Venous insufficiency, commonly known as “varicose veins” among the public, tends to become more prominent during the winter months when sedentary lifestyles increase in enclosed spaces. The transition to remote work in professional life and frequent curfews due to the COVID-19 pandemic have further contributed to inactivity, leading to an increase in varicose vein formation.
Varicose veins, estimated to affect one in two people aged 20 to 70, are a vascular disorder that becomes more common with age.
Although varicose veins are more prevalent in women than in men, remote work during the pandemic has caused an increase in its occurrence among men as well. This vascular condition, which we frequently observe in women due to factors such as pregnancy and hormone use, has now been seen at nearly the same rate in men due to inactivity caused by remote work. This situation is also valid for young people who were forced to continue their education remotely. During the pandemic, we encountered varicose veins more frequently in younger age groups.
Factors such as weight gain, pregnancy, a sedentary lifestyle, heart and respiratory failure, and genetic predisposition can contribute to varicose veins.
Regardless of the triggering factor, there is a structural defect in the vein wall. This defect causes the vein to expand, impairing the function of the valve inside it, leading to blood flowing backward. Due to this reflux, blood struggles to return to the heart, increasing pressure inside the vein and causing it to enlarge.
The most common symptoms of varicose veins include leg pain, particularly in the evenings, visible capillaries, skin redness, itching, dryness, and subcutaneous bleeding.
Aesthetic Varicose Vein Treatment
Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue but also a serious health concern. Today, non-surgical, minimally invasive methods allow for aesthetic varicose vein treatment without surgical scars or with minimal scarring. One such method is sclerotherapy, also known as injection therapy.
Sclerotherapy is a popular technique in which a solution is injected into the vein to eliminate varicose veins. This solution, either in liquid or foam form, is administered using fine needles. It irritates the inner lining of the enlarged and degenerated veins, and external pressure is then applied to close the veins. Over time, the body naturally eliminates these closed veins.
A Doppler ultrasound must be performed before sclerotherapy. If an underlying reflux (backflow) is detected as the cause of varicose veins, it must first be treated. Otherwise, sclerotherapy will not be effective.
Sclerotherapy can eliminate 80-90% of varicose veins.
Capillary veins disappear within 3-4 weeks, while larger varicose veins may take 3-4 months to resolve. The number of sclerotherapy sessions depends on the extent of the affected area, as exceeding a certain dose per session should be avoided. After the procedure, wearing a light compression stocking for three days is sufficient. Any bruising at the injection sites will fade within a few weeks.
Preventive Measures Against Varicose Veins:
- Protect yourself from extreme heat and sunlight during summer, as they can dilate veins. Cool your legs with cold water for relief.
- Swimming is one of the most effective exercises for varicose veins, so try to swim frequently during summer.
- Drink at least 2 liters of fluids daily, primarily water.
- Avoid standing still for long periods. If your job requires prolonged standing, take regular breaks to move around.
- Elevate your legs above your waist several times a day to improve blood circulation and reduce pressure in the veins.
- Maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle. Excess weight increases pressure on blood vessels and raises the risk of recurrent varicose veins.
- Avoid smoking, as it damages blood vessels, reduces circulation, and contributes to numerous health problems.
- Move frequently and avoid prolonged sitting to enhance circulation.
- Ensure your clothing is not too tight around the waist. Avoid tight belts, corsets, or pants with firm waistbands that may restrict blood flow.
Never Postpone Your Health to Tomorrow!
Op. Dr. Tolga Önder
Cardiovascular Surgery
