WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS AND THREAD VEINS?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be flesh colour, dark purple or blue. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging.

Thread veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller. They are often red or ble and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or thread webs with their short jagged lines.


WHO USUALLY HAS VARICOSE VEINS AND THREAD VEINS?

Many factors increase a person's chances of developing varicose or thread veins. These include:

• Increasing age
• Having family members with vein problems or being born with weak vein valves
• Hormonal changes (e.g. puberty, pregnancy, menopause)
• Pregnancy
• Obesity, leg injury, prolonged standing
• Sun exposure.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TREATMENTS USED TO REMOVE THREAD AND VARICOSE VEINS?

Laser therapy for the treatment of threaded veins: The Diode Laser is a non-invasive treatment that successfully removes thread veins. A beam of light is safely passed directly over the vein causing it to block and eventually disappear. Most patients experience a 60% - 80% reduction of the treated vessels. The number of treatments required depends on the colour and diameter of the vein. Treatments can be repeated after 4 - 6 weeks and generally three treatments at most will be needed. Sessions last for approximately 30 - 60 minutes. One can carry on with his/her usual routine right after treatment.

Sclerotherapy: This is a technique which involves the injection of a sclerosant liquid into the veins. This causes the walls of the veins to stick together, empty of blood and ultimately disappear. It requires no anaesthesia and is performed in the doctor's office. The number of treatments necessary to clear or improve the thred vein condition differs with each patient and depends on the extent of the vein. After each treatment improvement of your legs' appearance will be clearly visible. With these treatments, the skin of the legs will appear younger, clearer and more healthy-looking.