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General questions about varicose veins treatments
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Why do varicose veins need to be treated or removed ?
Apart from the sensation of heavy legs, cramps and the unsightly aspect of this condition, complications can arise: dermatitis, eczema, ruptures involving hemorrhaging, blood clots (periphlebitis or phlebitis) and varicose ulcers. Varicose veins removal is the only effective preventive treatment to avoid these complications.If you remove the saphenous veins, where will the blood flow ?
We have two systems of veins in parallel: the deep and superficial venous systems. We only remove the superficial venous system, which is no longer working as blood does not flow in varicose veins. After checking with the Doppler ultrasound scan that the deep venous network is operating, the varicose veins can be removed without risk
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If you remove my veins, what will I do if I require a bypass ?
Today, only “sick” and incontinent (varicose) veins are removed. They are unusable for an arterial bypass (the weak venous pressure has already dilated these veins, so the higher arterial pressure could rupture them). Only healthy veins can be used for a bypass and these will not be removed during varicose vein surgery. This once more underlines the value of the Doppler ultrasound scan in identifying the healthy veins to be kept.
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Can I delay having an varicose veins surgery ?
It is possible to wait for varicose vein treatment, but it increases the risk of:- • the appearance of indelible dermatitis skin blemishes which will be there "for life"
- • the development of further unsightly varicose veins.
- • suffering during the summer and during menstruation.
- • overuse of painkillers, without preventing the development of varicose veins.
- • developing varicose vein complications.
- Action is now taken earlier for this condition, since varicose vein surgery is as functional as it is cosmetic.
What if I’m on the pill ?
The birth control pill contains hormones that are harmful to the vein walls and can encourage thrombosis. It is not recommended if you present with varicose veins. It should be avoided if you have suffered periphlebitis or you have a family history of thrombosis. Mini-dose pills can be tolerated in the case of varicose veins.
Read on: Questions on the indications for varicose vein treatments and how varicose vein operations proceed
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