Three Myths:
Are Varicose Veins Only Cosmetic ?
While the treatments for varicose veins are basically the same whether a person is being treated for painful symptoms or just for cosmetic improvement, enlarged leg veins can infact be more then just cosmetic. A person can suffer from symptoms such as crampy pains, throbbing, swelling, night cramps, blood clots, bleeding episodes, skin changes and darkening, all from untreated veins. The worse the veins are and the longer you have them, the more likely you are to suffer from such symptoms.
Will You Need Surgery For Varicose Veins ?
Fortunately all of medicine has pushed towards being less invasive and that includes the treatment of varicose veins. While your grandmother may have had the old fashioned surgery known as ‘stripping and ligation’ with its need for general anesthesia, an overnight hospital stay (remember it’s your grandma we’re talking about so it’s many years ago), risk of infection and permanent scarring, patients today do not need surgery. All patients can now be treated in an office setting and be able to go home right afterwards. Any ‘vein doctor’ who wants to put you under anesthesia is over-treating you and putting you at greater risk of complications.
Do Support Stockings Help Prevent Varicose Veins From Forming ?
While you may feel better and less symptomatic when wearing support hose they will neither prevent veins from forming or make them go away. Often in response to pain, the application of pressure will help reduce the discomfort. This simple rule also applies to your legs. When support hose squeeze the veins, they are assisting the return of blood from the legs. While it’s certainly fine to wear the hose do not expect much more then temporary relief.
You may also want to read our recent blog titled “treatment of varicose veins: myths”
Dr. Lee G. Schulman M.D.
Dr. Martin L. Schulman M.D.
Schulman Vein And Laser Centers Of Long Island And NYC