Minneapolis plastic surgeon answers spider and varicose veins questions

June 17, 2011 - PRLog -- Minneapolis plastic surgeon Dr. Richard S. Werner recently took the time to answer a few questions about varicose and spider veins, including vein treatment options:

What are varicose veins and spider veins?
“Varicose veins are enlarged veins, and are normally blue, red or flesh colored. These veins appear twisted and protrude above the skin’s surface. You can find them on the thighs, backs of calves or the inside of the leg.

“Spider veins have many of the same features as varicose veins, but are smaller and are closer to the skin’s surface. These veins, which look like tree branches or spider webs, are found usually on the legs and face, covering very small or very large areas of the skin.”

What causes them?
“Damaged or weakened valves in the veins cause them to become varicose, while spider veins are normally caused by the backup of blood, although hormone changes, sun exposure and injuries can also play a factor.”

What factors can increase can increase the risk of varicose or spider veins?
“There are many factors that can increase your chances, including:
Aging: As we age, the vein valves tend to weaken and not work as well.
Hormonal changes: Puberty, pregnancy and menopause can increase your risk, as well as medicines containing estrogen and progesterone, like birth control pills.
Obesity: Extra weight can put pressure on your veins, which can lead to them becoming varicose.
Sun exposure: Sitting in the sun for long periods of time can cause your cheeks or nose to become infested with spider veins.”

What are the signs of varicose veins?
“Varicose veins can be seen on the skin, and some common symptoms include aching pain; swelling; itchy or irritated rash; darkening of the skin; throbs or cramps; and heaviness.”

How are they treated?
“You can treat them with lifestyle changes and medical treatments that will relieve the symptoms, prevent complications and improve your appearance. The most common treatment is sclerotherapy, most commonly known as vein injections, a non-surgical procedure use to destroy spider veins and small varicose veins.”

What’s sclerotherapy?
“Sclerotherapy is known most commonly as vein injections. It’s the non-surgical destruction of spider and varicose veins, and is the most common treatment. The plastic surgeon uses a needle to inject a liquid chemical in the vein that cause the vein walls to swell and seal together and shut. This stops the flow of blood, the vein turns into scar tissue and fades in a few weeks.”

How many vein injections will I have to get?
“Depending on the condition of the vein, it may have to be treated more than once. Treatments are done normally every 4 to 6 weeks.”

Are there any side effects?
“The possible side effects include:
Stinging, red and raised patches of skin. Bruises are also a possibility, and these go away shortly after treatment.
Spots, brown lines or blood vessel groups around the treated vein. These will also go away not long after the treatment.
Blood lumps that get trapped and cause inflammation. These aren’t dangerous, and can be relieved with heat application and taking aspirin.”

What about vein stripping?
“Varicose vein stripping is done commonly while you’re anesthetized. An incision is made in the groin, and the problem vein is tied off at the ligation. A wire stripper is then inserted down the vein, and the vein is removed. This is the common treatment option for large varicose veins.”

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About Richard S. Werner MD: Dr. Richard S. Werner MD is a Minneapolis plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation, vein surgery treatments, liposuction and more. Online at www.RichardSWernerMD.com.