Problems with unsightly veins are very common with nearly two thirds of people over the age of 60 suffering from some kind of venous
problem especially varicose veins and spider veins. The incidence of varicose veins and other unsightly veins increases significantly
after the age of 40 and women are much more likely to develop them than men
Varicose veins occur when veins do not properly return
blood from the lower leg to the heart. All veins have valves that open to allow the flow of blood to the heart and close to prevent
back flow (known as "reflux") of blood to the foot. When valves fail to function properly, blood leaks through and flows down the
leg in the wrong direction. The blood overfills and distends the superficial veins under the skin, resulting in the bulging seen in
varicose veins.
The walls and valves of veins are thin and elastic, and can stretch for a variety of reasons including pregnancy or
heredity, which is the most common factor. Hormonal changes play a large part and this could account for why more women suffer from
varicose veins than men. Other contributory factors include obesity, age and prolonged standing. When varicose veins become severe,
it is referred to as chronic venous insufficiency. Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency includes aching pain, leg fatigue and
leg heaviness, all of which worsen as the day progresses. Left untreated, chronic venous insufficiency can cause ulcerations, which
can be very difficult to treat.
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Varicose Veins
Sclerotherapy for larger veins
Sclerotherapy is a well-proven procedure that involves an injection of a solution directly into
the varicose vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel causing it to collapse, stick together, and eventually break
down naturally in the body and fade from view, as a bruise would heal. Normal blood flow in the leg is thereby re-routed through deeper
veins. Although the needle used to administer the sclerosant is small, some patients experience some discomfort during the process.
Side effects can include: brown lines or spots on the skin at the site of the injected blood vessels. In most cases, this discoloration
will disappear in time. In a small number of people (less than five per cent), the brown lines may last up to a year or longer. Swelling,
ulcers and inflammation are also possible, but rarely occur.
Laser treatment
Endovenous Laser Treatment works
by means of thermal destruction of the vein. Laser energy from a Nd:YAG laser is delivered to the desired location inside the vein
by using a bare laser fibre inside a catheter. Small incisions are made to create an entry and exit hole in order to allow the laser
fibre to be passed along. When the laser is fired, it causes the vein wall to shrink and seal shut. The healthy veins that surround
the now closed vein can then restore the normal flow of blood to the area treated. The laser is repeatedly fired as the laser fibre
is gradually withdrawn along the course of the vein until the entire vessel is treated.
Endovenous Laser Treatment is less invasive
than traditional surgical methods of varicose vein removal, has a lower complication rate, and is well tolerated by patients. Moreover
recovery time is quick and the treatment produces good cosmetic results. This treatment is principally effective on large truncal
veins in the legs.
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