Varicose veins are a common problem for thousands of men and women and can even become a painful condition. Bulging and swollen veins can take away from the natural appearance of the legs and arms, and few people can hide them with makeup or cosmetics alone.

While a healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of developing varicose veins, there are some ways to combat the problem if veins have already developed.

Laser treatments and surgery offer hope and relief for people with varicose veins, and can either remove them completely, or reduce swelling.  Are you a good candidate for laser treatment? Here’s what you need to know:  

What Causes Varicose Veins?  

Varicose veins are a direct result of poor blood circulation and weak valves. When blood is not circulating at a healthy rate, the valves become constricted and enlarged. This is most common during pregnancy, with increasing age, and as a result of excessive weight gain. The Cleveland Clinic lists other reasons for varicose vein development such as:  

• Genetic predisposition to varicose veins
• Excessive sun exposure
• Hormonal changes
• Excessive pressure on different areas of the leg
• Inadequate stretching that creates pressure on the legs
• An unhealthy diet that leads to constipation
• Excessive salt in the diet  

Since some of these factors cannot be controlled, you may already be developing varicose veins that require treatment.  

Varicose Veins vs. Spider Veins – What’s the Difference?  

Varicose veins are generally large and bulging, and raised above the skin; spider veins are smaller and skinnier, and lay flat on the surface of the skin. Most people develop varicose veins on the backs of the calves, inner thigh, and backs of the knees because these areas are vulnerable to excessive pressure. The Merck Manual outlines common problems associated with varicose veins including:  

• Itching and rash development
• General skin irritation
• Inflammation of the veins that leads to bleeding
• Dermatitis
• Ulcer development  

Although varicose vein development can be prevented, it’s difficult for most people to make necessary lifestyle changes to reduce their risk. If you are experiencing any of the above conditions and showing no signs of improvement, a doctor may need to check the entire leg to determine where the veins are developing, and where the weakest area of your leg seems to be. In most cases, laser surgery can help to manage the problem immediately.  

Varicose Veins – Options for Treatment  

Removing varicose veins for aesthetic purposes is one reason to pursue laser treatment or other procedures, but some people find relief in surgery when varicose veins become painful. Laser treatment is a simple way to reduce unsightly varicose veins, and may even help improve the overall appearance of surrounding skin. A widely popular laser treatment is EndoVenous Laser Treatment (EVLT). This process doesn’t require any surgery at all, and works directly on the vein with a precise laser beam instead. As a result, there is no risk for the loss of a faulty vein, a common complication of conventional surgical procedures. A laser fiber is fired along the sides of the constricted vein to shrink it and stop blood from flowing. After a short period of time, the veins can begin to pump blood at a normal rate and will return to normal functioning.  

There is no cure for varicose veins at this time, but a prevention plan that involves lifestyle modifications is one of the best approaches for managing the condition. Varicose veins don’t have to ruin your appearance or interfere with your lifestyle; learn more about varicose and spider vein treatment in our story on ‘Vein Killers’, or consult with a cosmetic surgeon in your area for the latest treatment options.