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Vein Removal Information and Facts by Michele Smith
About visible veins
Spider veins in particular are more likely to develop for women rather than men, and often this can be because their mother also had problems with her veins. It can also be attributed to excess oestrogen due to taking the contraceptive pill, standing for long periods of time, or living a sedentary lifestyle. Being overweight also doesn?"'""t help, but it?"'""s certainly not the only cause. Although they are usually not painful or pose any health risks, they can undermine the self confidence of many people.
Blue veins, or varicose veins, are usually inherited. They can present more of a health issue than spider veins, with complications such as blood clots, venous eczema, skin breakdown and ulceration sometimes presenting. In rare cases, they may even lead to skin cancer. Unlike spider veins, varicose veins are often uncomfortable or even painful.
In all cases, because the veins no longer work effectively, the body would have found an alternative path for blood back to the heart. Because of this, the vein is no longer really needed by the body, so it can be treated.
The methods of vein removal
One of the most common ways to remove spider and varicose veins, until recently, is Sclerotherapy. This procedure involves injecting the vein with a solution called a sclerosant which irritates the blood vessel into swelling then sticking together. The result is that the vein will fade, sometimes even before the support stockings come off. Others will fade after a short time until they can no longer be seen.
Although effective, Sclerotherapy can be painful and also result in side effects such as bruising, brown lines or spots, lumps, swelling, blood clotting or matting. Many of these side effects are temporary, but can take up to a year to fully disappear. In some cases ulceration can occur at the site of the injection, and this could leave a scar.
Most recently, laser therapy for vein removal has become more popular due mainly to its effectiveness and quick recovery. There are also fewer side effects. Blue veins of up to 2mm in diameter can also be removed. The laser passes a light through the skin which targets the veins under the skin. Dilated blood vessels on the face can also be treated. Recovery time is much faster than Sclerotherapy, and there are no invasive or surgical procedures involved.
For larger varicose veins, other treatments such as ultrasound guided sclerotherapy or Endovenous Laser Ablation are more suitable treatments.
Is vein removal painful?
Vein removal can be painful, but how much depends on what type of vein removal you go for. Sclerotherapy is more uncomfortable than laser therapy, mainly due to its invasiveness, but some people also find the laser a little uncomfortable, like a rubber band slapping against your skin. Others describe it as a hot, ?"'˜prickling?"'"" sensation. In either case, a local anaesthetic can be used to minimise any discomfort.
Side effects of vein removal
Again, this depends on what type of vein removal you go for. As we?"'""ve mentioned, there are a few possible side effects with Sclerotherapy some more serious than others. For instance, matting that is, a fine network of veins - may develop after the treatment. This is generally caused by a lack of compression or other factors such as hormonal or Vitamin E supplements. Matting might resolve itself, but it can take up to a year. In some cases it might need special injection treatments to fix.
There are few side effects with laser therapy for spider or small blue veins, however, many people experience a slight redness around the area for a few hours afterwards. In the majority of cases, you can resume your activities in no time at all.
The effectiveness of vein removal
Both laser and sclerotherapy treatments permanently remove veins. However, if you have a tendency to develop the veins in the first place, other veins may develop in other places. To prevent the onset of other veins:
?"'? Exercise regularly this increases circulation and keeps weight down;
?"'? Wear support stockings
Avoid high heels, as they inhibit the proper function of larger veins in the legs.
Article provided by Michele from Splash Clinic cosmetic surgery. An Australian beauty clinic providing laser hair removal, vein removal and Botox treatments.
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