Vein Treatment

Vein treatments help men and women remove or reduce the painful veins from their body that can also look aesthetically unpleasing. The varicose and spider veins are the most common forms of problematic veins on the body can produce pain and discomfort on a person's body. Problematic veins can develop for several reasons such as hormones, age, growth and pregnancy.

There is a wide range of vein treatments available today. It is important to research these vein treatments and decide which vein treatment you would feel most comfortable with. Each vein treatment is very different from the others but the mail goal of all vein treatments is to help reduce the pain, discomfort and appearance of problematic veins as a results.

It is also important to discuss with your vein doctor which treatment the different vein treatment options available for you. Once you know your options you can research them and make an informed decision about which vein treatment to choose for your specific vein problem.

The results, costs and your recovery time of each vein treatment is highly related to the number of sessions needed. Please take this in account when choosing a vein treatment. It is important to know that some vein treatments may require more treatment sessions than others and some vein treatment options may require additional session after some time to maintain the results.

How Do I Know If I Need Vein Treatment?

Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps to help transport the blood all throughout the body. These valves prevent the blood from flowing backwards as it moves up. If the one-way valves becomes weak, blood can leak back into the vein and collect there. This problem is called venous insufficiency and is the main cause for varicose veins and spider veins.

Vein Problems Are Common

About 50% of American women and 40% of American men suffer from some form of vein problem. Varicose veins affect 1 out of 2 people age 50 and older making vein problems very common among the American population. But vein problems are not restricted to adults, a person may start to show signs of vein problems since their teenage years. Many factors can trigger the appearance of vein problems such as:

• Age
• Family history of vein problems
• Being born with weak vein valves
• Hormonal changes specially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
• Taking birth control pills and other medications that contain estrogen and progesterone
• Obesity
• Leg injury
• Prolonged standing or not moving for long periods of time
• Sun exposure

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins and spider veins are the veins on the body that can be seen on the surface of the skin; the problematic vein protrudes out of the skin or starts clustering on the body and forming reddish or purplish patches.

Varicose veins are usually found on the leg, you know that you have varicose veins when there is a vein or veins that protrude from the body and are able to be seen on the surface of the skin.

Varicose veins are produced when the valve of the vein fails to carry blood through the body. Varicose veins can also be produced when the connection between to veins fails and the veins cannot connect any longer with each other.

This causes the blood to get sent back to the specific vein, and when the blood comes back to the vein it causes the vein to start swelling up this is considered a varicose vein. When the blood causes the legs to swell this causes pain, discomfort and in some cases a burning sensation. The person who suffers from problematic veins usually can no longer sit down without feeling aching, and can no longer perform daily routines such as standing up without feeling pain, discomfort or fatigue. Additionally the appearance of the problematic veins can be unappealing making the patient self-conscious about their appearance.

When the veins cause this many problems you know it's time for the vein treatment.

The danger with varicose veins is that when clogged the vein starts to swell and does not send enough blood through the body. This situation can become very dangerous if not treated and can cause blood clots and ulcers. However, the varicose vein or veins can be removed or reduced through vein treatments.

Spider Veins

Spider veins are found on the face and on the upper and lower areas on the body. Spider veins form usually when, a varicose vein has already popped, and then the tiny veins around the popped vein need to pick up the slack and start circulating blood. When the forming of the spider vein starts to happen this is when you know you need to have a vein treatment done.

The tiny veins work together to pump the blood but when clogged the blood is not pumped which causes the red, blue and purple appearance. Spider veins can look like tree branches or spider webs with their short jagged lines; and therefore the name "spider veins". The reason you can see them on the surface of the skin is because these veins care so close to the skin. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face. Spider veins can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.

Spider veins can cause pain on the site where you have the spider veins and could lead into more serious health issues if not removed.

There are specific vein treatments that can help remove or reduce spider veins on the face and legs.

Asides from venous insufficiency, spider veins can also be caused by the backup of blood. Hormone changes, inherited factors, and exposure to the sun can also cause spider veins.

Both the varicose veins and the spider veins have treatments that can help reduce the look of the veins or can even remove the veins permanently.

It is important to find out which treatment will work best for you and your schedule. The sooner you start a vein treatment the sooner you will not only see results, but help prevent future vein problems.

What Are The Symptoms Of Varicose & Spider Veins Before

It is very important to know what the symptoms of the varicose and spider veins are before you start any vein treatment. The different symptoms can also determine what the best vein treatment will be for you.

The level of treatment will depend on how serious the varicose and spider vein problem us. Some treatments are recommended for severe vein problems while others are recommended to target veins that have just come to the surface of the skin.

The symptoms of the varicose and spider veins are:

• Aching legs
• Pigment color changing on the skin near the veins
• Cramps
• When putting pressure on your legs you may feel relieved or notice less pain or discomfort.
• Dryness or redness in the area of the problematic veins.

The symptoms can be different on each person; they can be more or less serious. It is important to speak with your vein doctor about your symptoms; you and the doctor will be able to find the best vein treatment for the your varicose or spider vein problem.

Vein Treatments: Please Remember

The symptoms above can be typical symptoms, but not all symptoms are the same. Some people may not feel any pain from their vein problems and can just see the veins on the surface of the skin, others may experience more pain and discomfort or present more serious symptoms.

It is important to speak with your vein doctor if you feel any pain from the veins on your body.

Vein Treatments: Non-Surgical Treatments

Vein treatments vary greatly from one to another; not only in the method used to eliminate or reduce the problematic veins but also in the cost, results achieved and the length of the procedure. Some vein treatments are surgical and require longer recovery times; other vein treatments are non-surgical and don't require any downtime but may require several sessions over the course of several weeks in order for the patient to achieve results.

Non-surgical vein treatments can work on both the varicose and spider veins, however, non-surgical vein treatments may not work for all vein problems. if the problematic veins are causing serious problems, non-surgical treatments may not be able to address the vein problems enough to help in the case of more serious vein problems.

The non-surgical vein treatments are designed to help those in need to remove the varicose or spider veins without having actual surgery. This works great for those who are good candidates and are concerned about vein surgery, or feel that they do not quite need vein surgery yet.

The non-surgical vein treatments that have been worked for other patients are:

Vein Treatments: Elevating The Legs

Elevating the legs is an easy way to help reduce the discomfort from problematic veins. Elevating the legs can work for those people that have varicose or spider veins on the legs by relieving sore legs and temporarily reduce some of the symptoms of the problematic veins.

Elevating the legs also works best for those people who stand all day for work such as nurses and teachers. After standing for many hours it is important to elevate the legs to help the circulation of blood flow.

Elevating the legs also helps give relieve to women who are pregnant. Typically when you're pregnant there is an increased risk of getting varicose or spider veins. By elevating the legs not only is there relief from sore legs but the pregnant woman will be able to rest from the fatigue gained from carrying the baby's weight. The extra weight carried during pregnancy is also another possible cause for varicose and spider veins mostly during pregnancy. The extra weight can cause pressure on the legs and therefore the veins in the body are prompted to pop.

When the legs feel sore, sit on a chair and elevate your legs for 30 to 60 minutes daily. It is also recommended that if you are sitting all day due to your job, that you take a break at least every 30 minutes to move or walk. Changing your position will also help the blood flow in your body and therefore will help reduce the effect of problematic veins.

Vein Treatments: Regular Exercise

Regular exercise not only helps keep a person healthy and decrease the risks of heart disease but also helps a person who suffers from problematic veins.

When a person suffers from varicose or spider veins on the legs this is a sign that the circulation of blood is slower of has been stopped in the affected area. By exercising and doing activities such as walking or running, a person can help improve the blood circulation in their legs. When the blood starts to circulate this will bring down the swelling of the veins on the legs, which can make the varicose or spider veins feel more relieve and may reduce the size of them. Additionally, the muscles around the veins will become stronger and can help keep the vein constrained and pumping the blood consistently.

It is recommended that a person exercises daily for about an hour to achieve optimal results.

Vein Treatments: Graduated Compression Stockings

This treatment has helped a lot of men and women help reduce the varicose or spider veins on their body.

The way this treatment works is the compression stockings will put pressure on the veins on your legs. The stocking will them compress the leg and apply pressure the veins. By keeping the whole leg tight together the vein will be able to pump the blood and continue with the natural circulation of blood flow.

For optimal results, the graduated compression stockings will put pressure from the ankle up to the thigh. The stocking should cover from the ankle to the knee in order to produce the necessary pressure and help reduce the vein problems.

The graduated compression stockings are put on the same way you would put socks or tights on.

It is recommended that you wear the graduated compression stockings on a daily basis and the majority of the day. For some cases, your vein doctor may even recommend you wearing the compression stockings at night. During the day you will be able to take them off for at least one hour during the day.

Compression stocking are a great way to decrease the cramping and aching on the legs due to the problematic vein.

Vein Treatments: Creams & Lotions

Additional vein treatments to use at home are found in a series of creams and lotions that claim to help reduce and remove the sight of varicose and spider veins.

These creams and lotions work as a daily treatment that you rub over the body, and as you rub the cream or lotion over the body they act like an eraser does. They consistent use of the creams and lotions can eventually erase away the veins from the surface of the skin.

There are many different creams and lotions to choose from. It is important to speak with your dermatologist or vein doctor before using any creams or lotion treatments to make sure your skin won't have any irritation or allergic reactions.

Many people chose the creams and lotions treatment because it is a cheap way to reduce the appearance of veins at home. For some people, these vein treatments can even relieve the pain.

It is important to keep in mind that the effect and results from creams and lotions as a vein treatment are limited. They are not recommended as treatment for severe vein problems.

Creams and Lotions as a vein treatment work best for a person with problematic veins that are not very noticeable and in some cases can be used to prevent any future vein problems if you know that you have a family history of vein problems. Also, creams and lotions can help a person relief some of the discomfort from tired or sore legs.

Vein Treatments: Sclerotherapy

In this procedure the problematic veins are directly injected with a solution. When the solution goes into the vein, the solution will irritate the lining of the vein. This will then make the vein swell and stick together. When the veins starts to stick together, the veins will then turn into a scar tissue and will then fade away.

This vein treatment is extremely popular and can help a person achieve great results. When the problematic vein disappears, the healthy veins around that varicose or spider vein start to pick up the slack and will start to circulate the additional blood flow.

In order for this treatment to work, the patient will need several sessions depending on the amount of veins to be treated. After 3 to 6 months the patient should come back to the vein doctor's office for maintenance sessions or when new spider or varicose veins start to appear. In some cases, the patient will notice that by diligently assisting to the sclerotherapy sessions and following consistently their vein doctor's orders, the time in between sclerotherapy sessions will start to be longer.

The full benefits of sclerotherapy as a vein treatment may not be seen until after a few treatments. Many vein specialists recommend that patients wait about a month between vein treatments.

Vein Treatments: Foam Sclerotherapy

This is a vein treatment that is very similar to the traditional sclerotherapy treatment but that has revolutionized non-surgical vein treatment.

What makes this vein treatment different is that "foamed sclerosant drugs" are injected into the problematic veins. The vein doctor will mix the solution to be injected of sclerosant drugs like Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate or polidocanol; with air or a physiological gas like carbon dioxide; in a syringe or by using mechanical pumps.

The foam solution that the vein doctor injects works like the sclerotherapy solution and is more effective than the liquid sclerotherapy in causing sclerosis which is the thickening of the vessel wall and sealing off the blood flow . Another advantage of foam sclerotherapy is that it does not dilute the blood in anyway, and the solution goes directly into the vein that is causing you pain or discomfort and it can also be used on longer and larger veins.

This non-invasive vein treatment procedure enjoys a good safety record, but patients should always discuss the possible complications of foam sclerotherapy; or any other type of vein treatment; with their vein specialist.

The full benefits of any type of sclerotherapy, including foam sclerotherapy, as a vein treatment may not be seen until after a few treatments. Many vein specialists recommend that patients wait about a month between vein treatments.

Vein Treatments: Laser Removal

In recent years, technological advances have also made laser vein treatment and intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) increasingly popular alternatives for vein treatment and vein removal.

Laser and Pulsed Light vein treatments can be used as an alternative to or to complement sclerotherapy for small veins or spider veins. All of the laser and light source vein treatment techniques work on the same basic principle: a light beam is pulsed onto the problematic veins in order to seal them off. When the vein is sealed off it will then dissolve.

Successful laser and light-based vein treatments requires proper heating of the veins in order to dissolve it. Several treatments are usually needed for optimal vein treatment and removal results.

If you are interested in Laser or pulsed light vein treatment and removal, you should talk with a knowledgeable vein specialist about which treatment will be best for you.

There are a variety of lasers and light source devices on the market that are designed for vein treatment. Each one of these devices utilizes a high intensity light to target pigmentation within the vein, thus collapsing it and removing it.

Endovenous Laser Treatment is a different, more powerful kind of laser vein treatment and removal technology designed to eliminate varicose leg veins. ELT is the only light-based treatment powerful enough to handle varicose veins.

The majority of laser and light source vein treatment are used mostly on the face to remove the spider veins. The vein doctor will have you lay down and then he or she will start the laser machine and run it over the affected area of your face.

The lasers heat vein removal treatment will melt the spider veins all together. This will then reduce the problematic veins down and will take away the spider web appearance of spider veins that is noticeable on the surface of the skin.

There are a variety of lasers and light sources being used to treat problematic veins on the surface of the legs. These vein treatments include, but are not limited to the long-pulse alexandrite, diode and long-pulse Nd; Yag lasers as well as intense pulsed light devices. These light devices as vein treatment are generally used with cooling of the top skin layer with cool gel, chilled air or other cooling methods. Cooling helps to reduce discomfort and lowers the risk of injuring the skin from the heath produced by the lasers or light sources.

In the laser vein removal treatment the problematic veins will get melted together and will then fade away.

Vein Surgical Treatment

In some cases a person who suffers from problematic veins may desire a one vein time treatment, or they can have such bad varicose and spider veins that non-surgical treatments cannot achieve the desired results. For these cases surgical vein treatments are recommended.

Also, in other cases the patient may not be getting the desired results from non-surgical treatment or may find that these have become too painful to bare. For these patients surgical vein treatment also present a better solution for their vein problems.

Vein surgical treatment is a medical procedure and although it is not a major surgery it should not be taken lightly. You should speak with your vein doctor before to make sure your eligible candidate, you're healthy enough to get vein surgical treatment and to make sure that vein surgical treatment is the right option for you.

Some of the surgical vein treatments that are available today are: surgical ligation/stripping, ambulatory phelbectomy, and laser removal.

Vein Treatments: Surgical Ligation/Stripping

This treatment works best for varicose veins that are very large. The vein doctor will make a small incision on the skin where the vein is, then he or she will pull out the vein. Afterwards, the vein doctor will tie off the vein which will make the vein come out through the incision. This vein treatment is highly recommended for patients who suffer from serious health related issue due to problematic veins.

Vein Treatments: Ambulatory Phlebectomy

In this medical vein treatment procedure where first the vein surgeon will make small incisions along the path of the vein. Afterwards, the vein surgeon will then take a surgical hook and place it in the incision site and will then drag the hook along pulling out the problematic vein.

This vein treatment is generally used when the varicose veins are very serious and other vein treatment methods have failed.

Vein Treatment Cost

Vein treatment cost can vary greatly. The vein treatment cost is determined by a variety of factors. During vein treatment consultation your vein doctors will estimate the vein treatment cost for you. He or she will add in several factors that will determine the cost such as:

• Where on the body you're getting the vein treatment
• Will the vein treatment be done in a hospital or at the doctor's office
• If there is anesthesia involved in the specific vein treatment
• How many vein treatment sessions you will need

Typically the vein treatments can cost anywhere from $150 to $2,000.

Non-surgical vein treatment techniques will require several sessions for a lower cost while surgical vein treatment techniques have a higher cost for a one time treatment.

Many of the vein treatments are considered to be performed for medical reasons and in most cases the insurance companies will help pay for these vein treatments. Please keep in mind that each insurance company has its own policies and regulations about their coverage. To know if you are covered for vein treatment please contact your health insurance provider.

In most cases, the insurance companies will have you fill out additional vein treatment forms and ask you for medical proof stating that you have an venous insufficiency problem. Insurance companies will want to make sure that you are getting vein treatment due to medical reasons and not for cosmetic improvement.

However, if you fail to provide necessary documentation or backup your vein treatment can be considered to be for cosmetic purposes only, and the insurance companies may refuse to cover it. It is important to speak with your vein doctor to find out more about your individual case and to help you determine if you need vein treatment for medical or cosmetic reasons.

Many vein doctors also offer financial plans to help you pay for the vein treatment. In some cases, the vein doctors will have you go online where you will fill out a form for a loan to help pay for the vein treatment. Majority of the loans come from the medical financial institute. If you get approved the medical financial institute will pay for the vein treatment. Then you will make a monthly payment to the medical financial institute and in a vast number of cases the loan will have a 0% interest rate.

Vein Treatment Can Help

If you're looking for a way to get rid of the pain or improve the appearance from problematic veins, then you should consider vein treatment.

Whether you chose a surgical or non-surgical vein treatment, it is of the upmost importance to speak with a vein specialist about your case and to know what is the right vein treatment for you.

Before committing to any vein treatment, it is important to speak with your vein doctor about his or her experience with this procedure, and make sure they have specialized training in the vein treatment you are interested in.

Also, when you go to the consultation with the vein doctor, it is important to get all the facts about the vein treatment options available for you and how they work and what you can expect. It is also very important to feel comfortable with the vein doctor.

Vein treatments can help you live your life pain free, and help you look and feel great.

If you're searching for a vein treatment doctor please use our vein specialists locator to find the vein surgeon nearest you.