Although varicose and spider veins may be unsightly, they can be more than a cosmetic problem in some cases. Varicose veins are large protruding veins that are usually in the legs. Spider veins are also in the legs, and sometimes in the face with a small spider web like appearance. Varicose veins are caused by a damaged valve blocking blood flow and spider veins are caused by blood backup. They show up on the legs typically because the veins in the legs are farther from the heart and therefore have to work harder to push the blood back there, however varicose and spider veins can appear elsewhere. They can be removed and whether the removal is considered cosmetic or not depends on the treatment.
There are several different treatments for varicose veins. Compression therapy is the first; this involves wearing compression stockings to manage the veins. Sclerotherapy is used for medium varicose and spider veins and involves injecting an agent into them to help them disappear; this treatment is considered cosmetic. Ambulatory Phlebectomy in Albuquerque is for large veins and is when small incisions are made to snip and remove the vein.
One of the risk factors for varicose and spider veins is age. They begin to develop when you reach your thirties and continue into your fifties. They can also develop during times where hormones are changing such as menopause or pregnancy. Obesity can play a role in the development of varicose veins because the extra weight on the body will put extra pressure on the veins as they deliver blood. Standing or sitting for extended periods of time can also increase your chances of getting varicose veins. While they may be unsightly they are not a serious medical problem. However with varicose veins there can sometimes be ulcers due to long term back up of blood. There is also a risk of blood clots; this can become serious if the clot gets into the blood stream and then into the lungs.
If you have, or think you have, varicose veins visit a phlebologist and consider Ambulatory Phlebectomy in Albuquerque. To learn about treatment options read more here.
