Laser Vein Treatment FAQs

In Denver, Colorado
The Art of Compassion    The Science of Beauty

What causes spider veins and varicose veins?

Our heart pumps blood out in the arteries to the whole body. When that blood returns to the heart in veins, what makes it flow uphill, against the force of gravity?

  • Veins have valves in them which prevent the blood from backflowing. If those valves start to weaken, blood can leak backwards in the vein and start collecting in little pools (a problem called venous insufficiency).
  • The pooling blood enlarges the vein and makes it bulge and twist, a condition we call varicose veins.

Spider veins can be caused in the same way, by the blood backing up. They can also be facilitated by

  • Our heredity,
  • Sun exposure, and
  • Hormone changes.

Why do varicose and spider veins so often show up in our legs?

Because our blood is trying to flow uphill. Our leg veins have the hardest job of all the veins and the valves must work strongly to counteract the downward pull of gravity.

Are varicose and spider veins dangerous to our health?

Spider veins are not dangerous. Varicose veins can become a health problem if they enlarge too much over time, because:

  • Blood flow becomes slow, which enables the blood to pool and clot
  • Blood clots are potentially dangerous because they can dislodge themselves and travel in the blood to the lungs, where they can block lung function and interfere with heart function.
  • Sores can develop on the skin over varicose veins, since the blood is pooling and blocking oxygen from the skin tissue.

How can varicose and spider veins be prevented?

If they’re occurring because of your heredity, they can’t be prevented. But you can do some things to lower your chances of getting them from other causes:

  • Keep your weight under control so as to not put too much pressure on your legs
  • Exercise to increase your leg strength and circulation
  • Raise your legs when you relax, such as on a footstool
  • Try not to stand or sit for very long periods, but if you have to because of a sedentary job, for instance, remember to stand and move around a bit every half hour or so.
  • Don’t sit with your legs crossed
  • Use sunscreen to protect your skin from damage
  • Wear support stockings
  • Avoid tight clothing that squeezes your waist, hips or legs
  • Avoid getting constipated, which can apply pressure to the lower body. Include in your diet high-fiber foods such as veggies, fruit, and whole grains.
  • Stick to a low-salt diet, so as to avoid retention of water in your legs and feet

How can varicose veins be treated?

  • Sclerotherapy – a solution is injected into the vein which over time turns it into scar tissue
  • Laser treatment – several treatments will cause the vein to fade and disappear
  • Surgery – there are several ways to do surgery on large varicose veins; it removes the vein, which isn’t missed, since it wasn’t functional anyway

Could the varicose and spider veins return after treatment?

Yes, over time and as the pressure builds up in the leg veins, more varicose veins could develop. There’s no way to treat weak valves. But ultrasound can give information on how well the valves are doing. If you follow the prevention steps above you’ll increase your chances of escaping any further problem.

If you’re interested in learning more about eyelid surgery, cosmetic surgery, eyelid lift, facelift, eyelid tuck, necklift, puffy eyelid, brow lift, plastic surgery, blepharoplasty, or any other cosmetic surgery, in Denver or Boulder, Colorado, contact Dr. Fante for an initial consultation.