When issues arise with veins, the results can certainly be aesthetically dissatisfying, but can also come with complicated symptoms. Where spider veins tend to present across the body as a colorful web of small blue, purple and red veins, varicose veins bulge and twist below the surface. Many individuals suffering from spider veins exclusively will not notice any symptoms other than their physical appearance, but the same can’t be said for varicose veins. Those suffering from this condition often report aching and painful legs, swelling that can be painful to the touch, and even a burning sensation that occurs after standing for extended periods of time.
Vein complications, disease, and insufficiencies are closely linked to blood flow throughout the body. The development of these painful or aesthetic unpleasing veins often occurs when circulation is disrupted. Veins and arteries are in charge of the important role related to moving blood throughout the body, as well as back and forth between the heart. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to be distributed while veins must carry that same blood back once it’s been depleted of its necessary oxygen. Making this task more difficult is the natural force of gravity on blood. Because blood wants to flow down, veins are designed with one-way valves to help push blood back up the right direction away from lower extremities. In the event that one or more of these valves isn’t working correctly, it doesn’t take long for blood to begin to flow in the opposite direction. The most important superficial veins in our legs are the saphenous veins. All the other superficial veins flow into our saphenous veins. When the valves in the Saphenous veins fail, it leads to a cascading failure in the other superficial veins. It then pools in the lower legs or elsewhere in the body and begins to cause significant pressure on vein walls. This buildup can lead to the development of varicose veins over time as well as off-branches of spider veins looking for alternative flow routes.
Treatment Options
Finding and identifying these points of problematic circulation throughout the network of veins is the first step in determining what treatment option is right for an individual. Those patients that partner with Dr. Wright and his team at the St. Louis Laser Vein Center often begin their journey to overall vein health with an appointment dedicated to vein mapping. This non-invasive and painless ultrasound process allows Dr. Wright a look at an individual’s entire network of veins, making it easy to pinpoint problematic areas as well as those that might cause venous insufficiencies in the future. From here, a personalized treatment plan can be put into place that takes a patient’s health history into account as well as their personal preferences related to services.
Blood Flow Improvement from EVLT by Dr. Wright
Advances in modern laser technologies and vein therapy have made treatment of varicose and spider veins more effective than ever. Venous insufficiency is a serious medical issue; left untreated it can cause significant medical complications. Most insurance companies will pay for the diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic vein problems.
Endovenous Laser Treatment and Radiofrequency Ablation
In the surgical treatment world of the past, severe varicose veins were often treated exclusively with a highly invasive technique known as vein stripping. Patients who elected to undergo this procedure were required to endure a rather painful process that involved the use of general anesthesia, risks associated with a lengthy hospital stay as well as a significant recovery period. During the procedure, physicians would make large incisions at the site of the problematic veins before surgically removing them from the body. Vein stripping regularly comes with significant scarring as well as chances follow-up complications.
Fortunately, wonderful advances in modern technologies mean that patients looking to treat, diminish, or eliminate varicose and spider veins today have many more options. Not only are these new techniques more effective than ever before, but many are only minimally invasive and include rapid recoveries. One of the most popular modern alternatives to vein stripping is known as Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT). During this outpatient procedure, the treatment site is clearly marked and the patient is given a local anesthetic to numb the area. Once the patient is comfortable and the area is numb, the attending physician makes a small incision near the problematic vein and inserts a small fiber probe. From here, the probe emits laser energy precisely targeting the vein in question. Eventually, the heat of the laser works to close and collapse the vein. Over time, the vein is naturally reabsorbed into the body leaving the skin smooth once again and blood flowing successfully through the area utilizing healthy veins.
Much like EVLT, a second alternative to vein stripping known as Radiofrequency Ablation is frequently turned to as an option for diminishing and eliminating veins. The same process is followed as with EVLT, however, radiofrequency energy is relied on to close and collapse problematic veins throughout the body. With both treatment options, services are often followed up with a recommendation for the patient to wear compression garments to promote healthy healing and blood flow. Be sure to contact our office and find out the cost of the endovenous laser treatment today.
Contact Our Team Today
Whether you’re looking to establish vein care with a physician or are interested in learning more about the cost of the Endovenous Laser Treatment and Radiofrequency Ablation options, Dr. Wright and his team at the St. Louis Laser Vein Center are here to help. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule your initial consultation.
