What are Varicose Veins?

You've probably been hearing a lot about them lately on television and radio. They've made the news and they've hit the talk shows because of two reasons... they are such a common problem and because there is now something practical, inexpensive and very effective to do about them. Before and after vein treatments photos

What we're talking about is varicose veins. And they are common! According to a recent estimate, over 60% of the US population has some degree of varicose veins. Furthermore, as the population is getting older, that percent is getting larger! Although varicose veins and spider veins (telangiectasia) are twice as common in women than men, they are increasing in frequency in both sexes. They are a problem cosmetically and they are a problem medically as well!

There are three types of abnormal veins which cause people trouble. These are spider veins (also known as telangiectasia), reticular veins and true varicose veins (also known as varicosities).

Spider Veins

Spider veins are especially common. You know spider veins - you probably have some yourself. Spiders are those ugly, red and purple little veins that run up and down the legs resembling lines on a road map. Sometimes spiders group themselves into nasty little star burst patterns that pop out where they are least wanted! Sometimes they fan out along the outside of the thigh or the inner aspect of the lower leg. Often they gather around the ankles or behind the knees.

Regardless of where they occur, spider veins are downright ugly! In fact, a recent survey found that American women are more concerned about spider veins on their legs than with almost any other cosmetic problem.

Reticular Veins

Reticular veins are those deeper, darker veins that form bluish networks that criss-cross over the thighs and lower legs. Reticulars are larger veins than spiders and they are usually the source of spiders. Getting rid of reticular veins will help get rid of spiders!

Varicosities

Varicosities are those large varicose veins resembling ropes that twist up and down the course of the leg or behind the knee. These types of varicose veins are most unsightly, they bulge, and they may be painful. They may even be prone to blood clots.

Foam Sclerotherapy

Instead of using a sclerosing agent in its liquid form we use a technique that converts the solution to a foam. Foam has a greater surface area than a liquid so much more of the vein comes in contact with the sclerosing agent. This allows us to treat even larger veins with faster more effective results.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy

Our high tech Ultrasound machine allows us to visualize the deeper veins that cause the problems with the veins seen near the surface of the skin. With ultrasound guided sclerotherapy we can see the needle and the vein deep under the skin and visualize that we are directly injecting the problem vein. Large varicose veins can go away quickly without the need for surgery. Spider veins often fade with fewer treatments and longer lasting results.

EndoVenous Laser Treatment

Endovenous laser ablation is a new advanced technique for the treatment of varicose veins. This treatment has essentially replaced vein stripping. This minimally invasive procedure requires only local anesthesia. A small catheter with a laser tip is inserted through a needle and passed up the length of the affected vein. The laser heats the inside of the vein, which causes the vein to collapse. Recovery is quite mild and the procedure takes approximately an hour.

Laser Vein treatments

Some veins, such as the smallest spider veins or facial veins are best healed with lasers. The Scottsdale Cosmetic Health Insitute uses several different lasers, depending on the clinical situations, to achieve the best results. If you are unsure of what you need, our consultations are complimentary. Please call to schedule an appointment and we will be happy to answer all of your questions.