Facial Veins

Visible facial veins (spider veins, telangiectasias, spider angiomas, benign vascular lesions)

Visible facial veins, which are referred to as spider veins, telangiectasias, spider angiomas, and benign vascular lesions, are simply dilated blood vessels. They are usually found on the forehead, nose, cheeks, eyelids, neck, and upper chest. Visible veins are most commonly seen in fair-skinned women and usually appear in the fourth or fifth decade. Blood vessel dilation is due to weakening of the elastic fibers in the walls of the blood vessel.

Visible veins are generally associated with excessive sun exposure, normal aging, steroid use, liver disease, genetics, radiation therapy, and trauma. On the face, visible veins can range in size from the tip of a pencil to bigger than a pencil eraser and may be even larger on sites other than the face.

There are many different treatments options available for visible facial veins:

• Electrosurgery uses an electric current from a hand held needle which when applied to the blood vessel, destroys it. This method is somewhat painful, but is usually tolerated because it is quick. After the procedure, a tiny scab forms which usually heals quickly and with minimal scarring.
• Lasers are sources of high energy focused light. Certain lasers, called vascular lasers, are designed to target a component of blood called hemoglobin. Vascular lasers destroy the blood vessel while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. The side effects of laser therapy can include pain (similar to a rubber band snap) and temporary purpura or purple pigmentation of the skin similar to a bruising. The purpura usually fades in a day or two and the risk of scarring is low.
• Intense pulsed light therapy is similar to laser therapy except a broadband light is used instead of a focused light. The procedure itself is similar to lasers.

Leg Veins

Varicose veins are the blue or purplish enlarged veins you typically see bulging out of one’s leg. The word "varicose" is derived from the Latin root word "varix," which is translated in English as "twisted." Any vein in your body may become varicose, however, its important to note that this condition or varicose veins exists most often in the legs and feet. Varicose veins occur in the legs and lower extremities because standing and walking increases the pressure in the veins in the lower half of your body.

Is it only a cosmetic concern? For many men and women, varicose veins and spider veins (these are the smaller and more common variation of varicose veins) makes them feel less attractive. However, it’s important to note that for others, varicose veins cause aching pain and discomfort. This condition may lead to serious problems if not treated. Moreover, varicose veins may also serve as an indication that the individual is at a higher risk of other disorders of the circulatory system.

VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT OPTIONS

Treatment for varicose veins today usually doesn't mean a hospital stay or a time consuming, uncomfortable recovery. Less invasive techniques are available that can be done fairly quickly.

Prior to getting treatment for your varicose veins, you should ask Dr. Marek about the affects of compression stockings, exercising, losing weight, not wearing tight clothes, elevating your legs, avoiding long periods of standing or sitting. These are helpful in prevention and slowing the progression of the condition.

If you are pregnant and have varicose veins, please note that varicose veins that develop during pregnancy generally improve without treatment within a few months after delivery. However, it is never a bad idea to ask a specialist.

Below are some procedures that your physician may recommend:

• Sclerotherapy - This form of treatment is a non-surgical procedure in which a solution is injected into the problem varicose veins or spider veins in order to cause its disappearance.
• Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) - EVLT works by heating the inside of the vein, which causes it to seal shut and disappear. This treatment requires that a very thin laser fiber be inserted into the damaged underlying vein.
• Radiofrequency Occlusion also known as VNUS - This method treats the vein by heating them, causing the vein to contract and then close.
• Laser and Pulsed Light Treatments - This form of vein therapy involves a light beam that is pulsed onto the veins in order to seal them off, causing them to dissolve. Successful light-based treatment requires adequate heating of the veins. Several treatments are usually needed for optimal results.
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy - This procedure involves making tiny punctures or incisions through which the varicose veins are removed. The incisions are so small no stitches are required.
• Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy (TIPP) - The TIPP treatment is a minimally invasive procedure for removing varicose veins that is performed using the TriVex® System. Transillumination is a unique feature - much like a flashlight placed under the skin - that allows a surgeon to see, accurately target and remove varicose veins, then visually confirm the extraction.
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• Vein Ligation - During this type of vein surgery, incisions are made over the problem vein and the vein is tied off. This is done in order to cut off the flow of blood to the varicose vein, which in turn causes it to become less visible.
• Vein Stripping - Vein stripping involves tying off of the upper end of a problem vein and then removing the vein.

There are many other varicose vein treatments out there which include laser surgeries, catheter-assisted procedures and endoscopic vein surgeries. Please consult your physician or other medical care provider regarding what type of treatment is best for you.

Please also remember that current treatments for varicose veins and spider veins are highly successful. However, it's possible that varicose veins can recur.

PREVENTION

There's no way to completely prevent varicose veins. But improving your circulation and muscle tone can reduce your risk of developing varicose veins or getting additional ones. Traditional, common-sense approaches include:

• Exercise - Get your legs moving. Walking is a great way to encourage blood circulation in your legs. Your doctor can recommend an appropriate activity level for you.
• Watch your weight your diet - Shedding excess pounds takes unnecessary pressure off your veins. What you eat makes a difference, too. Follow a low-salt, high-fiber diet to prevent the swelling that may result from water retention and constipation.
• Watch what you wear - Avoid high heels. Low-heeled shoes work calf muscles more, which is better for your veins. Don't wear tight clothes around your waist, legs or groin. Tight panty-leg girdles, for instance, can restrict circulation.
• Elevate your legs - To improve venous circulation, take several short breaks daily to elevate your legs above the level of your heart. For example, lie down with your legs resting on three or four pillows.
• Avoid long periods of sitting or standing - Make a point of changing your position frequently to encourage blood flow. Try to move around at least every 30 minutes.
• Don't sit with your legs crossed - This position can aggravate circulation problems.