Summer is here — time for varicose vein treatment
It’s the time of year to be wearing shorts and bathing suits, but for individuals with varicose veins, the thought alone can be unsettling. Fortunately, there are cost-effective treatments available that work. At the Skin & Vein Institute in Encinitas, California, we offer sclerotherapy treatment to effectively address varicose veins and give you the confidence to wear whatever you want.
Why do people get varicose veins?
Before we jump into treatment, it’s helpful to understand the cause of varicose veins. Veins carry oxygen deficient blood back to the heart. When they are working properly, this process happens seamlessly without enlargement of the veins. When veins have compromised valves, some of the blood being carried back to the heart can collect or pool, enlarging the veins and making them appear blue, green, or purple.
While there isn’t a single known cause of varicose veins, there are risk factors such as genetics, age, weight, and gender. Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins, and individuals who are older or overweight may also be at an increased risk.
Treating varicose veins
To begin with, it’s important to note that if your varicose veins are not causing you discomfort or embarrassment, there is no medical reason for treatment. In some cases, varicose veins can lead to other issues, and in those situations, treatment may become necessary. However, you don’t need to have a medical concern to receive treatment. Many individuals seek treatment to address the issue cosmetically.
The standard, non-surgical treatment for varicose veins is sclerotherapy. During this procedure, a special chemical solution is injected into the vein, causing it to swell shut, collapse, and block the flow of blood. Over time, the vein will then fade away. Blood that was flowing through that vein will re-route to other veins.
Results from sclerotherapy can often be seen in smaller veins after 3-6 weeks but may take several months for larger veins. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks following the procedure.
Are you ready to treat your varicose veins? The team at the Skin & Vein Institute in Encinitas, CA is eager to help. To book an appointment, please call us at (760) 452-2080.
