Spider veins and varicose veins

Are the most common vein problems, and affect both men and women of all ages. Spider veins are caused by dilated groups of blood vessels near the surface of your skin, and can occur on either the face or legs. Although spider veins may not cause much pain, you may want to remove them if they occur on a facial area for a freshened, improved appearance.

Varicose veins are bluish, raised veins that appear most frequently on the leg caused by enlarged blood vessels. Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to leg pain, swelling and even leg cramps. Contact a doctor today if you suspect you have varicose veins, since the formation of varicose veins may indicate another more serious condition such as vein inflammation (phlebitis), blood clots, thrombosis, or ulcer formation in the vein due to improper drainage.

Only your doctor can determine whether or not surgery is necessary for your vein condition, or if the condition signifies a more serious problem. In most cases however, spider veins and varicose veins present only aesthetic problems and minor discomfort, and although the cause of spider and varicose veins is not known, heredity and hormonal changes may be behind their formation.

Your physician can determine your candidacy for vein removal surgery or a vein treatment procedure based on your age and health, the severity of your vein-related condition, and your ability to undergo vein removal procedures and therapies. Remember to have realistic expectations when it comes to vein removal and vein therapeutic treatments, and ask your doctor questions about what you can expect to see, what improvements in appearance and function will occur, and what aftercare or follow-ups you will require. Most vein treatments take place in either an outpatient/inpatient surgery facility, or a surgeon's clinical surgery facility and options for general or local anesthesia vary from case to case.

Professional vein treatments include:

• sclerotherapy laser surgery

• pulsed light therapy

• surgical ligation

• ambulatory phlebectomy

• electrodessication

Ask your doctor which is right for you, and what the risks and benefits are for the vein removal or vein treatment procedure you plan to have. Whether you have spider veins or varicose veins, contacting a medical professional or vein removal specialist can be the first step towards the beauty, functionality and pain-free living you’ve always wanted.