Varicose veins are usually found on the legs and face, while varicose veins can appear anywhere on the lower limbs with a more frequent distribution on the inner surface of the leg and along the gastrocnemius.

“As the main cause of the creation of varicose veins and varicose veins, we consider the insufficiency of the valves of specific veins, which as a consequence has an increase in venous pressure in the legs with an early sign of varicose veins and further, in a more advanced stage, the creation of varicose veins. Factors such as heredity, sudden and short-term weight gain as well as hormonal disorders related to pregnancy, taking birth control pills, hormone therapy as well as excessive standing or a sedentary life are also to blame,” says the Mr. Konstantinos N. Xiromeritis MD, PHD, MSC Vascular Surgeon – Ph.D. University of Athens, Director of the 4th Vascular Surgery Clinic-Intraluminal Laser of Venous Diseases Metropolitan General, Member of the Hellenic Society of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery and continues:

“Usually in the initial stages there is no symptomatology or clinical picture to worry the patient beyond some mild varicose veins. In its progression, however, the condition can cause intense discomfort, pain, a feeling of heaviness and sometimes intense itching, especially during the summer months. In more advanced stages, this annoying symptomatology can become unbearable in the patient’s daily life, but also very dangerous in case of venous thrombosis.

As is well known, the veins transport and return the unoxygenated blood to the heart and lungs. The veins of the legs are subject to very high pressures and have to work much harder than the rest of the body’s veins to carry on a permanent basis to the heart with a flow-direction against its weight.

Blood normally flows from the superficial (superficial) to the deep venous network. These two networks communicate at two points (saphenofemoral and saphenoiliac joint) and with the diatrating (intermediate) veins, each of which has a valve inside. When the valves are insufficient they do not prevent the opposite downward flow of blood, the blood backs up, increases the internal pressure on the walls of the superficial veins causing the veins to stretch and swell and the blood to pool in them (varicose veins)” he adds .

What are the differences between varicose veins and varicose veins?

Although most of the time the cause is common, varicose veins and varicose veins are not exactly the same. “Spider veins are capillaries, usually dark blue, purple, or reddish in color that appear in the outer layer of the skin and may have a characteristic circular spider web-like pattern or even be completely independent of other adjacent veins . Varicose veins, on the contrary, are usually swollen, overflowing, in the formation of a network like rope veins, in a layer deeper than the blood vessels under the skin and colored like skin or in a shade of blue. Varicose veins as an evolutionary process of venous insufficiency can cause pain, cramps at rest, swelling, a feeling of fatigue and heaviness,” points out Mr. Xiromeritis.

Intraluminal Laser and sclerotherapy, which method precedes and why?

Statistically, about 30% of people with varicose veins do not have varicose veins, but suffer from insufficiency of the valves of the greater or lesser saphenous vein. In this category of patients, no symptoms are usually observed.

Therefore, “the insufficiency of the central venous trunks, which causes continuous and long-term blood reflux and an increase in venous pressure in the legs, must first be treated invasively with the Intraluminal Laser, so that the vascular sclerotherapy that will follow has the expected result “, he explains.

How is sclerotherapy performed?

During sclerotherapy, a chemical called a sclerosant (polydocanol) is injected with a very small diameter needle into many different capillaries (vessels). This substance irritates these veins internally and causes an inflammatory reaction that leads to fibrosis and sealing of their lumen. Over time (within the next few weeks) they are absorbed by the body giving a much more aesthetically beautiful skin. During sclerotherapy, redness, bruising and pigmentation of the skin may be observed, which fade over time. A number of sessions every 2-4 weeks are usually required and the exact number of sessions cannot be predicted before the procedure begins.

Minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins

“Regarding the surgical treatment of varicose veins that must precede, patients should know that intravenous treatment is now completely painless, fast, bloodless and with an excellent functional and aesthetic result thanks to the new generation of intraluminal laser. The intraluminal blockade of the greater saphenous vein with Laser is nowadays a particularly safe and relatively low-cost surgical procedure”, emphasizes the expert. In fact, according to the latest guidelines-recommendations of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Phlebologie, the European Phlebology Society and the American Venous Forum, intraluminal repair of venous insufficiency is recommended instead of conservative treatment.

“Also, the earlier the rehabilitation is done, the better the immediate and long-term results. The patient does not experience the annoying symptoms of the condition, does not fill varicose veins over time, but most importantly, is not at risk of thrombosis” concludes Mr. Xiromeritis.