Veins are a type of blood vessel that are responsible for carrying oxygen-depleted blood towards the heart for reoxygenation. With age, veins in your legs may become darker and more pronounced, as these warped blood vessels appear in up to 60 percent of adults. Veins appear as jagged purple lines as well as swollen blue cords that may spread throughout the calves or thighs. For many, the appearance of veins is embarrassing, but veins can also put you at risk for possible complications such as a blood clot or an open sore on your legs. At Ashpole Plastic Surgery, we are providers of vein treatment in Arlington Heights with the goal of restoring your self-confidence and ensuring your veins are not a health risk.

Types of Veins

There are multiple types of veins that may appear throughout your legs. First, there are spider veins that appear as red, purple or blue twisted blood vessels that appear underneath the skin. They get their name because they resemble a spider web pattern. Note that spider veins may also appear on your face. The second type of vein that often appears throughout the legs with age is called varicose veins. They take the form of large, raised blood vessels that have a lot of twists and turns. They are most apparent in the legs and ankles and are visible through the skin.

Causes of Spider and Varicose Veins

Spider veins and varicose veins appear in more pronounced ways if blood begins to pool inside of the vein. This occurs if there is an issue with the valves inside of the vein. As blood begins to pool, pressure builds within the vein and the vessel wall weakens. There are certain factors that predispose people to developing varicose and spider veins, including:

• Gender: women are twice as susceptible to developing varicose and spider veins than men
• Heredity; if other family members have developed spider and varicose veins, you likely will as well
• Obesity
• Aging
• Prior trauma
• Working in an occupation that involves a lot of standing, including nurses, teachers, factory workers, etc.
• Hormonal influences such as menopause, puberty and pregnancy
• Taking birth control pills
• Exposure to the sun
• Postmenopausal hormonal replacement
• A history of blood clots
• Conditions that increase the amount of pressure in the abdomen, including tumors, constipation, or garments that produce pressure from the outside such as girdles

Symptoms

If you don’t notice your veins getting worse visually, you will likely feel the effects as well. If you feel a cramping, throbbing, burning or tingling sensation in your legs, this may be a reason why. Veins may also be tender to the touch and reduce circulation, which results in swollen or itchy ankles. Please be aware of any skin or tissues changes that appear as discoloration or ulcerations of the skin. While spider and varicose veins don’t typically pose a serious health threat, they can occasionally result in ulcers or painful blood clots.

Top-Tier Vein Treatment in Arlington Heights

Our vein treatment in Arlington Heights is composed of different approaches depending on the severity of each patient’s situation. Self-care options include exercising, losing weight, wearing loose clothing, elevating your legs, or avoiding long periods of both sitting and standing. Compression stockings are another treatment approach to help veins and leg muscles move efficiently.

Advanced Treatment Options

In the case that your veins do not get better from the above treatment options, we also offer more advanced treatment options including:

• Sclerotherapy: this is beneficial for both spider and varicose veins, and it consists of an injection of a solution that scars and closes the veins altogether.
• Foam sclerotherapy: This new treatment option consists of a foam solution being injected into the vein to help close it.
• High ligation and vein stripping: Tying off a vein before it joins a larger vein and then removing the vein through small incisions.
• Laser surgeries: Through strong bursts of light into the vein, it will slowly disappear. No incision is required!
• Ambulatory phlebectomy: A series of skin punctures will remove the unwanted veins; scarring is minimal.
• Endoscopic vein surgery: This procedure is a last resort for vein removal if other options have failed. A thin camera is inserted into your leg to see the veins, and they are removed through small incisions.

Is It Safe to Have Veins Removed?

While veins play an important role in your health, not all veins are created equally. Rest assured that any vein that our team removes is not healthy and it could pose a threat to your health. All healthy veins will not be touched and they will continue to play an important role in your health.

Contact Us Today

Gone are the days of suffering through living with painful, unattractive veins! Contact our team at Ashpole Plastic Surgery to see how we can help you minimize your veins and restore your confidence. We are serving Itasca, Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, Mt Prospect, Northbrook, Elk Grove Village, Elgin, Barrington, Palatine, Wheaton, Highland Park, and surrounding areas.