Legs are a source of an increasing number of procedures, particularly sclerotherapy. Many women and even men feel that varicose veins and spider veins make them feel and look less attractive. In 2009, in the US alone, 340,587 women and 5,754 men underwent sclerotherapy procedures to remove unwanted veins that vary in size, from small spider veins to bulging varicose veins.
When veins become abnormally thick, full of twists or enlarged, they are called varicose veins and are most often found in the legs. It is important to note that varicose veins often cause aching pain and discomfort. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to serious problems.
Incidentally, pregnant women may also develop varicose veins because pregnancy increases the volume of blood in a woman’s body. It has been observed that varicose veins may worsen, especially during late pregnancy, as the uterus exerts greater pressure on the veins in the legs.
Phlebology, the study of the anatomy and diseases of veins, is not a new specialty, but the development of endovascular techniques has considerably boosted the development of a new branch: Esthetic phlebology. For a long time, the accepted treatment for varicose veins was surgical, but the use of a sclerosing foam has profoundly changed the situation.
Sclerotherapy is the process of injecting a chemical substance into a vein to induce an inflammation, which eventually causes the offending vein(s) to seal shut, harden and eventually disintegrate.
“This endovascular technique can treat the very superficial varicose veins and the deepest superficial ones by using an echography. The concept and the clinical use of sclerotherapy, with the help of foam, is not recent. What is recent is the preparation of the foam and the use of a color duplex ultrasound. This has dramatically changed the investigation and the treatment of veinous disease, with the introduction of the echo-guided sclerosing injection in 1988,” explained Dr. Jamil Fanous, a leading French esthetic phlebologist.
Sclerotherapy is minimally invasive and does not require the use of anesthesia. The treatment is given at the doctor’s office with the patient lying comfortably.
“The ultrasound allows for great precision of mapping and maximum safety. It also allows great control of the product’s flow in the varicose vein during the injection and to check the immediate results and the effectiveness of the treatment. This treatment causes little discomfort and requires fewer injections,” said Fanous.
The injection process takes between 15 to 30 minutes to perform. A slight stinging or burning sensation is normal during and immediately after the procedure and will dissipate quickly. Normal activities may be resumed immediately though strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few days.
“Sclerotherapy aims to eliminate varicose veins, but the risk of recurrence depends on the patient’s heredity and way of life. The risk increases if the patient does not respect health precautions, such as exercising, not smoking, weight monitoring and wearing medical socks. Recurrence depends also on the experience of the phlebologist,” said Fanous.
Although it is quasi impossible to prevent varicose veins, it is possible to enhance your blood circulation and muscle tone to reduce your risk of developing varicose veins or getting more of them. Recommendations include:
• Exercise: Get your legs moving. Walking is a great way to stimulate blood circulation in your legs.
• Diet:Watch your weight and your diet. Follow a low-salt, high-fiber diet to prevent swelling that may result from water retention and constipation.
• Avoid high heels and don’t wear tight clothes around your waist and legs.
• Elevate your legs above the level of your heart several times a day.
• Avoid long periods of sitting or standing; it is advisable to move around every 30 minutes.
• Do not sit with your legs crossed; such a position aggravates circulation problems.
“It is advisable to consult a phlebologist when you suffer from varicose veins induced symptoms such as heaviness, pain, edema, fatigue, tension and cramps. Even if you have no symptoms but your parents have varicose veins, you should see a specialist because you might develop deep varicose veins without knowing it. Finally, a phlebologist will help you remove non esthetic spider veins,” concluded Fanous.
— For more information, contact Dr. Jamil Fanous at: [email protected]
