Los Angeles leg vein removal can be performed for cosmetic and health reasons
Solutions for leg vein vein removal are primarily sought primarily for aesthetic reasons. However in severe cases, pain, fatigue and mobility reasons serve as the main motives. There are two common types of visible leg veins:
- Varicose veins, which are bluish in color and bulge from the skin’s surface because they contain an enlarged capacity of blood. In some cases, this condition causes patients to feel pain and heaviness and can affect performance in jobs that require standing for most of the time.
- Spider veins, also known as telangiectasis, are smaller and reddish in appearance. They are closer to the surface than varicose veins. The branching patterns can resemble spiders or tree branches. Sometimes they are seen as separate, unconnected lines. Spider veins can be found on the face as well as the legs.
Leg vein removal procedures can help eliminate unsightly veins and eliminate problems caused by blood pooling in the lower part of the body.
Causes of Vericose and Spider Veins
Vericose and spider veins become prominent when valves become weak or defective. As a result, this impedes the normal flow of blood. And the veins become enlarged and visible as a result.
Vericose Veins
Leg vein removal procedures typically target varicose veins especially when blood pools in the lower extremities, causing the vessels to bulge from the surface. The heart pumps oxygenated blood to the legs. And deoxygenated blood is transported in an upward direction to the heart through veins. Valves normally function to prevent the backflow of blood caused by gravity. If they are weak or defected, the blood will collect in the legs, causing an enlargement of the blood vessels.
Vericose veins occur commonly during pregnancy. Not only are they caused by changes in circulation, but more weight and pressure are exerted on the legs by the uterus, especially in later phases.
Spider Veins
Leg vein removal for spider veins is usually performed for aesthetic purposes. On a case by case basis, the conditions that elicit their appearance will vary across individuals. While genetics and aging are among the main factors, there are also several environmental causes:
-sun exposure
-hormonal changes
-obesity
-job requirements (i.e. sitting or standing for long periods of time)
-birth control
With varicose and spider veins, hormonal shifts and birth control can weaken the elasticity of the vein walls.
Epidemiology of Abnormal Vein Issues
There is a greater need for leg vein removal procedures than one might suppose. Spider veins and varicose veins are slightly more prevalent in women. It is estimated that 50-55% of women in the United States are affected by abnormal vein conditions. In men, the incidence is 40-45%.
In individuals past 50 years of age, varicose veins are present in about half this population.
Los Angeles Leg Vein Removal
There are three types of treatments used to correct the appearance of leg veins.
- Surgery
- Schlerotherapy
- Laser Therapy
Surgery for Leg Vein Removal
In surgical procedures like plebectomy, varicose veins that are close to the skin’s surface are removed through surgical incisions. These veins are considered to be superficial. Deep veins, on the other hand are surrounded by muscles and connective tissue. After the superficial varicose veins are removed, the deep veins function to transport blood back to the heart.
Schlerotherapy
In scelerotherapy, sodium chloride is injected into the veins, causing them to collapse. A period of 4-6 weeks is needed for the remains of these veins to be absorbed by the body. Sclerotherapy is effective for treating deep veins.
Laser Therapy for Leg Vein Removal
Lasers work to clear the appearance of unwanted leg veins by heating the target vessels so that they are sealed and collapse. Different wavelengths can be applied to different cases.
The KTP-532nm laser is useful for bright red, slender veins up to 0.5mm in diameter. This wavelength is absorbed by oxygenated hemoglobin.
The Nd:YAG laser is offered by Los Angeles dermatologist, Dr. Umar and can be used for leg vein removal procedures. It emits infrared to 1064nm wavelengths with the ability to penetrate below the skin’s surface to reach deep veins and treat vessels that are larger than 0.5mm. Unlike other wavelengths, it is not readily absorbed by melanin. This allows it to treat a wide range of skin colors, since there is less risk of burning and scarring. It is also versatile enough to be used for many other types of laser skin treatments.
Laser therapy is an excellent option for veins that are resistant to sclerotherapy
Leg vein removal can be accomplished through a single type of intervention for mild to moderate cases. But more severe cases will benefit from a combination of surgery, sclerotherapy and laser treatment.