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Vein Removal

What are spider veins?

Spider veins, commonly found on the face and legs, are caused by the dilation of a small group of blood vessels near the skin's surface. They often look like red or purple sunbursts or web patterns.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are caused by swollen or enlarged blood vessels. The blood vessels have enlarged due to a weakening in the vein's wall or valves. Located deeper in the skin than spider veins, they may appear raised and often are blue.

Varicose veins can be serious because they may be associated with the development of one or more of the following conditions:

• phlebitis - inflammation of the vein.
• thromboses - occurs when blood clots form in the enlarged vein.
• venous stasis ulcers - an ulcer is formed when there is not proper drainage in the enlarged vein.

More than one in five women has some form of varicose condition. Although the exact cause for varicose and spider veins is unknown, pregnancy, heredity, and hormonal changes seem to be contributing factors.

Treatment for spider and varicose veins:

Specific treatment for spider and varicose veins will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the condition
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the condition
• your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

• sclerotherapy
  This procedure involves the injection of a concentrated saline or specially-developed solution into the spider or varicose vein. The solution then hardens, causing the vein to close up or collapse. Healthier blood vessels located nearby absorb the blood flow of the collapsed vein.
• ambulatory phlebectomy
  Ambulatory phlebectomy involves the removal of the vein by tiny punctures or incisions along the path of the enlarged vein. Through these tiny holes, the surgeon uses a surgical hook to remove the varicose vein.
• electrodesiccation
  This procedure involves the sealing of the veins with the use of an electrical current.
• laser surgery and intense pulsed light therapy
  Abnormal veins are destroyed by high-intensity laser beams or intense pulsating light.
• surgical ligation and stripping
  This procedure involves the surgeon making an incision in the skin and removing or tying off the blood vessel.

Possible complications associated with the treatment of spider or varicose veins:

Possible complications associated with the treatment of spider or varicose veins may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• pigmentation changes
  Brownish splotches near the treated area may appear, and may take several months (or even up to a year) to fade.
• allergic reaction and scarring
  Allergic reactions from the injected chemical solution, as well as permanent scarring, may result.
• telangiectatic matting
  This reaction involves the appearance of fine, reddish blood vessels near the treated area. Treatment for this condition may require further injections.
• blood clots
  Treatment could cause blood clots in the veins.

Who are candidates for sclerotherapy?

Women and men of any age may be candidates for sclerotherapy, but most are 30 to 60 years in age. Spider veins are more common in women. Men do have spider veins, but often do not consider them to be a cosmetic problem because the veins are usually concealed by hair growth on the leg.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should postpone sclerotherapy treatment, as spider veins that occur during pregnancy usually disappear on their own. Further, it is not known how sclerosing solutions may affect breast milk.

About the procedure:

Although each procedure varies, generally, vein removal surgeries follow this process:

• Location options may include:
  • surgeon's office-based surgical facility
  • outpatient surgery center
  • hospital outpatient
  • hospital inpatient
• Anesthetic options may include:
  • local anesthesia
  • general anesthesia
• Recuperation period:
  A compression bandage may be applied on the treated area following the procedure. Support hose may be recommended for a while.

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