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Vein factoids
Risk factors include aging, genetics, and hormonal changes linked to estrogen and progesterone. Birth control pills and other medications with these hormones can contribute to unsightly veins, along with obesity and the lack of movement due to standing for prolonged periods.
Leg veins have a tough job. They withstand significant pressure from body weight and work against gravity to move blood to the heart. As a result, when the valves that open and close to assist blood flow wear out and spring a leak, blood backs up forming a varicose vein.
Fine-tuned treatments
“In the 70s and 80s, sclerotherapy was a common treatment. The veins were injected with fluid to close them,” explains Dr. Stephen Mulholland, Director of SpaMedia, Toronto, “but wasn’t terribly effective.” Today it’s used in conjunction with treatments that address the source of blood leaks. A high-tech Doppler ultrasound provides an accurate picture
of how veins are behaving to determine the most effective treatment. Today, patients have up to a 96% vein improvement with lasting results.
The old school method to surgically strip veins, although still done, requires five to |
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six days of hospitalization. New techniques such as the ELAS (Endovenous Laser Closure), allows patients to walk out of the physician’s office after their procedure. A series of treatments fine-tune the results by addressing remaining broken veins, making this a desirable approach for varicose vein removal.
Going high-tech
Hormones, heredity and sun exposure all play a role in the formation of broken capillaries and visible facial veins. If you’re fair-skinned, you’re most susceptible to broken capillaries. Wear sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) year round.
The finer facial veins respond better to treatment. The old method of electrocuting facial veins is less effective because the current does not go deep enough into the vein to address the core problem, making recurrence common and frustrating. The superstar YAG laser, along with other lasers, are much more effective since they treat veins at a deeper level, boosting the success rate while being less painful.
With the success of the latest varicose vein treatments it’s time to celebrate the
arrival of shorts and swimsuit season with confidence. H&L |
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