Let’s Get Rid of Those Varicose Veins

Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, offers a full scope of diagnostic and treatment services for people with vascular health issues. One of the most common complaints that bring residents of McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Raymondville, Texas, to our practice is varicose veins. 

John Hovorka, MD, and Cynthia Salinas, MD, have extensive experience treating varicose veins, and rely on the latest advancements in treatment technology. So if you’re troubled by the look or feel of varicose veins, you’ve chosen the right place to find the relief you’re after. 

Understanding how varicose veins develop

After your arteries pump oxygenated blood throughout your body, your veins work to return the deoxygenated blood back to your heart. This is an “uphill battle” in your lower extremities, as veins in your legs have to move blood against gravity to get it to its destination. 

This happens through leg muscle contractions that keep the blood moving upward within your veins. Also, veins have a series of tiny valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. 

If something happens to those valves, blood can pool up in that section of vein, which is what causes varicose veins: As blood backs up and pools, the vein walls dilate and distort, which is what gives varicose veins their blue, red, or purple coloring and twisted, bulging appearance. 

These abnormal veins aren’t usually a major health concern, but they can be unsightly, making it hard to feel confident about the appearance of your legs. Varicose veins can also lead to poor circulation that gives rise to leg swelling, cramping, itching, and skin discoloration in the area. 

You have options when it comes to treating varicose veins

When you arrive at Laser Surgical Solutions, we begin by assessing your varicose veins and asking about any symptoms you’re experiencing. From there, we explain all of your treatment options and how they align with your specific needs. 

In some cases, taking time each day to elevate your legs and wearing compression stockings is all that’s needed to treat varicose veins. In other cases, a treatment called sclerotherapy is a good fit. This solution involves injecting a chemical agent into your veins, which causes them to collapse and be gradually eliminated from your body. 

Laser therapy, also called endovenous laser ablation, works by using carefully controlled beams of light to damage vein walls. Here again, your body responds to treatment by collapsing the veins and slowly eliminating the damaged tissue from your body. 

In certain cases, the best way to get rid of varicose veins is a surgical procedure called ambulatory phlebectomy, which involves surgically removing the section of damaged vein. 

It takes time to see results from varicose vein treatments

It’s important to understand that patience is a necessary part of treating varicose veins. It takes time for your body to react to each treatment. If you choose conservative measures like elevation and compression stockings, your varicose veins won’t fade away, but they aren’t likely to progress, either. Any symptoms you may be having should also improve.  

With options like sclerotherapy and laser therapy, your system needs time to break down damaged vein tissue and process it through your lymphatic system. This is a gradual process, so be patient as you move through the weeks following your treatment. You should be able to see progress within a couple of weeks, and your varicose veins will continue to fade away as time passes. 

With surgical removal, the veins themselves are removed during the procedure, but you’ll experience some swelling and bruising afterward. Once these fade, you’ll be able to see and appreciate your clearer and smoother skin. 

Want to learn more about varicose vein treatment options?

If you’re tired of the look and feel of varicose veins and want to learn what can be done about them, we’re here to explain your options. Call your nearest Laser Surgical Solutions, RGV, PLLC, office in McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Raymondville, Texas, today, or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment at your convenience.