While varicose and spider veins are widely considered an aesthetic issue, there is more to these conditions than meets the eye. Just over half the women and almost half the men in the United States currently suffer with one or both issues. The heart pumps blood through the veins, delivering it throughout the body. Valves inside these veins allow blood to flow through but close to prevent back flow.
Extensive pressure being placed on the lower half of the body causes those valves to weaken. This allows blood to back up in the veins, leading to swelling. In smaller veins closer to the surface of the skin, the swelling manifests itself as blue or red spider veins whereas larger, deeper veins become varicose. Those are the ones bulging from the skin.
Though not harmful, spider veins generally itch or burn; in some cases, this burning sensation can be felt as they develop. Being more severe, varicose veins cause swelling, cramping, throbbing, achiness and heaviness in the legs. They can also lead to sores or ulcers, bleeding and varying levels of blood clots.
Treatment for these conditions was initially developed in the 1930’s. Although technology has improved greatly since that time, the actual technique for sclerotherapy in Albuquerque Metro NM has remained much the same. Now aided by ultrasound for efficiently pinpointing the damage vein, a solution is injected into the damaged area of the vein. This further injures the vein, prompting it to close. Blood flow is redirected to other veins, and the body simply absorbs the one treated.
Remedying varicose veins may be medically necessary due to the more extensive problems they can cause, but cosmetic sclerotherapy in Albuquerque Metro NM is more for improving appearance. This process targets small to medium-sized veins that pose more of an aesthetic risk than a medical one. The technique is the same, but since it is not medically necessary, it is not covered by insurance regardless of the discomfort the swollen veins may cause.
As is the case with most procedures, this type of treatment may be unsafe for patients with some pre-existing conditions; however, this state-of-the-art process is completely safe otherwise. The body naturally compensates for any veins eliminated through treatment, and recovery is almost instantaneous. Click here to find additional information on whether sclerotherapy may be the solution for you.
