FAQ
Varicose veins frequently asked questions
Varicose Veins FAQs
If we can answer more questions for you about your spider vein or varicose vein problems, contact us or schedule an appointment today.
Deep veins return blood directly to the heart and are in the center of the leg, near the bones. Superficial veins are closer to the surface and have less support from surrounding muscles and other tissues than the deep veins.
Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins just below the surface of the skin. Because of faulty valves elsewhere in the leg, the veins hold more blood and are at higher pressure than normal. This increase in blood volume and pressure causes the veins to swell, giving them their characteristic appearance.
The normal function of veins is to carry blood back to the heart. To prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction, veins have numerous one-way valves. If the valves fail, blood flows the wrong way in the superficial veins and back down the leg. This results in surface tributary veins enlarging and becoming varicose.
Gravity. The distance from the feet to the heart is the furthest blood has to travel in the body. The vessels in the leg therefore experience the greatest backpressure, and if vein valves can't hold it, the back-flow of blood will cause the surface veins to swell.
Everyone! However, the main causes are genetic and gender. Women are nearly twice as likely to suffer as men. People with past vein diseases, new mothers, overweight individuals and people with jobs or hobbies requiring extended standing are also at increased risk.
Aside from the familiar surface appearance of rope-like varicosities, there may be significant leg pain. Feet and ankles may swell towards the end of the day, especially in hot weather. Varicose veins can get sore and inflamed, causing redness of the skin around them. In some cases, patients may develop venous skin ulcerations.
EVLT stands for EndoVenous Laser Treatment.
The laser energy damages the vein walls, shrinking them and closing the faulty vein so that the blood cannot flow through it. This eliminates vein bulging at its source.
No. After treatment, the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to the many normal veins in the leg.
The most common complication patients see is numbness that usually corrects itself in a timely manner. However, as with any surgery, there are risks and further possible complications. We can discuss this with you more in depth at your initial medical exam and consultation.
No. Just as a precaution against accidental firing of laser energy outside the body, you will be given a pair of special glasses to protect your eyes.
97% of first-time EVLT treatments are successful!
For best results we ask you to wear the compression hose for 10 days to 2 weeks after the procedure. The hose are washable on a delicate cycle or in the sink. (Hang to dry.)
In the offices of the Houston Vein Institute at the Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital. No hospitalization or general anesthetic is required.
Patients can tolerate the procedure very well using just the local anesthetic. Any post-procedure discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol.
Patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, we ask that they refrain from taking hot baths and vigorous activities such as gym workouts.
Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the tissues; veins return oxygen-depleted blood to the heart.