THEY’RE NOT YOUR MOTHER’S VARICOSE VEINS
New Treatments for Bulging Veins Are More Effective, Less Painful and Invasive
New York, NY, February, 2007 – They are ugly and nobody wants them. Yet, almost 80 million Americans are affected by venous disease, bulging veins caused by weakening in the vein’s walls. More than 40 percent of women have some form of the condition. Venous disease can appear in the leg as varicose veins (swollen blood vessels) or as spider veins (dilated small blood vessels located close to the surface of the skin, most often on the face or legs). If untreated, severe varicose veins can lead to swelling, muscle cramps, pain standing or walking, skin color changes, eczema type symptoms and ultimately, to non-healing ulcerations and other severe consequences.
Until recently, the only treatments available required major surgery, anesthesia, and long recovery times and could cause scarring. “Today, thanks to many technological advancements in lasers, we can offer treatments that are more successful, almost painless which lets the patient resume normal activity on the same day,” says Joshua Fox, MD, dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology PC and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery.
Using light waves to eliminate bulging veins, endovenous lasers can be used to treat a wide range of vein sizes. The most important component of these lasers is the wavelength: The Cool Touch CTEVTM has a 1320 nm wavelength, which studies have shown to be the most optimal. The non-scarring procedure is done in the doctor’s office and needs only local anesthesia. Patient can resume walking within 30 minutes and can go back to strenuous exercise within days. Patients see immediate improvement; but may find that they need one to two weeks to see complete relief.
In addition to laser therapy, there are other ways to reduce bulging veins that avoid the old, painful vein stripping of days gone by. Caution: These therapies — such as sclerotherapy (the injection of a solution into the vein that causes the vein to be reabsorbed) and radiofrequency (using electric current to close a vein) — have a slightly higher complication rate than lasers and may not be effective on larger varicose veins. Patients should consult with their dermatologist about their individual needs.
“With the many choices we have available today, everyone who would like to deal with their bulging veins, for either cosmetic or medical reasons, can receive fast, effective improvement for their specific case”, adds Dr. Fox.
Protecting Your Veins
“Of course, the best course of actions for your veins is not to get venous disease in the first place. Here are some good tips that can help in preventing its development particularly if you have an underlying problem like leg swelling, pain bulging veins or red scaly legs,” says Dr. Fox.
Keep your legs elevated, when possible.
Exercise daily, especially working the calf muscles.
If you are stuck sitting or standing still for a long time, flex your legs and ankles periodically.
Use support compression hose, especially during long car, train or plane rides.
Watch your weight.
Avoid hot tubs and hot baths. Heat can increase vein expansion and pooling of blood.
If you don’t see improvement you should see a doctor who can give you more advice or treatment.