Unsightly varicose and spider veins can cause a slump in self-confidence. Not only are they unpleasant cosmetically, but if left untreated increase your risk for leg swelling and ulcers.
At Beach Wellness MD in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Ali Golshan uses two special technologies to banish varicose and spider veins: Varithena®, an FDA-approved foam medication and sclerotherapy, a custom-formulated substance.
Here, Dr. Golshan explains why winter is the best time to get treated for varicose and spider veins — but first, a bit about these two vein conditions.
Why do varicose and spider veins appear?
People often use the terms “varicose veins” and “spider veins” interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. Varicose veins typically appear very twisted and swollen, often protruding from the leg, while spider veins appear as thin, weblike networks of red and purple.
Despite the differences in appearance, however, varicose and spider veins share a list of common causes. The primary cause behind both conditions is weakened or damaged blood vessels. Here’s a little more about how these vein conditions occur:
Your veins carry blood back to your heart. Your veins contain one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing backward (away from your heart). If the valves become damaged blood can pool in your veins, leading to increased pressure and bulging branch veins. The bulging branches are the varicose and spider veins.
Why winter is a great time to start vein treatment
As the saying goes, “summer bodies are made in the winter.” This adage also refers to perfect legs.
There’s never a bad time to start treatment for spider or varicose veins, but Dr. Golshan recommends getting treatments in winter for a few reasons:
- You may need multiple Varithena or foam sclerotherapy treatments to get your desired results. Because wait time is required in between treatments, winter is a great time to get started in order to achieve optimal results by summer.
- In the winter, your skin is less susceptible to sun damage. It’s always best to minimize sun exposure before and after vein treatments.
- During the winter, most people reduce their physical activity. You may need to take some time off from exercise after vein treatment, so treatment may fit more naturally into your winter routine than your summer schedule.
- You may need to wear compression stockings after your vein treatment, which can cramp your summer style. In winter, they’ll likely be hidden under pants or leggings.
If you’re ready to banish your varicose and spider veins, schedule a consultation with Dr. Golshan today. Call our Los Angeles, California office at 310-974-8767 or request an appointment online.
If you’re ready to banish your varicose and spider veins, schedule a consultation with Dr. Golshan today. Call our Los Angeles, California office at 310-974-8767 or request an appointment online.
ABOUT DR. ALI GOLSHAN
Ali Golshan, MD, is a double board-certified leading vascular expert who specializes in in-office, minimally-invasive interventional radiology treatments at Beach Wellness MD. Dr. Golshan devotes personalized attention to each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Dr. Golshan graduated summa cum laude as valedictorian from the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology. He then earned a Master of Business Administration from the UCLA Anderson School of Management and a Doctorate of Medicine from the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. Dr. Golshan completed a residency in radiology at UCLA and a fellowship in interventional radiology at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
