What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are painful large veins that appear blue, red, or flesh-colored, and often twist and bulge underneath the skin. They make it harder for blood to transfer to and from the heart and lungs which can lead to further complications with mobility, cardiovascular health, and brain health.
These damaged veins show up in the legs and buttocks due to an excess of blood that pools within them caused by faulty valves.. Blood normally travels to the heart to be oxygenated in the lungs, then back to the various organs in the body. Once the oxygen is used up, the blood is sent back, through the veins, to the lungs once again. Throughout the venous system, there are valves that stop the blood from flowing backwards due to gravity. When these veins work properly, there is no problem.
As we age, however, and excess pressure is placed on these valves due to standing for long periods of time or carrying excess weight (i.e. pregnancy), they start to fail. Varicose veins begin to form when these valves don’t close properly. The more blood that accumulates, more pressure is exerted on these valves, and the situation worsens.
Causes and Risks Factors for Varicose Veins
There are many
causes of varicose veins that we should be aware of. General risk factors include age, weight, genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. Elderly adults, obese adults, and sedentary adults are at greater risk for developing varicose veins due to decreased blood throughout the circulatory system.
If left untreated, vein conditions can negatively impact your quality of life. Symptoms include a feeling of heaviness in the legs, discomfort, pain, swelling, numbness, and skin conditions. If you have varicose veins, they will only worsen as time passes. At Ashpole Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of treatment options to remove varicose veins, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Common Varicose Vein Treatments
If you’re looking for vein treatments in Itasca, IL, Ashpole Plastic Surgery offers various procedures. Our vein treatment options include
- Sclerotherapy
- Laser surgery
- Ambulatory phlebectomy
- Endoscopic vein surgery
Two of our best treatment options are laser removal and ambulatory phlebectomy. Laser removal is a simple, non-invasive process using intense laser beams to remove varicose veins. Laser treatments require no incisions or surgical procedures.
As an Illinois ambulatory phlebectomy clinic, we also offer minimally invasive procedures to remove damaged veins. Phlebectomy procedures involve a series of tiny incisions that puncture the skin to remove excess blood from the veins. Once your skin clears, you may see light scarring but this is natural.
Schedule Your Next Appointment With Us
Ashpole Plastic Surgery is your go-to destination for laser vein removal in Itasca. Dr. Bradley Ashpole and staff are here to help you with your varicose vein issues before they worsen. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the treatment procedures, please give us a call – our staff will explain everything you need to know.
Schedule your free consultation today!