Do you have bulging or twisted, discolored varicose veins on your abdomen, legs, or hands? Do you have small, thin spider veins that are red or purple in color, making you feel self-conscious about your face? Are you wondering why your veins are so visible? If so, you’re in the right place. Today, our vascular experts at VENUS Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE are looking at what causes visible veins, how they can be prevented, and how they can be treated.
Are Visible Veins Caused By High Blood Pressure?
Visible veins can be caused by high blood pressure. However, there are a couple of things you should understand. First, you should know that high blood pressure does not always cause visible varicose or spider veins. Second, it is important to understand that there are many other factors that can cause the development of varicose or spider veins.
What Other Factors Can Lead to the Development of Varicose or Spider Veins?
Two of the most significant risk factors of developing visible veins are age and sex. The older you are, the more likely it is that you will develop disordered veins. Additionally, you are more likely to develop varicose or spider veins if you are a female. Other factors that commonly result in disordered veins include obesity, pregnancy, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetics.
What Can I Do to Prevent Varicose Veins From Developing?
There is no guaranteed varicose vein prevention method, but there are several steps you can take to support your vascular health. One of the best things you can do to reduce your chance of varicose veins is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You should do your best to get at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise and try to take no more than two rest days per week.
It is also extremely important that you lose weight if you are overweight. If you are already at a healthy weight for your height, you should make an effort to maintain a healthy weight. If you have a sedentary job, you should try to walk around or do light calisthenics twice per hour to help support your circulatory system.
How Can I Treat Varicose or Spider Veins?
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is one of the most common methods used to treat spider veins. Before this non-surgical treatment is administered, your treatment areas will be inspected to ensure that they are free from irritation and sterilized. Once you are prepared for treatment, we will inject the saline solution into the walls of the disordered veins. This solution will irritate the vein walls until they collapse, causing blood to be rerouted to healthier veins in the vicinity.
Typically, you can expect your treatment session to take between 15 and 30 minutes to complete. How long your treatment will take depends on several factors, including the number of disordered veins being treated and where they are located. We will advise you on how long you can expect your treatment to take during your initial consultation if we deem you a good fit for this treatment.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is another popular varicose vein treatment method. This treatment method involves using heat emitted by radiofrequency energy to seal the disordered veins closed. When the veins are sealed shut, blood can no longer flow through them. This will eventually result in the treated veins starving to death. Once the veins die, they will be absorbed by surrounding tissues. Typically, sessions take around an hour or two to complete.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is commonly used to remove varicose veins from the legs. Before your treatment begins, we will clean the treatment area and inject a local anesthetic into the area to numb it. Once you’re prepared, we will make a tiny incision, insert a special tool through the incision, and remove the varicose vein. Afterwards, the incision site will be wrapped with surgical dressing.
Compression Stockings
If you develop varicose veins during pregnancy, you will not be considered a good candidate for other varicose vein treatment options, like sclerotherapy or radiofrequency ablation. However, you may be able to improve your condition by wearing prescription-strength compression stockings to help blood return to your heart from your legs. You should keep in mind that extra blood circulates throughout your body while you’re pregnant to support your growing fetus.
This temporary blood volume increase is often significant enough to cause disordered veins, especially in the lower body. Sometimes, wearing compression stockings, staying active, and keeping your legs elevated whenever you can is enough to treat the disordered veins. If it’s not, your disordered veins may resolve themselves within a few months of giving birth. However, you may need medical treatment for your disordered veins.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
Visible veins can be caused by any number of factors, including high blood pressure, age, genetics, and a sedentary lifestyle. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available if you have concerns about your varicose or spider veins. To find out which treatment option is right for you, contact us now at VENUS Vein Clinic in Omaha, NE to schedule a consultation.