Do you have a network of tiny unsightly veins on your legs, arms, face, hands or chest? If so, you’re not alone. Varicose and spider veins plague many people and can be caused by a number of things, including:
- Injury
- Genetics
- Aging
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Pregnancy
- Long periods of sitting or standing
At Advanced Liposuction Center we have a safe and effective way to eliminate these unwanted veins: Sclerotherapy.
How Does it Work?
Sclerotherapy consists of a series of small injections of a substance known as a sclerosant into the unwanted vein that will seal it off from the inside. The body naturally redirects the blood flow to healthy veins and the spider vein will shrink, collapse and disappear by being reabsorbed into the body. Our expert cosmetic surgeons will first numb the area to be treated with a topical anesthesia so discomfort is very minimal. The treatment takes about 30 minutes or less.
What’s the Recovery?
Immediately following the procedure you will need to elevate your legs for a short period of time. You may feel a little itching or cramping but this will quickly disappear. You must wear compression stockings for 3 days after Sclerotherapy. You may notice a slight bruising or skin discoloration at the site but this too will fade within a few weeks.
What are the Results?
You should see the disappearance of the vein within a month’s time. Follow up visits may be necessary as more veins appear or if the vein is large and requires more than one treatment. You will be allowed to return to exercising and other normal activities three days after this non-invasive procedure (although you will need to avoid sun exposure to the area that was treated for six weeks).
Spider and Varicose Vein Risk Factors
Weight
Obesity or being overweight increases the chance of having varicose veins. Weight gain can compress the veins, increasing pressure and straining the valves and walls. It might assist to lose weight.
Growing old
Veins mature along with us as we get older. As the walls and valves deteriorate over time, varicose veins are more prone to appear. After the age of 40, this risk rises. The fact that growing older is not the main risk factor for varicose veins should not be overlooked.
Heredity
Varicose veins run in families, and while the reason why is unclear, you are more likely to have them in the future.
Inactivity
Varicose veins are associated with less activity and exercise. The chance of getting overweight, which is a factor in the development of varicose veins, is increased by inactivity, which may be one explanation for this. Exercise is essential for promoting healthy circulation since it pumps blood throughout the body. This is why when people aren’t moving about enough, circulation issues can start to appear.
Age
Older persons are substantially more likely to have varicose veins. This could be a result of the wear and tear of daily living; as we age, risk factors for varicose veins like inactivity may start to have a greater impact. Additionally, menopause has been linked to varicose veins, but this link only becomes apparent at the age of about 45.
As people age, their veins generally lose some of their elasticity, which affects how well the valves inside them function. Varicose vein symptoms could result from blood pooling in the lower legs as a result of this.
Smoking
Smoking is one lifestyle choice that can increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins. The chemicals in cigarettes can restrict blood vessels, which can disrupt blood flow and blood vessel function. Uncomfortable varicose veins are the end result.
How does age affect the effectiveness of spider and varicose veins treatment?
Age can affect the effectiveness of spider and varicose veins treatment in several ways:
1. Skin elasticity: Younger individuals typically have better skin elasticity, which can improve the results of treatment and the ability of the skin to contract after treatment.
2. Healing ability: Younger individuals tend to heal more quickly and efficiently, which can lead to better outcomes after treatment.
3. Overall health: Age-related health issues, such as circulation problems or chronic conditions, can affect the effectiveness of treatment and the body’s ability to respond to it.
4. Venous health: As people age, the veins can become less elastic and more prone to damage, which can affect the success of treatment.
5. Risk of complications: Older individuals may be at a higher risk of complications from treatment, which can affect the overall effectiveness and safety of the procedure.
Can spider and varicose veins treatment be reversed if I’m not satisfied with the results?
The reversibility of spider and varicose veins treatment depends on the type of treatment used and the specific outcome you are not satisfied with. Some treatments, such as Sclerotherapy or laser therapy, may be difficult to reverse once completed. However, if you are not satisfied with the results of your treatment, you may be able to undergo additional procedures or therapies to address your concerns.
Can spider and varicose veins treatment be done on people with a history of deep vein thrombosis?
Spider and varicose veins treatment can be done on people with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but it is important to proceed with caution. Individuals with a history of DVT may have an increased risk of developing new clots or experiencing complications during or after treatment.
If you are a man or woman in good health with unsightly spider or varicose veins that you would like to have removed, contact our Cranberry Township office or one of our other Pittsburgh area offices by calling: 724-683-7581 for more information. We offer a free consultation where one of our cosmetic surgeons will meet with you and help you determine if Sclerotherapy is the right treatment for you.