Varicose veins and spider veins are types of vein disorders that are extremely common, particularly among those who are older or overweight. Even though they do not typically cause serious symptoms, these dysfunctional blood vessels can be cosmetically displeasing and cause you to seek out your vein disorder treatment options.
What are varicose and spider veins?
A vein is a type of blood vessel that transports blood to your heart. The blood is then re-oxygenated and sent throughout your body. Each vein possesses a one-way valve that is designed to keep blood flowing toward your heart. Varicose veins have dysfunctional valves that allow blood to pool into them, leading to their well-known twisted and bulging appearance.
Spider veins are a smaller type of varicose vein that can also appear on the face and legs. They are typically tiny and appear bluish red instead of being blue or green like varicose veins. Rather than being twisted or bulging, spider veins usually have a spider web appearance.
What types of vein disorder treatment options do I have?
When it comes to varicose veins and spider veins, sclerotherapy and EVLT are the two most common procedures. Both involve methods that cause the collapse of the dysfunctional vein and its eventual absorption by your body.
What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a proven varicose veins removal treatment that has been around for decades. We inject the dysfunctional blood vessel with a special type of solution that irritates the walls of the varicose vein, leading to its collapse. The destroyed vein will then be metabolized by your body. The blood that once flowed through it will be taken up by nearby blood vessels.
After your sclerotherapy procedure, you’ll be encouraged to walk some each day. This will encourage blood circulation to promote healing. You may also be required to wear some form of compression garment to prevent blood from flowing back into the treated vein.
What is EVLT?
EVLT stands for Endovenous Laser Therapy. It is a more modern technique that has the same goals as sclerotherapy treatment, the destruction of the dysfunctional blood vessel by causing the collapse of its walls. Instead of using a chemical solution, we use a laser to transmit thermal energy into the vein walls, leading to its collapse and absorption by your body. Like sclerotherapy, the blood contained in the destroyed vein will now flow through other blood vessels that are functioning correctly.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re ready to say goodbye to your varicose veins or spider veins, or want to receive more information about these procedures, reach out to the professionals here at Rejuveination located in Cincinnati, OH. Contact us today to book your initial vein disorder consultation.
