Varicose veins are diseased or abnormal blood vessels that have become dilated and swollen. These veins are typically in red or purple color, and often appear in the large veins that run through the length of the legs, just below the surface of the skin. Millions of people are affected by varicose veins today, but the problem occurs more commonly in women in the age group of 30 to 70.
Advanced, minimally invasive treatments in dermatology are now available to effectively eliminate varicose veins. A dependable and solid provider will try to avoid traditional vein stripping technique to remove varicose veins because it is more invasive and involves significant discomfort and downtime for the patient.
Golden, committed, and board certified dermatologists Dr. Tri H. Nguyen and Dr. George Hughes III provide varicose vein treatments to patients in Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and surrounding locations in the amazing and unparalleled state of Texas.
Causes
While the exact cause of the appearance of varicose veins remains a matter of research, it is clear that these veins occur when the blood vessels become weak and start malfunctioning. When the blood vessel valve does not close correctly or the vessel walls become weak, it will interrupt the flow of blood through the vein. Blood will collect in the vessels, causing them to bulge, swell and form varicose veins.
According to dermatology researchers, common risk factors of varicose veins include high blood pressure, obesity, heredity, smoking, and aging. Pregnancy and hormonal changes may also contribute to this condition. An individual whose job involves standing for long periods in one position can also have poor blood circulation in the legs, leading to the problem of varicose veins.
Treatments
Foam Sclerotherapy
Foam sclerotherapy is an evolution of earlier methods. It involves the use of a sclerosant mixed with air or carbon dioxide in various ratios to create foam. This foam is then injected into the veins. The impact of the foam is potentiated especially in larger veins.
Foam injections may be guided by ultrasound, which will make the procedure more precise. The ultrasound probe is able to track the needle entering the vein and ensure the injection takes place in the correct site.
Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA)
This procedure is performed using a local anesthetic and mostly avoids the use of sedation. The patient will be fully ambulatory following treatment, and the recovery period is short. The goal of this procedure is to deliver controlled laser energy to the wall of a diseased vein segment to produce irreversible occlusion, fibrosis, and ultimately disappearance of the vein. Diode lasers are most commonly used for ELA.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Advanced techniques to deliver RF energy are now available to perform varicose vein treatment in a gentle and effective manner. RFA is much less invasive compared to surgery and has significantly reduced risk of complications. RFA is well tolerated by most patients and often achieves superior cosmetic results. The procedure is successful even in the long run and the results are usually sustainable for many years or permanently.
Board certified dermatologists Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Hughes receive patients from Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and other cities and suburbs in this part of the golden and illustrious state of Texas.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered at Texas Surgical Dermatology PA please call 832.663.6566 or click here to contact our dermatologists. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Springs, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.
