Dr. John D. Stover DDS, MD, PhD
TRIPLE BOARD CERTIFIED:
Diplomate, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Diplomate, National Board of Dental Anesthesiology
Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii
Most comprehensive cosmetic surgical procedures in Hawaii
VEIN TREATMENTS
- Vein Treatments
- Understanding Venous Disease
- Laser Treatment
- Sclerotherapy
- Micro Phlecbectomy
- Vnus Closure
Understanding Venous Disease
What you need to know about blood vessel disorders, varicose veins, and spider veins.
Venous Disease is the name for any condition in which the veins of the legs do not function normally. Vein conditions are very common and are not usually life-threatening except in the most serious of cases.
What Causes Venous Disease?
The legs contain three types of veins – superficial, communicating, and deep veins. It is the deep veins that are responsible for pumping blood back to the heart. In venous disease, the walls of some veins become weak or injured, causing the valves of these veins to malfunction. As a result, the blood flows backward toward the ankles rather than toward the heart. This, in turn, causes pressure in the veins, and they react by twisting and becoming swollen.
Venous disease is a progressive condition that becomes worse over time. It can become life-threatening if a blood clot develops. Other complications include skin damage, ulcers, and bleeding.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Also called venous insufficiency, varicose veins are a form of venous disease caused by the backward flow of blood toward the ankles. While some people develop varicose veins when the veins become damaged, others with venous disease experience different symptoms, such as leg inflammation, cramps in the legs at night, or Restless Leg Syndrome.
Varicose veins are very common, and heredity is a factor in the majority of cases. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins, particularly if they have been pregnant several times. Symptoms are varied and include leg vein puffiness, aches and cramps, swelling, itching, and skin rashes similar to eczema on the lower legs.
What Are Venous Ulcers?
Skin ulcers can develop on your legs if you have varicose veins (venous insufficiency) for a long enough period of time. They usually appear in the ankle area and are quite painful.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins can appear on the legs, as well as other parts of the body, most frequently the face. Spider veins are not as serious as venous insufficiency and are usually much smaller in appearance. They can be red or purple and are bothersome primarily because they are unattractive. Spider veins don’t cause discomfort.
Besides heredity, other factors such as smoking, sun exposure, the aging process, weight gain, alcohol consumption, and certain medications can contribute to the development of spider veins.
What Are the Treatments for Venous Disease?
Treatments include:
- Laser procedures for spider veins.
- Sclerotherapy, in which a solution is injected into the abnormal varicose vein.
- Micro-Phlebectomy – a surgical procedure.
- VNUS Closure – a surgical procedure that utilizes a catheter.
To learn more about treatments for Vein Diseases visit the Procedures for the Veins and VNUS Closure pages and our blog for the Five Things You Should Know About Spider Veins on the Legs.
If you have leg discomfort and varicose veins, contact us for a 40-minute vein consult, which is covered by insurance.
Dr. John D. Stover is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He is a fellow of both the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Stover continually updates his knowledge, skills and practice in the latest surgical and non-surgical procedures, which has made him one of Hawaii's leading cosmetic surgeons. His Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii are located in Kona, Hilo, and Waimea on the Big Island.
