Varicose veins are dysfunctional veins characterized by being tortuous and enlarged due to the widening of walls and valves of veins. Any superficial vein may later become a varicose vein; however, the most prone are the veins of the legs. Julio Marticorena Bonilla, Cardiovascular and Thorax Surgeon of Clínica Ricardo Palma clear us some frequent doubts about this disease

Why do they appear?

Veins have valves that prevent the reflux of blood. When the walls of the veins and the valves widen blood has free passage to come back, that is why they look tortuous and varicose veins appear

What are the symptoms?

“Spider-shaped” varicose veins tend to be asymptomatic and are eliminated due to an aesthetic deficiency; however, thick varicose veins produce pain, itching, cramping, burning, heaviness and last but not least, they look aesthetically bad

Do they appear at a certain age?

There is no specific age for the appearance of varicose veins; however, it is true that spider-shaped varicose veins are more common in young people and the thick ones occur more frequently in older people

Are they more frequent in men or women?

Women are more likely to have varicose veins than men, but this condition does not exclude them

What happens if I don’t receive treatment? What are the most frequent complications?

If varicose veins are not treated properly they can lead to major problems such as ulcers and infections, ocher dermatitis and bleeding

What is laser treatment?

Laser ablation is a minimally invasive surgery that involves introducing a fiber with a laser into the tip through a small incision in the groin. This laser cauterizes the varicose vein, which will close and stop being a problem for the patient

Does it hurt? Who are the ideal candidates?

It is a surgery, so it is performed only once. Epidural anesthesia is applied therefore it is not painful for the patient. People with thick and tortuous varicose veins are candidates for surgery. Varicose veins are a type of disease derived from poor circulation and venous insufficiency. It is perfectly curable with laser surgery and in the case of spider-shaped varicose veins, they can disappear through sclerotherapy

Dr. Julio Marticorena
Cardiovascular and Chest Surgeon