose veins may develop through a combination of underlying factors; weakened vein walls, high venous pressures, and faulty valves. Healthy valves open to allow blood flow, then close to stop it flowing backwards. When this simple pump system malfunctions, the blood pools. It is the pooling of blood that creates the bulging knotted look associated with varicose veins.
The Symptoms:
Some people may have visible symptoms. Varicose Veins can present as bulging, blue coloured ropey cords running beneath the surface of your skin. But, it’s important to remember the varicose vein fact that they are not always visible. They can be located deeper in the leg and will therefore not necessarily be visible. With that in mind other symptoms include skin changes, achy, heavy or tired legs. Restless legs, which are crampy or tingly, particularly at night, may also be a symptom of varicose veins.
The Cure:
When considering varicose vein facts, it’s important to remember that there is no cure. Varicose veins are a progressive disease and will only get worse unless they are treated. We cannot cure the underlying disease process. BUT we can, very successfully, treat current disease. Our gold-standard treatment EVLA has a 99% success rate (even after five years* and the studies are now out to 15 years).
The Treatments:
All of our treatments are walk-in and walk-out.
- Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (UGFS) uses specialised ultrasound equipment to guide injections of sclerosant which permanently closes the vein. This procedure is virtually painless, so requires no anaesthesia.
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA), the gold standard for varicose vein treatment, again, requires no general anaesthesia or hospital stay. You walk in and walk out (wearing compression stockings for two weeks), and you are even able to drive home afterwards.
- Venaseal Glue is another option for a small number of patients with advantages Dr David explains to those who he feels will benefit from this treatment.
Before we embark on any treatment plan, we offer a FREE full doctor’s vein assessment, and a scan to help to determine the treatment most suitable for you. Your treatment plan also includes follow-up appointments for twelve months afterwards.
Contact us to book your appointment in Nelson or Marlborough with David!
*Min, RJ; Khilnani, NM: “Endovenous Laser Ablation of Varicose Veins”. J. Cardiovasc Surg. 2005; 46:395-405.
