Vein Center - F.A.Q.'s

What are varicose and spider veins?

Varicose veins are swollen and/or stretched veins, which protrude in a rope like manner from the skin. Normal veins, by virtue of one-way valves, channel oxygen-poor blood back to the heart and lungs to become oxygen-rich. When a valve becomes defective it allows blood flow to leak down and collect resulting in congestion and dilation of the vein.

Spider veins or broken capillaries, properly named telangiectasias and are small red, blue, or purple web-like or linear veins (less than 2mm in diameter, flat or raised) on the surface of the skin.

In addition to being unsightly and often embarrassing, varicose and spider veins can be symptomatic. Pain in the legs is frequently related to these abnormal leg veins. Symptoms, often made worse by prolonged standing or sitting include fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping and restlessness of the leg. In advanced cases, varicose veins can lead to skin rash, pigmentation changes, inflammation, ulceration and bleeding.

Why me?

Heredity is the number one contributing factor causing varicose and spider veins. Women are more likely to suffer from these abnormal leg veins. Up to 50% of American women may be affected. Hormonal factors include puberty, pregnancy, menopause, the use of birth control pills: estrogen and progesterone, affect the disease. Other factors that can accelerate and aggravate the appearance of veins, beyond gravity and age, include leg injury, obesity, lack of exercise, weight fluctuation, constriction and long periods of sitting or standing.

When and how are veins treated?

The most commonly asked questions are: Do veins require treatment and what treatment would be best? At Northwest Vein & Aesthetic Center success in the treatment of varicose and spider veins is due to our comprehensive approach. Without treatment venous disease will slowly progress, and sometime lead to more serious conditions.

After obtaining a history and performing a physical exam, the patient undergoes a noninvasive Doppler ultrasound and color ultrasound imaging to determine areas of venous disease (dilated veins, faulty valves, and area of clot). Based on the above information, an individual treatment plan is formulated and discussed with the patient. Veins that are cosmetically unappealing or cause pain or other symptoms are prime for treatment.