Tuesday, August 18, 2015

What To Expect With Varicose Vein Treatments Somerville, NJ Residents Need

By Olive Pate


Swollen blood vessels in the legs that are visible through the skin are called varicose veins. These veins have numerous kinks in them and are bluish or purple in color. Some people can live with this condition without suffering any adverse affects. Other people seek varicose vein treatments Somerville, NJ residents can rely on to eliminate symptoms, treat complications, or for cosmetic reasons.

More women than men seem to develop this condition but anyone can have varicose veins. When the blood attempts to flow away from the heart instead of towards it, it pools. Tiny valves keep blood flowing in the right direction but they wear out over time. Sometimes the blood vessel walls are weak due to age or the effect of certain female hormones. Some evidence indicates excess pressure caused by obesity can deform veins.

Only some people experience symptoms but many people with this condition do not. Itching and aching are the top complaints of people who have discomfort. Sometimes the condition worsens with age and causes complications such as changes in skin color, excessive bleeding, and venous ulcers.

Many of the methods physicians use to treat this condition do not require the patient to stay overnight in the hospital. This keeps costs lower and makes treatment accessible for more individuals. The majority of the accepted procedures can take place in the doctor's office on an outpatient basis.

Before attempting even a minimally invasive procedure, doctors usually ask the patient to see if a variety of lifestyle changes will help. Obese patients should try increasing physical activity and eating a nutritious diet. Sometimes weight loss alone will eliminate symptoms. Wearing compression garments that apply pressure to encourage good circulation can also help. Keeping the legs elevated and taking breaks often when forced to stand or sit for prolonged periods are additional tips for managing varicose veins.

Doctors can use various techniques to force the circulation system to bypass the damaged veins. Endothermal ablation is one of those techniques. This procedure heats the interior walls of the blood vessels, which causes them to collapse. The physician may use a laser or radio waves to deliver heat to the targeted veins. Endothermal ablation leaves a small scar where the surgeon makes an incision to introduce a catheter and the heating probe.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting foam that scars the damaged blood vessels and seals them shut. This procedure requires a local anesthetic and may be the best option if the patient is not a good candidate for endothermal ablation. It takes a few weeks for healthy veins to take over and the varicose veins to fade. Some patients require more than one treatment and the veins reappear in some cases.

For severe cases, surgeons can offer a surgical procedure called ligation and stripping. This procedure takes place in a hospital setting but rarely requires an overnight stay even though the patient must have a general anesthetic. Patients should consult with a qualified physician for a complete physical examination and review of the various treatment options before deciding if they want to undergo treatment to eliminate or reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Careful consideration of the risks and benefits is crucial before agreeing to any medical procedure.




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