Varicose Vein Treatments
What is Venous Insufficiency (Varicose Veins)?
Venous insufficiency refers to the conditions affecting the veins responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood back to the heart. When vein walls weaken or the valves preventing blood from flowing backward lose function, pressure builds up within the veins. Over time, this leads to vein expansion and deformation. While some people may experience significant discomfort, others may show no symptoms at all. The backward flow of blood in the veins is known as venous insufficiency, and when these veins become visibly enlarged, they are called varicose veins. Varicose veins are quite common, affecting roughly one in five to six individuals.
Diagnosing varicose veins is typically straightforward, as they are often visible to the naked eye, with larger veins even detectable by touch. While many see varicose veins as a cosmetic issue, they can cause pain, fatigue, burning, cramps, and ankle swelling, diminishing quality of life. Large varicose veins can lead to complications such as blood clots, bleeding, or even sores around the ankle if left untreated over time.
Who is at Higher Risk of Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are more common in:
- Those with a family history of varicose veins: Varicose veins can have a genetic component. Although having a family history increases the likelihood, it does not guarantee occurrence. Conversely, varicose veins can develop even without a family history.
- Women
- Individuals who have given birth, especially two or more times
- Overweight individuals, particularly women
- People who stand or sit for prolonged periods, such as teachers, are also at higher risk.
Symptoms and Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
If varicose veins cause discomfort or cosmetic concern, treatment is recommended. Through a proper Doppler ultrasound and physical examination, non-surgical treatment methods can be determined. Today, primary vein issues can be addressed using endovenous laser, radiofrequency ablation, or adhesive (glue) treatments. For visible spider veins, laser, radiofrequency ablation, or foam sclerotherapy is commonly applied. This means that all types of varicose veins, previously treatable only through surgery, can now be treated using modern, minimally invasive techniques.
Types of Varicose Veins
Spider Veins (Telangiectasia)
Spider veins are thin, thread-like veins that appear red or purple but do not protrude from the skin. While they are often regarded as a cosmetic issue, widespread spider veins can cause discomfort, itching, or burning. At our clinic, treatments such as foam sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation effectively eliminate spider veins.
Reticular Veins (Medium-sized Varicose Veins)
These veins, typically 1-3 mm in diameter, often have a dark green or purple color and may form clusters or a web-like structure. Though frequently located behind the knee, they can appear anywhere on the leg. Treatment options include foam sclerotherapy or mini-phlebectomy, and recurrence is rare after treatment.
Large Varicose Veins
Large varicose veins, protruding significantly from the skin with diameters exceeding 3 mm, are generally a result of valve failure in the main veins of the leg, such as the saphenous vein. Symptoms vary among individuals, with some experiencing discomfort while others do not. Treating the primary vein issue, such as saphenous vein insufficiency, eliminates large varicose veins effectively. At our clinic, we use laser, radiofrequency, and adhesive methods to treat large varicose veins, with high success rates.
Mixed Varicose Veins
Mixed varicose veins involve a combination of large, medium, or spider veins in the same individual. In such cases, an experienced specialist develops a personalized treatment plan based on the priority and severity of each vein type.