Varicose Veins Surgeon Los Angeles
Varicose Veins or Spider Veins
What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins appear bluish-purple or red in color. For some patients they are not generally painful, and most patients seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. However, in some cases the presence of varicose veins causes pain or discomfort and can lead to more serious vascular conditions, like a blood clot.
Varicose Veins Q & A
Varicose veins can increase the risk of developing other health problems.
Why do you have Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins form when the one way valves in the vein become damaged. These valves are what help transport blood back to your lungs. When the valves are damaged and not functioning properly, this can cause blood to pool in the veins and enlarge the vessel.
As pooling of blood continues the vein can stretch and twist to try to accommodate the extra blood that is left behind. This is what causes the bulging appearance you see from the surface.
Risk Factors for Varicose Veins
- Obesity
- Age>65
- Female
- Inactive lifestyle
- Leg injury
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Oral contraceptives
- Family history
Signs and Symptoms for Varicose Veins
- Bulging veins
- Dark blue or purple veins visible on the thigh or calf
- Tender, sore legs
- Aching pain in legs
- Sores on the legs
- Rash
- Heavy, burning sensation in the legs
- Changes in color of the skin
Why are Varicose Veins a Problem?
When left untreated, varicose veins can become a serious health concern. They can cause significant pain and swelling, as well as an increased risk of developing other health problems. For example, they can increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. In addition, they can increase the risk of developing other health problems, such as high blood pressure and kidney disease.
If left untreated, varicose veins can also lead to scarring that can cause permanent damage to the veins. There are a number of ways to treat varicose veins. The most common treatment is to reduce swelling and pain by applying ice or cold packs to the affected area.
Other treatments include medication to reduce swelling and pain, as well as surgery to remove the affected area. If you suspect that you have varicose veins, it is important to see a doctor so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated.
Schedule an appointment to discuss varicose vein treatment.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can be diagnosed by a physical examination or through an ultrasound. Treatment for varicose veins will depend on several factors: your age, signs and symptoms, and severity of the disease progression.
For mild cases of varicose veins, patients can find relief with use of compression stockings and medical therapy. For more severe cases, you may consider the following more aggressive treatment options including surgical treatment.
- Laser treatment – where heat is applied during a minimally invasive procedure to treat the vein
- Sclerotherapy – where a chemical is injected into the vein to collapse it
- Laser catheter ablation – uses heat and radiofrequency waves to close the vein
- Surgical removal or stripping
Each of the treatment options can have potential complications and/or side effects. You should discuss each treatment option with a trained vascular surgeon that specializes in varicose veins to ensure you receive the best treatment option for your case with the least amount of undesired side effects.
Contact our office at the Southern California Multi-Specialty Center to schedule an appointment by calling 818-900-6480.
Our Vascular & Endovascular Surgeons
It's important to remember not all physicians are trained in advanced vascular and endovascular surgery. It’s a good practice to get multiple opinions and do research on the surgery and the physician.
Sammy Eghbalieh, MD, FACS, DFSVS, RPVI
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Schedule an evaluation with the doctors at Southern California Multi-Specialty Center.
