By 
The problem of varicose veins is more common in elderly persons. These veins are enlarged and swollen. They are more commonly prominent on the lower legs. These veins often lie deeper into the skin. But if they are closer to epidermis (the upper layer of the skin), it’s really good as they can be removed more easily without disrupting normal blood circulation.
According to estimation by the National Health Institute, 60% of aged people (both men and women) suffer from varicose vein. It is more common in women, with only ¼ of the elderly men being affected by this vein disorder.
Varicose veins are often called as spider veins. In reality, spider vein is a milder form of varicose vein and looks like spider web. It is more prominent on the top-most surface of skin. But if it is left untreated or gets excessive exposure to sun, it could become more painful due to collagen breakdown.
Treatment for Varicose Vein
The patients suffering from unsightly and painful varicose vein are now in luck as there are several new-age options to treat this problem. The modern-age therapy for varicose veins is less painful and more effective. Furthermore, there is now a better screening system (duplex ultrasound) to check the circulation status of the affected vein and its exact location. Proper understanding of the location and condition of the affected veins helps the doctor decide the best treatment for every patient.
Old-School Method: This technology involves rod insertion at the groin level. A metal cap is screwed to the rod taken out after being passed through the bulgy vein. The rod is withdrawn through the legs, causing the vein to be stripped through the groin incision. After the problematic vein is stripped, the deeper venous system takes control of the blood flow and swollen mass is gone.
Catheter Insertion: Vein stripping is no longer used. The horizon is widened if it comes to varicose vein treatment. These days, a thin tube (catheter) is directly inserted into the affected vein. Lumen, the entire inside of the vein, is heated by generating radio waves. This methodology causes the collagen to shrink, collapse and reabsorb. This method requires use of anesthesia to make the process painless and also to remove the blood clot from the vein. After the treatment, scarring is almost invisible.
Laser Technology: Laser treatment is an advanced varicose vein therapy. It involves channelizing concentrated light to focus on the vein. The patients may feel discomfort when the laser beam hits the skin but the dermatologist takes care to cool off that part.
Sclerotherapy: It’s the latest technique to treat varicose veins. An agent (It could be an emulsifier or detergent) is used to form foam that is pushed into the affected vein. As a result, the walls of the veins bulge out and stick together. The problematic veins are blocked and replaced by the deeper circulatory system.
Varicose vein treatment is no longer painful and the patients don’t have to undergo treatment for a long time. The modern treatments are more effective and less expensive.
