The truth about varicose veins: separating fact from fiction

Varicose veins are a cosmetic issue and don’t need to be treated

False. Venous reflux disease and other vein diseases are progressive condition which when left untreated can become increasingly painful and lead to other more serious health risks.

Varicose veins are caused by Venous Insufficiency, which means the blood does not flow back properly from the legs to the heart, causing blood to pool in your legs.

Though often thought of as a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can sometimes progress to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which can lead to  leg pain, swelling, restlessness, skin damage and ulcers.

Varicose veins should be diagnosed and treated by a vein specialist to avoid progression to CVI.

Varicose Veins are hereditary

True. Varicose veins caused by venous reflux disease are linked to genetics. If your parents suffered from varicose veins, you are statistically more likely to have varicose veins yourself.

However, there are other causes for varicose veins such as:

• Age: Often the older you are the more common the condition, over time the valves in your veins may weaken and not work as well.

• Weight: Varicose veins can progress more quickly with obesity.

• Lack of movement: Sitting or standing for a long time may force your veins to work harder to pump blood to your heart.

• Hormones: During puberty, pregnancy, and menopause women often develop varicose veins. During pregnancy, there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge, and the growing uterus will put pressure on the veins. Varicose veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery. More varicose veins and spider veins often appear with each additional pregnancy.

• Sun exposure: This can cause spider veins on the cheeks or nose of a fair-skinned person.

Spider veins are the same thing as varicose veins

False. Spider veins are generally regarded as a cosmetic issue. Spider veins, like varicose veins, are caused by dysfunctional vein valves. However, spider veins appear as a nest of blue or red veins just under the surface of the skin and typically do not bulge above the skin’s surface like varicose veins.

Only women suffer from varicose veins

False. Men are not at risk for developing varicose veins and CVI. Men are at risk for experiencing varicose veins and CVI. In fact, 43 percent of men are expected to develop some form of venous disease by the time they reach their 60s.

Treatment for Varicose Veins is invasive and painful

False. Treatment for varicose veins has improved significantly even over the last decade. The Varicose Vein Clinic is a specialised centre for the assessment and treatment of varicose veins and can help you remove painful varicose veins through a variety of minimally invasive procedures that will have you back to your regular activities the same day.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (ELA) is just one of 3 innovative and minimally invasive treatments we offer here at the Varicose Vein clinic. ELA can achieve the maximum results with minimal discomfort, pain or bruising. Post-operative complications are rare and the success rate of treatment is almost 100%.

ELA uses radiofrequency ablation (heat) to seal off the affected vein, so blood gets re-routed to other veins, and the treated vein is then reabsorbed naturally by the body. There is no need for hospitalisation and the treatment if generally completed in less than one hour.

If you are interested in learning more our innovative treatments please click here to visit our treatments page.

With minimally invasive treatment that takes under an hour, you don’t have to put treatment off any longer. Regain your health as well as your confidence and treat your varicose veins today.

To make an appointment at our Brisbane clinic, please call 1300 534 834.