Approximately 60% of the population will experience either varicose or spider veins in their lifetime. This condition usually appears during adulthood and is rarely, if ever, found in children.
Usually medical treatment is not required for varicose or spider veins but there are times when they become uncomfortable as well as unsightly. Varicose veins can get larger and get worse over time. They may cause swelling in the legs and ankles and they may be painful at night. They can also cause itching and burning to the area around the veins.
If varicose veins become severe enough they may cause a condition that is know as venous insufficiency. This is a condition where the person suffers severe clogging of the blood inside the vein. This could become a serious condition if left untreated.
Fortunately for the patient there is laser surgery for varicose veins/spider veins. Until recently the laser was reserved for treating spider veins on the face but doctors are beginning to see the benefit of laser surgery for varicose veins of the legs.
Laser treatment for spider veins can be very effective because the laser sends very strong bursts of light into the vein, making the vein slowly fade away and disappear. Since lasers are very precise and accurate they only damage the area that is directly in contact with the laser beam. It is possible to treat all skin types with laser treatments.
Varicose vein surgery is much more complicated and painful than laser treatment. It requires cutting of the area and closing off the vein before removing it. This can lead to post surgery complications and undo pain. There is also the problem with anesthesia when you undergo varicose vein surgery.
The cost of laser on spider veins can range anywhere from $50 up to $1,000, depending on how extensive the laser has to be. In some cases insurance will pay for a portion of this but there are some insurance policies that believe this to be cosmetic surgery. In the case of varicose veins insurance companies may look at the procedure a little more seriously because of the possibility of a clot. When a clot forms there is always the possibility that the clot will break loose and enter the main bloodstream. If this happens the clot could reach the heart and cause instant death.
With laser surgery there is always the possibility that the procedure will have to be repeated because the laser failed to destroy the entire affected vein.
During the laser surgery procedure the patient may feel something like a small pinch at the point where the laser strikes the skin. This is usually not very uncomfortable and most people require no medication for pain. There are no needles or incisions to worry about and the recovery time is much less than with traditional surgery. In fact, patients can return to normal activity the next day. It is best to stay off your feet as much as possible the day of the procedure. This will prevent painful swelling and allow for a smooth recovery. If there is any discomfort after the procedure a simple aspirin will usually do the trick.
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