Things are heating up across Texas. As the weather gets hotter and more humid here in the Houston area, you’ll probably want to dress in ways that help you beat the heat. That might mean wearing shorts or donning a swimsuit.
At least, that’s how most people handle the summer temperatures. But, if you’re bothered by varicose veins or spider veins, you might want to keep your legs covered. That can mean being hotter than is necessary.
We want to help you feel more comfortable, both temperature-wise and in terms of self-confidence. That’s why Jon-Cecil Walkes, MD, and our team offer treatment for both spider veins and varicose veins. At our Texas Heart and Vein Multispecialty Group offices throughout the Greater Houston metro area, we can help you move toward embracing shorts and swimsuit season.
Varicose veins develop because blood vessels stop working the way they should. The veins in your legs have valves that control the flow of blood. These valves help your body fight gravity to send blood back to your heart.
When one of those valves malfunctions, blood pools in the vein. That leads to the discoloration and enlargement that makes varicose veins noticeable.
Fortunately, you can seal off that problem vein. Your body has plenty of other blood vessels to use — more than 60,000 miles of them, to be precise.
We have several options to clear up varicose veins, including:
Each of these works to close the varicose vein in a different way. Radiofrequency ablation uses heat, while VenaSeal uses a medical adhesive. Varithena pushes blood out of the vein while encouraging it to close.
Once the varicose vein seals shut, your body starts absorbing it. You should notice it fading within a few weeks. Be aware, however, that it can take several months for your body to fully complete the process.
Spider veins don’t come with the enlargement and bulging of varicose veins. That doesn’t mean they’re not annoying, though. If you have small blood vessels visible on the surface of your legs, we can help.
Like varicose veins, spider veins become visible because they’re damaged. We can apply laser treatment to eliminate the problem veins with a device called excel® V+.
This sophisticated laser identifies the spider veins and directs energy into them. That heats these blood vessels enough to destroy some of them. People typically see the best results with 1 to 3 treatments.
As with treating varicose veins, spider vein treatment doesn’t work immediately. You should see noticeable improvement within a few weeks.
Don’t let visible blood vessels keep you from enjoying shorts and swimwear this summer. To explore your treatment options, call our nearest office or book an appointment online today. We service Greater Heights, Pearland Market, League City, Lake Jackson, Manvel, Rosharen, Alvin, Fresno, Missouri City, Arcola, Friendswood, South Houston, Kingwood Market, Humble, New Chaney, Atasciacita, and Northeast Houston, Texas.
