VEIN CARE
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisted veins that usually appear blue or dark purple under the skin, typically on the legs and feet.
Varicose veins are a common condition affecting adults, particularly women over 35. While often considered a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can cause discomfort, pain, or even lead to more serious complications like skin ulcers or deep vein thrombosis if left untreated.
At Carolina Vein Care, we provide expert varicose vein care to patients from Simpsonville, Greenville, Greer, Spartanburg, and the surrounding areas.
Actual Patient Before & After Varicose Vein Treatment Photos
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins form when the valves within the veins fail to function properly. Veins have one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward as it returns to the heart. When these valves weaken or become damaged, blood pools in the veins, causing them to stretch, enlarge, and twist. This malfunction is typically due to a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors.
Common Causes of Varicose Veins:
- Heredity: Genetics play a significant role. If your family members have varicose veins, your chances of developing them increase.
- Age: As we age, veins lose elasticity, and the valves in veins weaken, increasing the likelihood of varicose veins.
- Gender: Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, make women more susceptible to developing varicose veins.
- Pregnancy: The increased volume of blood during pregnancy and the pressure of the growing uterus can lead to varicose veins, especially in the legs.
- Standing or Sitting for Long Periods: Prolonged standing or sitting can impair circulation and increase the risk of varicose veins.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts more pressure on your veins, leading to vein enlargement.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Inactivity reduces circulation, increasing the chances of vein issues.
Understanding what causes varicose veins is essential in addressing the issue effectively and preventing its progression.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins:
- Visible, enlarged veins: Often most noticeable on the legs and feet.
- Discomfort or pain: Many people experience aching, throbbing, or cramping sensations, especially after prolonged standing or sitting.
- Swelling: Particularly around the lower legs and ankles.
- Heaviness or fatigue: Affected areas may feel heavy or fatigued, making it uncomfortable to stand for long periods.
- Itching: Some individuals experience itching or irritation around the veins.
- Skin changes: In severe cases, varicose veins can cause discoloration and thickening of the skin at the lower legs, and even skin ulcers.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, consider visiting Carolina Vein Care for a thorough diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Varicose Vein Treatment Options
At Carolina Vein Care, we offer a variety of varicose vein treatment options, ranging from lifestyle changes to advanced medical procedures. Our treatments are minimally invasive, ensuring you can return to your normal routine quickly.
#1 Lifestyle changes
- Exercise: Regular physical activity improves circulation and reduces blood pooling in the veins.
- Elevating the Legs: Elevating the legs eases pressure on your veins after standing or sitting for long periods.
- Compression Stockings: These gently squeeze the legs, improving circulation and helping to prevent vein expansion.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on the veins and alleviates symptoms.
#2 Minimally invasive procedures
Medical procedures offer long-term relief for those seeking more permanent results. These treatments close or remove varicose veins while encouraging blood to reroute through healthier veins.
- Sclerotherapy: Involves injecting a solution directly into the vein, causing it to collapse and disappear. It’s most effective for smaller varicose veins and spider veins. Learn more about sclerotherapy here.
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA): A laser fiber inserted into the vein delivers heat that seals the vein shut. This is highly effective for larger varicose veins with minimal downtime.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Similar to EVLA, RFA uses radiofrequency energy to heat and close the problematic vein. It’s another effective method with a fast recovery time.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: A minor surgical procedure where small incisions are made to remove the affected vein. This technique is usually used for large, bulging veins.
- Varithena: Involves injecting a foam medication into the vein that causes it to close, often used for veins that are difficult to treat with other methods.
At Carolina Vein Care, we specialize in these varicose vein advanced techniques, ensuring high-quality care for patients. Watch in the video below as Dr. Julie Park performs radio frequency ablation to get rid of the patient’s varicose veins.
How to Prevent Varicose Veins
- Exercise Regularly: Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling improve blood circulation in the legs.
- Elevate Your Legs: If your job requires sitting or standing for long periods, take breaks to elevate your legs above heart level.
- Wear Compression Stockings: These can promote blood flow during long periods of standing or sitting.
- Avoid Sitting or Standing for Long Periods: Move around regularly to avoid blood pooling in your legs.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing body weight lowers the pressure on your veins.
- Wear Loose Clothing: Tight clothes can restrict blood flow, so opt for loose, comfortable attire.
Want to learn more or ready to schedule? Call us at 864-610-1947 to book a consultation today.
Varicose Vein Treatment Results
With modern treatment options at Carolina Vein Care, patients can expect excellent results, both aesthetically and medically. Minimally invasive procedures typically lead to improved leg appearance and relief from symptoms such as pain, swelling, and fatigue.
Most patients experience significant improvement in their quality of life after treatment.
- Recovery Time: Minimally invasive treatments offer faster recovery than traditional surgery, allowing you to return to normal activities within days.
- Scarring: Modern treatments involve small incisions or injections, minimizing scarring.
- Long-Lasting Results: Treatments like EVLA or RFA have a success rate of over 95%, providing long-lasting relief.
Ready to Get Rid of Varicose Veins?
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Legs
Varicose veins may be common, but they don’t have to be a permanent part of your life. By understanding what causes varicose veins and knowing your options for varicose vein treatment, you can take proactive steps to improve both the appearance and health of your legs.
Whether through lifestyle changes or minimally invasive procedures, you have many effective options to treat and prevent varicose veins.
At Carolina Vein Care we offer expert-led, personalized varicose veins care using the latest laser, ultrasound, radio frequency, surgical & injectable treatments to ensure your journey toward healthy, beautiful legs is as smooth as possible. Whether you’re from Simpsonville, Greenville, or the surrounding areas, we are ready to help you regain your confidence and comfort.
Contact us today at (864) 610-1947 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward healthier legs. You can also visit us at 2817 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville, SC.
Don’t let varicose veins hold you back—let us help you look and feel your best!
