Dr. Joseph Jensen is here to help you with spider vein and varicose vein treatment in Layton, Utah!
What are varicose and spider veins?
Varicose veins and spider veins are pathologic veins that have become abnormally dilated. Varicose veins are larger veins that are ropy and bulge. Spider veins are smaller dilated veins, just under the skin surface. Spider veins always appear discolored and sometimes varicose veins appear discolored, as well. Because of the increased pressure in these pathological veins, patients may experience symptoms. These veins are unsightly, but they can cause serious symptoms and complications. People suffer from aching, pain, throbbing, restlessness, itching, burning, swelling and discoloration of the lower legs. Vein symptoms may make it difficult to sleep. Sometimes, venous disease can progress to the point of the development of venous ulcers, which are open sores on your lower calves.
What causes varicose veins?
The primary cause of varicose veins is heredity. Venous disease is more common amongst women. Men also experience vein, problems, as well. Besides heredity, there are other causes. Pregnancy, obesity, advancing age, and inactivity are also causes of varicose veins and spider veins.
Does vein treatment hurt?
Varicose vein treatments are surprisingly tolerable. Patients lie in bed and chitchat with us while I’m working. Most people are very surprised how easy the process is. I try to reassure people not to expend too much energy worrying about a painful treatment, because once you’ve experienced vein treatment, you realize that it wasn’t worth the worry. We’ve got this!
Are varicose veins only of cosmetic concern?
Varicose vein disease is part of a larger disease called chronic venous insufficiency. Varicose veins can result in many symptoms, including pain, swelling, restlessness, cramping, avoidance of activities of daily living. Chronic venous insufficiency can lead to severe and disabling swelling, and even chronic skin ulcers.
What is recovery from varicose vein treatment like?
Remaining active after varicose vein treatment is very important. I encourage patients to walk often and to remain engaged in their daily activities. Strenuous activities should be avoided for a few days after treatment. People are usually very surprised how little discomfort they have after treatment.
How are spider veins treated?
Spider veins can be treated with various energy devices, including laser, but by far the most common and effective treatment of spider veins is sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is a treatment where I inject a sclerosant into the vein that I want to eliminate. A sclerosant is an irritating medication that produces inflammation in the lining of the vein wall. That inflammation causes the vein to scar shut. Once the vein has scarred shut, and the blood within the vein has been absorbed, the vein becomes closed and invisible. Sclerotherapy is nearly painless. I use a very small needle which people often don’t even feel. Modern sclerotherapy should not be painful. In the past, concentrated saline was used as a sclerosant. This was very irritating and painful. If you heard of old sclerotherapy, or if you have experienced it, you should know that this is very different.
How are varicose veins treated?
Varicose veins can be stripped or removed with different techniques. Those usually include lots of scars and lots of pulling, and lots of pain. I do not advocate these types of treatments because they are completely unnecessary. I treat varicose veins with sclerotherapy, primarily. Once a patient’s underlying dysfunctional veins have been adequately treated, the remaining varicose veins Are very effectively treated with just a few needle, pokes and injection of an effective sclerosant. This means that your varicose veins can be eliminated with simple and easy sclerotherapy, instead of surgical removal.
An important part of treating your varicose veins is properly diagnosing the cause of your varicose veins. I normally send people for an ultrasound evaluation, called a venous duplex. Once we have diagnose the cause of your problems, we can come up with a proper treatment plan. If there are larger inside veins that are causing your problems, I will come up with an easy treatment solution that you will easily tolerate.
How are larger inside veins treated?
The most common treatment modality for your larger inside veins that need elimination is endovenous ablation. Endovenous ablation is a treatment where the vein is cauterized from the inside. This may sound scary, but it’s actually painless, except for the IV and the numbing. It’s a procedure that’s done through a few needle pokes and an IV. People tolerate it very well, and are usually surprised at how easy their treatments have been.
After each treatment, I will want patients wearing their knee-high compression hose and remaining active. Walking, shopping, cooking, running errands, etc., Are all perfect activities for the day of your procedure.
Tummy Tuck
The tummy tuck is a surgical option perfect for removing excess skin and fat and restoring weakened or separated muscles affecting your abdominal profile.
Spider & Varicose Veins
Not only do spider veins pose a cosmetic threat to your body, they can be the beginning of a more serious varicose vein problem.
Liposuction
Liposuction targets fat pockets on the body that can’t be lost with exercise.
BOTOX®
Smooth creases and lines, tighten sagging skin, or achieve a fuller complexion with our customized dermal fillers and injections.
Tattoo Removal
Improved laser development helps preserve your natural look while reversing an outdated piece of art. And that means no more tattoo regret.
Laser Hair Removal
Are constant waxing and shaving not cutting it anymore? Remove hair from your face, legs, arms, or bikini line and throw your razors away.
CoolSculpting®
Perfect for stubborn fat pockets that exercise can’t budge. Dreaded double chins, flabby flanks and arms, and embarrassing abdominal pooches are sculpted into lean physiques.
Contact Dr. Joseph Jensen to learn more about spider vein and varicose vein treatment where we proudly serve Layton, Bountiful, Farmington, Kaysville, Ogden and every town in between!