Varicose Veins FAQs
Bulging varicose veins on your legs can not only make you feel self-conscious but can cause significant symptoms, thereby affecting your daily routine. In addition, in some instances they can also pose a significant risk to your health. At Beach Aesthetics varicose veins can be easily and comfortably eliminated with a wide range of state-of-the art treatments, including:
- RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation)
- EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment; a.k.a., EVLA or Endovenous Laser Ablation)
- VenaSeal™
- Varithena®
- Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
- Microphlebectomies
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisting or ropy veins that bulge out from the skin. These superficial veins most commonly occur on the legs but can sometimes be seen on other parts of the body. While varicose veins on the legs can be a source of symptoms, in many instances they are also a cosmetic concern. This very common problem is seen in 10-15% of men and 20-25% of women sometime in their lifetime.
Varicose veins are caused by an underlying abnormality in the venous system. Most commonly the cause is superficial venous insufficiency. Occasionally, however, the cause of varicose veins is blockage or obstruction in the veins by a blood clot.
The job of the veins in the legs is to return the blood back to the heart. To ensure that blood travels up the veins in the right direction, one-way valves inside the veins open when the blood is travelling up and close to prevent downward flow in the veins.
Sometimes the valves in a vein will become leaky. When this happens, blood will go the wrong way down the vein and will cause veins further downstream to become enlarged. This process, known as venous insufficiency, leads to the formation of varicose veins.
While it is not always possible to know for certain why a given individual has varicose veins, there are a number of risk factors for developing them. These include:
- Genetics
- Jobs that require prolonged standing (or sitting)
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal influences
- Birth control pills
- History of blood clots
- Advancing age
- Trauma
Varicose veins may or may not cause symptoms. For some patients they may be a significant cosmetic concern. In many patients, however, they truly cause symptoms.
The most common signs and symptoms or varicose veins include:
- Enlarged, ropy, or twisted veins that bulge out from the skin’s surface
- Aching, cramping or throbbing pain
- Leg heaviness
- Leg swelling
- Leg fatigue
- Restless legs
- Itchy skin over or adjacent to the abnormal veins
- Darkening of the skin in the lower legs
- Open wounds on the legs, known as ulcers
In recent years, many treatment options have been developed to treat varicose veins. For even the largest of varicose veins, state-of-the-art care is almost always easily handled in an office-based setting. These treatments include:
To know which treatment, or combination of treatments, is best for you, it is best to be evaluated by a vein expert – one who provides a wide range of treatment options, so that your particular needs can be addressed.
Treatment of varicose veins may or may not be covered by insurance. This depends on multiple factors, including the symptoms you may be having, your findings on physical exam and (most importantly) ultrasound, as well as your particular insurance plan.
If you have varicose veins that are causing symptoms and/or make you feel self-conscious, you may be a good candidate for varicose vein treatment. There is much you can learn during a consultation with a vein expert to help you make an educated decision.
Contact Beach Aesthetics at (310) 986-2906 and make an appointment today. You will have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Mark Rayman, a true and compassionate vein expert, who will take the time to listen your concerns, examine your findings, supervise your ultrasound, and help you to understand the treatment options for which you may be best suited. It will be an experience like no other.