6 Facts to Know Before Leg Vein Treatment
With the year shortly coming to a close, and the spring month’s approaching fast – before you know it, it will be time to put away that parka, and bust out your favorite skirts and short-shorts. But for many women (and men!), that means having to deal with those awful, unsightly spider veins or varicose veins – leaving many women in need of immediate leg vein treatment. While they are similar in nature, these leg veins are characterized by slight differences in their appearance that distinguish them from one another. Varicose veins are twisted up, blue, blood vessels, that are not only visible from outside the skin, but create a raised impression above it as well. Spider veins, while similar, are much smaller blood vessels, often grouped closely together, appearing as a spider web – hence the name, spider veins. These abnormal veins are a result of certain vascular issues which develop when the valves and walls of the veins weaken over time. As these veins begin to degenerate, blood flow will slow, and will start to pool up. As the blood continuously pools over time, it will increase the pressure on the already weakened veins – causing them to enlarge and protrude through the skin’s surface. In the case of varicose veins, they will be especially prominent, in both look and feel – while spider veins, appear as a network of slim, bluish-red veins, much less prominent. While these issues might be mostly cosmetic, they can be a sign of some greater health concern, in addition to causing certain symptoms on their own. For those suffering from these issues, Dr. Voskin, considered to be the best plastic surgeon NYC has to offer, and his team at Goals Plastic Surgery, offer a number of different options for leg vein treatment. These treatment options can not only address the aesthetic appearance of the legs, but the underlying health issues that might be causing these abnormal veins as well. Before you undergo your leg vein treatment, here are 6 important facts to know about varicose veins and spider veins.
· They Are Extremely Common
While it may not be talked about often in the aesthetic enhancement world, these leg vein issues are extremely common – in both women and men! Studies have shown that approximately 60% of all women, and 40-45% of all men, suffer from some form of vascular leg issues, in the US alone. And there is more than a 50% chance that you will be affected by varicose veins past the age of 50.
· Not Just a Cosmetic Issue
At Goals Plastic Surgery, Dr. Voskin and his team specialize in all manner of aesthetic enhancement and correction – offering a number of different leg vein treatment options. This is why he is considered to be the best plastic surgeon NYC has in practice. However, the issue is more than just a cosmetic one, and can have adverse effects on your quality of life. Many patients suffering from varicose veins will often complain of heaviness, swelling, discomfort, and even pain in the legs. In addition, they can cause mobility issues in the legs, and over time, patients may even develop dangerous blood clots, and non-healing bruises and sores.
· Causes & Risk Factors for Vascular Issues
Despite how common they are, there are a lot of risk factors that can drastically increase your chances of acquiring both varicose veins or spider veins. Some of these factors include:
o Genetics – Vascular issues are hereditary.
o Gender – Women are far more likely to develop them then men.
o Weight – Those who are overweight have a much higher chance of acquiring them.
o Pregnancy & Hormones – Pregnant women, and those women taking birth control pills and other medication that affects your hormones, are far more likely to suffer from them.
· Lifestyle Changes That May Help
When it comes to leg vein treatment, Dr. Voskin will often recommend that his patients make a number of different lifestyle changes, before they undergo something more invasive that may have side effects. This level of patient care is why many consider him the best plastic surgeon NYC has to offer. Some of these lifestyle changes are:
o More Exercise & Physical Activity – Improves Circulation
o Avoid Overly Tight Clothing (Especially Pants)
o Lose Weight
o Avoid Sitting or Standing for Long Periods Without Breaks
· Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Dr. Voskin, despite being the best plastic surgeon NYC has to offer, offers patients a variety of different treatment options – both surgical and non-surgical. Some of the non-surgical options include things like laser treatment to close off the veins and allow them to slowly be absorbed by the body; sclerotherapy – a method where a special solution is injected into the vein to close it off, and again, cause it to be absorbed into the body.
· Surgical Treatment Options
Some of the more invasive, surgical options are used for relatively larger veins that may need to be removed sooner, for both health and cosmetic reasons. Some of these options include: Endoscopic Vein surgery – using the assistance of a tiny camera, your surgeon will be able to close and seal the vein up, and slowly remove it using a series of small incisions. Rather than eliminating the vein, surgery can also be performed to open up a poorly functioning vein and clear any obstruction or untangle it – this restores normal blood flow and allows the vein to return to its normally functioning state. Once it is functioning, it should slowly shrink and no longer be visible from the outside.
