Varicose veins are a common problem that go largely untreated in one particular section of the population. While men can develop those bulging, twisting veins just like women, they are less likely to seek treatment for their venous disease. By educating men about the prevalence of vein disease within their own ranks, the hope is that more will get treatment before the condition progresses to more serious complications.
Understanding Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are a visible result of an underlying condition known as venous insufficiency. Tiny valves inside the veins are responsible for keeping blood moving in a single direction – back toward the heart. The valves in the lower legs have to work harder than other vessels because they must push blood up against the force of gravity and the body’s own weight. This extra work can lead to valves becoming damaged or wearing out, allowing blood to pool in the veins and causing the veins to swell and become varicose.
Venous insufficiency does not discriminate between men and women. Like women, factors that can increase a man’s risk of developing varicose veins include:
- Family history
- Weight gain
- Long periods of standing or sitting
- Previous history of blood clots
It is estimated that somewhere between 25 and 50 percent of all men will develop varicose veins at some point during their lifetime. While many of these unsightly veins pose little more than a cosmetic problem, some men can develop serious complications like leg pain, skin changes and the formation of open sores on the ankle known as venous ulcers. Since it is impossible to tell which veins will progress and which will not, most vascular specialists recommend having all varicose veins treated before they become problematic.
Varicose Vein Treatments
Fortunately, the same minimally-invasive procedures that work effectively for women with varicose veins work equally well for men. At Incredible Veins Skin & Body, we offer the following options in varicose vein treatment to our male patients:
- Endovenous Laser Treatment – EVLT uses laser energy to seal veins shut so they can be reabsorbed by the body.
- Venefit – This procedure works in a similar fashion to EVLT, but uses radiofrequency energy instead of laser light to address the affected vein.
- Sclerotherapy – Injections of a special solution are placed inside the vein, irritating vein walls so the vessel seals closed.
- Microphlebectomy – This procedure removes varicose veins from the leg using tiny incisions and a small instrument that grasps portions of the vein and removes them.
All of these treatments involve very little discomfort or downtime for patients. Because veins are completely damaged or removed, these treatments are considered a permanent way to eliminate pesky and potentially dangerous varicose veins. If you are a man suffering with this condition, you are not alone. Contact Incredible Veins Skin & Body at 818-446-2995 to find out how we can help you say goodbye to your varicose veins for good.