Are varicose veins dangerous?

Yes, absolutely! While varicose veins can go untreated for a while, they are a ticking time bomb and should be evaluated by a vein doctor immediately. In the early stages, varicose veins are a sign of poor circulation and can lead to chronic venous insufficiency, skin ulcers, bleeding, or blood clots. During the final or severe stages of varicose veins, the pooling of blood and increased pressure causes severe complications namely : Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVTs are a serious medical condition - they are a blood clot deep in the veins. These blood clots can break loose and travel to your lungs, causing a life life-threatening pulmonary embolism, and even become fatal.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are primarily caused by genetics, weight gain changes, overall lifestyle and family history. When trauma like this happens to veins, your veins become weak and damaged. Once the vein walls are damaged, your tiny one-way valves malfunction. Instead of your veins pumping blood directly back towards your heart, your vein values fail to close tightly. The result is that blood flows backward down towards your feet and pool. This increased pressure caused the veins to stretch and twist, therefore creating varicose veins!

What do Varicose Veins look like?

These veins are usually very visible to the naked eye. They are typically swollen, twisted and bulging blood vessels that are dark black, blue or purple in color. They look like dark ropes in the back or front of your legs. They are found on your calves, ankles, thighs and all throughout your legs.

Are there risks associated with laser vein treatment?

Laser vein removal is safe and minimally invasive, but as with any medical treatment there are potential side effects and risks. Common side effects of the treatment include: temporary redness, swelling, or bruising, skin sensitivity for a short period of time, temporary changes in skin color, and nerve irritation (temporary numbness or tingling near the treatment area). More severe, but uncommon risks are blistering or minor burns, vein inflammation, and blood clots.

Are the results from laser vein treatment permanent?

The results from laser vein removal are considered permanent. The targeted veins in your procedure will be collapsed and reabsorbed by your body. However this treatment does not cure underlying causes of spider or varicose veins such as genetics or aging, so new veins may develop over time. Additional treatments may be required for incomplete vein closure or recurrence.

Is there a recovery period?

Laser vein treatment done in Los Angeles, California requires minimal downtime. The majority of patients return to work and daily activities in 24-48 hours. The full recovery period including fading of bruising or swelling takes approximately 2-4 weeks.

How many laser vein treatments will I need?

Patients typically need 2-4 laser vein treatments spaced out 3-6 weeks apart. The exact amount of laser treatments will depend on the size, depth, and density of your veins, as well as your body’s healing response. In your vein treatment consultation Dr. D, will go over your treatment plan.

Does laser vein treatment hurt?

Laser vein treatment does not typically hurt. Patients describe a small stinging or warmth. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area for larger veins which will prevent pain. During recovery you may have bruising and tenderness that will resolve within a few days.

Can you use vein stripping to treat veins?

No. We do not recommend going to any facility that offers this outdated, antiquated method of removing veins. Vein stripping used to be the go-to treatment because of its ease for doctors. However, this method causes multiple issues for patients including severe scarring, potential for infections and other painful side effects. Dr. D offers the newest treatment technology which now includes RF Ablation and Lasers.

What are the symptoms of varicose vein disease?

They vary greatly from patient to patient, but most often presents with these common symptoms including: aching, throbbing, leg heaviness, burning, itching, muscle cramping, bulging twisted veins, skin discoloration, persistent leg swelling, skin thickening, slow-healing would, venous ulcers , restless leg syndrome and more.

FAQs Archive - Page 3 of 4 - Vein Doctor Los Angeles

Are varicose veins dangerous?
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What Causes Varicose Veins?
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What do Varicose Veins look like?
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Are there risks associated with laser vein treatment?
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Are the results from laser vein treatment permanent?
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Is there a recovery period?
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How many laser vein treatments will I need?
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Does laser vein treatment hurt?
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Can you use vein stripping to treat veins?
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What are the symptoms of varicose vein disease?
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