How to Hide (or Get Rid of) Your Varicose Veins

If you’re bothered by varicose veins, you’re far from alone. Some 70% of women and 40% of men develop these bulging veins by age 60, many of whom end up seeking ways to hide or do away with them.

At his Midtown Manhattan practice, double board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist Dr. Yosef Golowa specializes in minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins.

Take a few moments to learn about varicose veins, including ways to conceal or eliminate them.

What causes varicose veins

Varicose veins form when the vein’s walls weaken, most commonly in the legs. When this happens, blood pressure within the vein increases, further weakening the walls and expanding their size. Meanwhile, the valves that keep blood flowing can’t work as well, leading to backed-up pools of blood that create the swelling and twists of varicose veins.

While anyone can develop varicose veins, factors that increase your risk include: 

• Being of older age
• Carrying excess weight
• Hormone changes
• Standing for lengthy periods of time
• Wearing tight clothing

Genetic factors may also play a role in varicose veins. So if your blood relatives – particularly one or both of your parents – have them, you’re likely to as well. 

How to hide varicose veins

Varicose veins aren’t typically dangerous, but they can bring physical and emotional discomfort. If your veins are painless but you’re frustrated by their appearance, you can take steps to conceal or disguise them. 

Common ways to hide varicose veins include applying a spray tan, wearing nylons or pants, and covering the discoloration with makeup. 

How to get rid of varicose veins

If you’re sick of hiding your varicose veins or bothered by symptoms, such as pressure and pain, it may be time to consider a permanent solution. Varicose vein treatment may also safeguard you from dangerous blood clots.

Treatments that get rid of varicose veins include injections (sclerotherapy), laser therapy, and surgical procedures known as ligation and stripping. 

You can also reduce your symptoms without getting rid of the veins through lifestyle measures, like wearing compression stockings and elevating the affected leg several times a day.

Our outpatient treatments for varicose veins

Our noninvasive treatments put an end to bothersome varicose veins, without the hassle of surgery. Dr. Golowa offers both sclerotherapy and endovenous ablation for varicose veins.

During sclerotherapy, he injects a foam or liquid called sclerosant into the affected veins. The sclerosant irritates the vein walls, causing them to collapse. This seals the veins, keeping blood from pooling up.

Endovenous ablation uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to collapse varicose vein walls. During this procedure, Dr. Golowa inserts a catheter into a vein in your knee or ankle. From there, the RF energy emits heat to seal the vein and stop its blood flow.

To learn more about varicose vein removal, or to get started with your ideal treatment, call our office or book an appointment with Dr. Golowa through our website today.