Varicose vein removal surgery - spider vein removal procedure.

Skin Improvement Plastic surgery varicose vein removal

Varicose Vein Removal

Varicose Vein - The Problems with Women

Varicose veins are a common complaint particularly for women. Their bulging and bluish appearance can be unsightly and also painful in some cases. And although much of the blame for varicose veins comes from genetics, hormones, pregnancy, and some medical conditions, surgical varicose vein removal or varicose vein treatment can help in many cases to reduce the appearance of the veins. This cosmetic plastic surgery is widely performed on women.

What is Varicose Vein?

To begin, a patient needs to understand varicose veins. Sometimes called ‘spider’ veins, these veins can be found anywhere on the body, though mainly on the legs and the face. Varicose veins are caused by the dilation of a small group of blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. These veins can present themselves in purple or red web-like patterns. Although it is simple to say that varicose veins are caused by the enlargement of particular veins, there are underlying causes for this size change. The veins’ walls may have begun to weaken; or it may be due to a weakening of the vein valves. In some cases, varicose veins are medically dangerous and need to be addressed. Some varicose veins are caused by phlebitis—an inflammation of the vein, venous stasis ulcers—when proper drainage is not achieved in the vein, an ulcer forms, or thromboses—when blood clots form in the vein. Although genetics can play a part in the formation of varicose veins, pregnancy and hormonal changes can also cause the veins to appear.

Varicose Vein Removal - Finding a Surgeon

In terms of finding a physician to perform surgical varicose vein removal, a patient would do well to research their options. First, if no referrals can be found among friends and coworkers, a call to the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons can help to steer the patient to reputable physicians. Many clinics are now offering less expensive services with less experienced physicians. As the veins may be an indication of a more serious medical condition, it is important that the patient find a qualified physician who specializes in veins. If the physician that a patient goes to for surgical varicose vein removal only treats the cosmetic problem, then an underlying medical condition can go untreated with dire consequences.

The Ideal Candidates for Varicose Vein Removal Surgery

The best candidates for surgical varicose vein removal are those that have been medically cleared by a physician. There should be no major health problems or mental problems that might hinder the healing of the patient after the surgical varicose vein removal. Specific methods of treatment will be determined by the age of the patient, the tolerance of the surgical varicose vein removal, and the extent of the area the patient wants treated. It is imperative that the initial consultation goes over any possible medical conditions that may interfere with the surgical varicose vein removal process.

Varicose Vein Removal - Procedure

In surgical varicose vein removal, the procedure is much more involved than with other procedures. The surgeon will be completely excising (cutting out) the offending veins, thus surgical varicose vein removal is a longer procedure. The veins that are at the surface of the skin are either removed or the ends are tied off so that they can not function properly and will thus wither away on their own. The incisions are small and the patient is able to walk around following the surgical varicose vein removal procedure. A local anesthetic is usually used to prevent any pain during the procedure.

In surgical varicose vein removal, the procedure is much more involved than with other procedures. The surgeon will be completely excising (cutting out) the offending veins, thus surgical varicose vein removal is a longer procedure. The veins that are at the surface of the skin are either removed or the ends are tied off so that they can not function properly and will thus wither away on their own. The incisions are small and the patient is able to walk around following the surgical varicose vein removal procedure. A local anesthetic is usually used to prevent any pain during the procedure.

In laser vein treatment, the area that is to be treated will have the laser light pulsed into it. This action will destroy the offending veins that are causing an unsightly appearance. This is usually chosen when the veins are more superficial, like spider veins. In some cases, the laser vein treatment is performed with intense pulses of light. The patient may require local anesthesia as the laser is burning through the skin and this may be quite painful for some patients. The laser vein treatment can be performed in a surgical center or in a physician’s office or hospital depending on the extent of the area to be treated. Although no pain should be felt during the procedure, there may be a sensation of warmth.

In ultrasound guided sclerotherapy, the area that is to be treated will have an additional machine helping the surgeon. This machine is called a duplex ultrasound and its job is to locate the damaged and diseased veins deep under the skin. These veins would normally be missed without the use of the ultrasound. Like sclerotherapy, the area is injected with a solution that causes the veins to compress, but when guided by the ultrasound, the accuracy is much greater and more thorough. A local anesthetic is normally used for this procedure, but some patients report a warm sensation as the procedure is performed.

Varicose Vein Removal - Side Effects

Many patients do not report serious side effects after the procedure. In some cases, the area is sensitive to the touch and can be slightly painful for a few days. Most patients are instructed to wear a compression garment of some sort (depending on the area treated) in order to reduce any swelling that may occur. The swelling can be controlled by elevation or by cold compresses in the days following the surgical varicose vein removal. Most patients can return to work immediately and will be back to normal within a week or so.

Varicose Vein Removal - Results

Results of surgical varicose vein removal will last as long as new veins do not emerge to the skin’s surface. Keeping the area in compression stockings or other wraps can help to avoid this problem.