Health Issues that Can Arise From Varicose Veins and How the Elite+ Laser Can Help

Are you worried about varicose veins in your legs? While they don’t pose a risk for most people, varicose veins could be a sign of a deeper underlying issue, and can also be unsightly. While surgically stripping veins is an option, many people prefer laser procedures to treat varicose veins. At Gardena Women’s Center, Dr. Gwen Allen uses the the Elite+™ Aesthetic System to gently and effectively remove varicose veins.

What causes varicose veins and are they dangerous?

Varicose veins are blood vessels that have abnormal valves. The blood isn’t being pushed back to the heart, due to gravity. The result is a bulging vein that is typically dark purple or blue in color, that is visible in your leg.

According to Harvard Health, about one-quarter of adults have varicose veins. Varicose veins are more common in women, especially those who have been pregnant more than once. Birth control and hormone replacement can also increase risk.

Additional risk factors for varicose veins include people who are over the age of 65, who are tall or obese, who sit or stand for long periods of time, or who have family members with varicose veins. Large varicose veins may cause aching, throbbing, or discomfort if you have to sit or stand for hours at a time.  

What are the health risks of varicose veins?

Sometimes, varicose veins can lead to more serious health problems. While not common, these issues can be severe, so it’s best to have a professional examine your leg veins. You might be at risk for:

• Sores or skin ulcers. These can be caused by collection and storage of blood in the veins over long time periods, and can be painful and hard to heal.  
• Damage to the vein. The skin over varicose veins can become thin. Any small scratch or nick can then cause extreme bleeding.   
• Superficial thrombophlebitis. Little blood clots just under the skin can present as a firm, tender, warm vein accompanied by redness, pain, and swelling.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Large blood clots in veins that are deeper under the skin may cause warmth, swelling, pain, and a pulled calf feeling. If you sit still a lot and get this sensation, you should be concerned it could be a DVT, as such clots can go to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.

How can the Elite+ laser help?

Dr. Allen uses the Elite+ system to deliver fast and targeted pulses of light to lightly damage the walls of varicose veins, causing them to collapse. The dual wavelength laser is gentle and effective, and only causes minimal discomfort, similar to a light pinprick. Treatment time is usually less than 30 minutes, and full results are visible in just six weeks.

Ready to be free from unsightly varicose veins and the worry of possible health issues? Call Dr. Allen today at 310-504-3025 or schedule an appointment online for leg vein removal.