When people think of varicose veins, many immediately think about women. It’s because hormones and pregnancy can be additional risk factors for varicose veins. However, of four million people in the United States affected by varicose veins, about 25 to 30 percent of them are males. Some of the risk factors for men include a family history of the disease, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
What are varicose veins and how do they develop?
Our veins bring blood from the body to the heart. These blood vessels have one-way valves to keep the blood moving towards the heart. Varicose veins occur when these valves are damaged or deteriorate, causing blood to pool into the veins. In the long run, these veins get swollen and become more visible.
Many men don’t seek treatment for varicose veins, thinking it’s just a cosmetic issue. While it’s rarely life-threatening, untreated varicose veins can lead to more serious vascular problems such as more swelling, blood clots, pain, and even leg ulcers.
How can varicose veins be treated?
Premier Surgical Vein and Vascular Center in Knoxville offers a number of vein treatment options for varicose veins. Some of the vein treatments we offer include:
Sclerotherapy
This is an in-office procedure that requires the administration of a vein-irritant solution into the diseased vein. This causes the varicose vein to swell, collapse, and fade away.
Ambulatory phlebectomy
Typically recommended for medium to large varicose veins, ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure performed through pinhole incisions. This can be used in conjunction with sclerotherapy.
Endovenous laser therapy
If you have large varicose veins, this procedure may be recommended for you. Performed under local anesthesia, laser energy is delivered through a small puncture in the leg.
Both men and women experience the same signs and symptoms of varicose veins. If these enlarged, swollen veins are bothering you, call us. We have the largest team of board-certified vascular surgeons in East Tennessee who access your vein issues and recommend the best treatment option for you.
To request an appointment with Premier Surgical Vascular and Vein Center, call (865) 588-8229 or book online at: https://www.premiervascularveincenter.com/book-online/.