1. Why do women get varicose veins more often than men?
I see many women in my office who ask me, “Why do I have varicose veins?” Women tend to get varicose veins more often than men and there are reasons for this. There are many risk factors for varicose veins and one of them is pregnancy.
Women undergo significant physiological changes with pregnancy. Increased blood volume and hormonal changes cause the veins to dilate. In addition, a gravid uterus exerts downward pressure on the leg veins.
2. What can be done about my varicose veins?
Many women can develop bulging varicose veins during their pregnancy. Fortunately, these may regress once the baby is delivered. However in some women, they may remain and unfortunately, may worsen with subsequent pregnancies. This can cause leg pain, aching, cramping, fatigue, and restless legs. Fortunately, the treatment for varicose veins is very effective and minimally invasive.
The bulging varicose veins are usually an outward manifestation of underlying venous reflux. The blood flow in the veins, instead of moving back toward the heart, falls back down toward the feet. This causes backward flow in the varicose branches. The refluxing vein can be treated with a radiofrequency catheter that seals the vein permanently. The unsightly varicose veins can then be removed with tiny incisions. Both of these can be done comfortably in the office under local anesthesia. Patients often are back to work and normal activities the next day.
At the L.A. Vein Center, Dr. Larisse K. Lee, a board certified vascular and general surgeon, offers all of these treatments. If needed, we perform an in house ultrasound evaluation with a Registered Vascular Technologist, so a rapid diagnosis can be made. We evaluate every patient thoroughly and tailor a treatment plan according to the individual’s needs. Dr. Lee has superior training from the best hospitals and universities in the world (Stanford, Harvard, Cornell, and Columbia). She offers not just cosmetic treatment but medical treatment of vascular and venous disease. If you need comprehensive treatment for your veins, the L.A. Vein Center in Sherman Oaks is the only call you need to make.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 818-325-0400 or visit us at www.laveincenter.com.