Originally went to get checked out about my spider veins & was told that I have 4 incompetent veins & need the laser treatment. Didn't give me any info/explanation of their findings. Not even sure what they mean. I'm completely lost, please help! (27 and never had kids)
Most likely you indicated you have symptoms and/or a family history of vein
problems. Then these are indications an ultrasound is usually performed to
determine a medical condition known as venous insufficiency. There are
options available for treatment and laser is one of them. If you are
interested in a second opinion feel free to call your local doctor.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sounds like you need to see an another MD who explains your condition better. Generally I only treat the spider veins if they are the only problem and cosmetic in nature, even if there are incompetent veins, the recurrence rate may be higher, however.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If you have no symptoms or skin changes apart from spider veins, it can be called an incidental finding. However, spider veins can be more difficult to treat for long term results with underlying saphenous incompetence.
However, it should be considered cosmetic if it is asymptomatic and only for spider veins. If you are concerned with the diagnosis, I would seek a second opinion from an experienced surgeon who specializes in venous treatment.
If you have not had children, plan to do so and have a family history of varicose veins it would be advisable to wear a medical grade compression during your pregnancies. We also advise all people who travel a lot by plane or car, to wear compression knee socks to help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (as well as frequent moving, exercise and hydration).
Published on Jul 11, 2012
What you describe is reflux of the greater and lesser saphenous veins bilaterally. These veins feed the spider and/or varicose veins. If you have reflux then you should consider treating this before the sclerotherapy. Consider your veins like a tree with the refluxing saphenous as the trunk and the spider veins as the leaves. The leaves will rarely improve if the problem is in the trunk. The trunk needs to be treated first.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
See an MD who will talk to you and explain.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If your doctor has recommended endovenous laser for the four saphenous veins, means that he most probably saw that you have vein reflux. Although you can still have the treatment of the spider veins, if there is significant venous reflux the results will be better if you have the laser ablation first. On the other hand if you do not have any symptoms on your legs i.e.: swelling, pain, heaviness, restless legs, you could just have the treatment for the spiders and wait 1-2 years (or more) to have the laser.
If you are still in doubt, you should obtain a second opinion.
Published on Jul 11, 2012