Varicose veins (varices)
What?
Varicose veins or varices typically occur on the lower legs. An heredity propensity is often observed. The number of varicose veins can increase due to overweight, pregnancy, or a job that involves a lot of standing or sitting.
Laser therapy is suitable for surface varicose veins. If the varicose veins lie deeper, then sclerotherapy may be appropriate. This involves injecting medicine into the blood vessels.
Which type of laser?
The Nd:Yag laser is used to shrink surface varicose veins. The treatment is not painful and no anaesthetic is necessary.
Before beginning laser treatment, an ultrasound examination of the lower legs is first requested in order to check the patency of the deeper veins.
Side effects?
The laser treatment itself is not painful. The skin will be red for a few days afterwards.
Precautionary measures?
Avoid exposure to the sun for four weeks before and six weeks after the treatment and wear sunscreen factor 50+.