What is Superficial Capillary Varicose Vein?
As it is known, varicose veins are a condition that occurs with vein enlargement. It is especially common in the legs. Superficial varicose veins on the legs also occur with the expansion of the veins in the superficial and deeper layers of the leg skin.
It is possible to categorize superficial capillary varicose veins into two groups: Telangiectasias and Reticular varicose veins.
The first one is telangiectasia or venuloectasia, which we doctors define as veins. Also called "spider veins (capillary varicose veins)" as our people call them; These are tiny, purple-looking, enlarged and constantly visible veins close to the skin surface. They do not bulge from the skin. They occur as a result of abnormal expansion of very thin capillaries on the surface of the skin. These tiny spider-web-like capillaries are commonly seen on the face (especially on the wings of the nose and cheeks) and on the legs (especially on the surface of the thighs, calves, and ankles).
The second is Reticular varicose veins, which are slightly larger in diameter than spider veins. These are varicose veins with a diameter of 1-4 mm. They can be classified as medium-sized varicose veins. They occur with the expansion of the reticular veins located slightly deeper in the leg skin. They are easily recognized by their blue-green color, slightly protruding from the skin. They often attract attention behind and around the knees.
Who is at risk for varicose veins?
Capillary varicose veins are common in both men and women. We estimate that at least one third of the female population has varicose veins. We can list some factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins as follows.
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Genetic predisposition, presence of varicose disease in the family,
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Standing still for a long time or Sitting,
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Rapid weight gain, Obesity, Pregnancy,
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Leg vein occlusion,
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Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to wearing tight belts or clothing, constipation and intra-abdominal tumors.
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Blows, etc. on the legs,
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Less rarely: sun damage, hormonal factors, contact with certain chemicals, lupus Some autoimmune diseases can be considered.
As can be seen, it is possible to protect and avoid some of these. In other words, we can prevent the development of varicose veins or slow down their progression by making some adjustments in our daily lives.
What are the methods used in the treatment of capillary varicose veins?
Telangiectasias, which do not cause as many complaints in the patient as other types of varicose veins and do not have dangerous consequences, are very uncomfortable, especially in terms of aesthetics. They can sometimes cause symptoms such as fatigue, burning in the legs, night cramps, itching and swelling in the patient. Reticular varicose veins cause more complaints than telangiectasias.
If the patient does not have pain or other complaints and is not aesthetically disturbed by the appearance of these veins; It is not necessary to treat capillary varicose veins. However, if the patient has complaints or is disturbed by their appearance, there are some safe, non-surgical techniques to reduce or effectively remove the appearance of these veins. These are;
1. Radio Frequency (RF) and Laser treatments: They are applied from the skin surface. With the RF or laser beams sent to the enlarged vein by the RF or Laser device, thermal damage is created in the vein, causing the vein to close and disappear in a few months. Since full visual recovery may take several months, it is in the patient's favor to have the treatment done without waiting for the summer months.
These treatments can be performed in the physician's office. After the treatment, no elastic bandages, compression stockings, etc. are applied. You can immediately return to your daily work. There is no harm in going out in the sun after superficial RF application.
2. Foam Sclerotherapy Technique:It is a technique used successfully and frequently to eliminate reticular varicose veins rather than telangiectasias (i.e., thinner than 1 mm, capillary spider-like varicose veins). A chemical liquid is injected into the varicose vein with the help of a very thin needle. This liquid chemical substance is usually mixed with air to obtain a thick foaming agent, such as a type of foaming hand soap or shaving cream. When this agent is injected into the varicose vein because it has a thicker consistency than blood, it It does not mix with blood inside, it pushes the blood forward and displaces it. On the other hand, with its chemical structure, it irritates and damages the inner surface of the vascular wall. The varicose vein, which is drained of blood and whose inner surface is damaged, first hardens and closes, and after a while, this vein is reabsorbed by the body and disappears.
So this technique is most commonly used in the treatment of small varicose veins with a diameter of 1-4 mm.
Foam sclerotherapy treatment can be performed in the physician's office. There is no need for anesthesia. Depending on how large an area the varicose veins to be treated cover, more than one foam injection may be required. Most of the time, 20 - 30 minutes will be enough for the entire process, which usually takes less than 1 hour.
You can return to your normal daily life immediately after the procedure. During the healing process, patients may be advised to use compression stockings or bandages for a period of time ranging from a few days to a month.
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