Approximately 23% of adults in the U.S. have varicose veins. If you have varicose veins, you know how unsightly they are and how self-conscious they can make you feel. Varicose veins also seem to plague women a lot more often than men.
Varicose veins are enlarged and swollen veins that are noticeably visible, and usually blue or dark purple in color. The appearance of varicose veins can be attributed to faulty valves that allow blood to back up and pool in a vein, causing the swollen appearance. A build-up of pressure due to the pooled blood causes the varicose veins to branch off.
You are susceptible to developing varicose veins if you are pregnant or overweight. You know varicose veins by their telltale look and accompanying symptoms such as a general discomfort, aching legs, swollen ankles, and spider veins (a smaller version of varicose veins).
The good news is, advances in laser therapy treatments have made it possible to get rid of varicose veins.
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
The groundbreaking laser therapy treatment that deals with varicose veins is called endovenous laser therapy (EVLT). It is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes laser energy to close off the varicose veins. In effect, the blood will be forced to find healthier veins through which to flow and your varicose veins will slowly disappear.
EVLT is performed under local anesthesia and takes as little as 30 minutes. The way it works is a tiny tube is placed into your vein, usually around the knee area. Once the tube is inside, it is directed to the target site. Small bursts of laser energy are emitted that cause the veins to contract and close, preventing blood from flowing back into it and pooling there. After your blood is rerouted to healthier veins, the varicose veins should disappear along with your symptoms.
Being a minimally invasive procedure, recovery after EVLT is quick. After treatment, you will be required to wear compression stockings to speed up the healing. And you are also encouraged to walk immediately after treatment and keep active in order to keep blood flowing in your legs and prevent your blood from clotting.
Varicose Vein Treatment in Houston, Texas
The Vein Institute & MediSpa in Kingwood has various advanced treatment methods to remove problem veins like spider and varicose veins. The treatment we recommend will depend on the type and stage of your vein disease.
Dr. Raymond Little is passionate about vascular care, and he will give you a thorough evaluation of your condition and let you know of the vein treatment options that are available to you. Dr. Little and his team will only recommend the most effective treatment methods to get rid of your problem veins. He may recommend sclerotherapy, harmony laser therapy, or endovenous laser therapy.
If you are sick of seeing unsightly veins on your legs and the accompanying shame, pain, and discomfort that go with them, feel free to contact us at (281) 312-0208 or request an appointment now.
The Vein Institute & MediSpa is a leader in vascular medicine servicing the Houston, Texas, area. We are dedicated to providing high-quality service to you that far exceeds your expectations.
