Treatment of varicose veins in Thessaloniki
We Help You Resolve The Issue Of Varicose Veins
Veins are the vessels that return blood to the heart once it has circulated through the body (as opposed to arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body). They have one-way valves that help keep blood flowing in the proper direction. If these valves stop functioning the way they are supposed to, blood can flow backwards and pool in the vein, causing it to stretch.
Unlike spider veins, which are primarily superficial, varicose veins develop in deeper tissues. Varicose veins are swollen, dark blue or purple blood vessels that you can see and feel beneath the skin. The vessels that develop into varicose veins are larger and therefore more prominent when problems occur. Varicose veins form when the valves within a vein weaken and allow some blood to flow backward. The vein weakens under the additional strain and balloons outward, bulging under the skin surface. This venous disease is characterized by twisted cords of veins that bulge above the skin’s surface. Common areas in which varicose veins occur include the calves and thighs.
As much as 55% of women develop varicose veins, but men may experience this problem, as well. According to research, up to 45% of men struggle with some type of problematic vein issue in their lifetime. Patients with varicose veins may develop aching, throbbing, cramping, itching, ulcers and other symptoms that may indicate a need for medical attention. If you are experiencing these issues, please call Vein Laser Center in Thessaloniki at +30.2310.276699 today.
Causes And Risks Factors Of Varicose Veins
While varicose veins can affect nearly anyone, they tend to occur more often in patients possessing certain risk factors, including:
- Older age- 50 percent of women over the age of fifty have varicose veins.
- Genetics- Approximately 50 percent of patients with varicose veins report that a close family member also has this condition.
- Hormones- Fluctuating levels of progesterone and estrogen have been identified as a primary factor in the formation of varicose veins in women.
- Pregnancy- In addition to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, varicose veins may develop due to increased venous pressure from the growing uterus.
- Obesity- Excessive weight may also place excessive pressure on vessels, leading to valve weakness.
- Prolonged standing or sitting- Circulation is promoted by movement. When we sit or stand for too long, blood may more easily pool in the lower extremities.
- Lack of physical activity
Many patients with varicose veins are bothered by their symptoms and appearance, and therefore seek treatment. Visit Vein Laser Center in Thessaloniki to see a specialist and begin your varicose vein treatment.
Varicose Veins And Blood Flow
If you notice one or more bulging veins on your legs or another area, this is an indication that valve damage has occurred to that vessel. Veins transport blood and nutrients throughout the body, and then back to the heart. Muscle contractions in the legs help to progress the upward movement of blood against gravitational forces. To keep blood moving in the right direction, veins have one-way flaps called valves. Weakness in a valve allows blood to accumulate, causing the vein to swell.
What Are The Symptoms Of Varicose Veins?
The primary indicator of varicose veins is the obvious appearance of bulging vessels. Additional symptoms include:
- Restless legs
- A sensation of “heaviness”
- Swelling
- Cramping, throbbing, or aching pain that worsens with inactivity
- Itching
- Skin discoloration (in severe cases)
Varicose veins do pose a serious health threat. Certain conditions may result from untreated venous insufficiency, including bleeding, skin ulceration, superficial blood clotting, or deep vein thrombosis, or deeper clots. Dr.Mavros may examine varicose veins using ultrasound in order to assess the risk for any of these concerns.
How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?
Your doctor can usually diagnose varicose veins after a physical examination of the affected area. Additional testing may also be performed, such as an ultrasound to evaluate the structure and blood flow within the veins.
What Are My Treatment Options For Varicose Veins?
While healthy weight, physical activity, and compression garments may reduce the effects of varicose veins, lifestyle modifications may not be sufficient for some people. Many people with venous disease seek treatment to reduce the symptoms and unsightly appearance of varicose or spider veins on the legs. Treatment often relieves discomfort associated with the condition such as swelling, fatigue, itching and cramps. Sometimes, however, more significant problems can develop if abnormal veins are left untreated. If venous insufficiency is left alone, it can lead to ulcers or open wounds on the legs. Left untreated, serious medical consequences may result. Vein Laser Center in Thessaloniki offers comfortable solutions with a proven track record of success.
Vein Laser Center Thessaloniki Offers The Following As Varicose Vein Treatment:
- Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to treat varicose veins. It may be performed with the aid of ultrasound imaging to ensure precise results that relieve the painful symptoms and the unsightly appearance of varicose veins. The affected veins are injected with a sclerosant solution, which causes the veins to eventually collapse and become absorbed into the bloodstream. Blood flow redirects to healthy veins as treated vessels close up and fade away. This safe procedure takes less than an hour.
- Laser Ablation is a minimally invasive alternative to vein stripping surgery for the treatment of varicose veins and its common underlying cause, venous reflux. This advance in varicose vein treatment offers patients effective results with less pain, less bleeding and shorter recovery times than traditional procedures. The procedure involves controlled heating of vein walls using a small catheter, causing constriction and the redirection of blood flow to nearby, healthy veins. The procedure is typically completed in less than 1 hour.
- Microphlebectomy is performed with local anesthesia and light sedation to ensure patient comfort. A special hook is used to remove the vein through multiple tiny incisions that do not usually require stitches and leave minimal scarring. This procedure can be performed for cosmetic or medical purposes, depending on each patient’s individual condition and goals for treatment. After microphlebectomy, you will be asked to wear compression stockings temporarily. The incisions typically heal within two weeks.
How Can I Prevent Varicose Veins?
While there is no surefire way to prevent varicose veins from developing, there are certain lifestyle changes that can be made in order to reduce your risk of developing this condition. This may include:
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Κάλτσες συμπίεσης
- Elevating the legs
- Avoiding sitting or standing in one position for too long
Call Vein Laser Center today where Dr.Mavros can provide you with more information as to how you can reduce your risk of varicose veins and maintain strong vascular health.
Varicose veins may be removed for either cosmetic or medical reasons. When a medical concerns exists, many insurance companies will cover the removal procedure. We can help you resolve the appearance and discomfort of varicose veins. Schedule your visit to Vein Laser Center Thessaloniki at +30.2310.276699.