While working I meet all types of people in the most interesting professions. Recently I was introduce to Marc Hamet and we started a conversation about my health and me standing all day long. My question was on men having Varicose veins and how they can be treated. Seeing that this is marc's speciality I decided to ask some questions:
In general, your muscles working push the blood from your legs to your heart. The veins have a series of valves built in to make sure the blood only flows in one direction. If the valves do not work correctly (become incompetent), the blood will flow with gravity in the wrong direction down the legs (venous insufficiency). This puts an abnormal pressure on the veins, causing them to dilate and become convoluted. Blood can leak out of the veins, causing discoloration of the skin. Not only is this unsightly, but the pooling of blood in the feet and ankles can cause bleeding, skin ulcers and infection (wet gangrene). Venous insufficiency is a real medical condition, thus most insurance companies will pay for treatments.
ME -
What is the difference between varicose veins, and spider telangectasias?
MARC-
Spider Telangectasias are the fine "spider veins" that you see just under the skin surface. They are usually within the skin itself and are red to purple in color. When you press on them, they will blanch, but quickly refill. They are very common, even though they may be a sign of a more significant problem, they don't always represent a real disease process. Varicose veins are larger and are typically a sign of an underlying problem such as venous insufficiency or poor vein valve function. They are under the skin and cannot be easily blanched. When a person has varicose veins, they typically have some spider veins too.
ME-
What is the youngest age a man can start getting them?
MARC-
These vein problems are more common in women than men and are more common in older individuals. You can develop spider veins at almost any age. Varicose veins would be unusual in people less than 20, but may be present due to some underlying medical conditions. In general, they are associated with weight gain, high blood pressure, trauma, pregnancy, and straining or spending long hours on your feet. Genetics play a major factor in development. In healthy young men, they are most commonly seen in wrestlers and weight lifters (due to strain) and soccer players (due to leg trauma). Occupations which require heavy lifting or long periods of standing/sitting have an increased incidence (ex, movers, hair stylists, truck drivers, airline attendants).
ME-
Is it common for men get veins removed from their legs?
MARC-
In the past the only options were supportive stockings and surgery. We can now offer the laser or RF treatment with is much more comfortable than surgery with a faster recovery. If either a man or a woman has a significant problem, they should have treatment as needed.
ME-
Can your diet affect this problem?
MARC-
Diet can affect the problem in that obesity and high blood pressure are contributing factors. No specific foods can cause or reduce the problem of unsightly veins.
ME-
Is the recovery time different for men and women?
MARC- Recovery from treatment is the same for men or women. If you have an endovenous treatment (laser or RF), the recovery period is approximately 2 hours of bed rest after the procedure, wearing a compression stocking for 1 week after the procedure, and ½ hour/day of walking. If the treatment is successful, you should expect swelling and bruising of the inner thigh, followed by a pulling sensation between the groin and the inner knee.
ME-
How long is the recovery time?
MARC-
The bruising is worst the first week after the procedure. It goes away during the second week. The pulling sensation can stay for weeks to years. The vein remains in the leg as a scar. That is what causes the pulling sensation, however, it is not typically painful.
ME- Is it not recommended for certain people or age groups?
MARC-The endovenous treatment is not recommended for individuals with significant disease of the arteries or with an active infection. Also, the person should be well evaluated to verify the presence of an underlying treatable condition and to exclude other conditions which may cause similar presentation (ex. some heart conditions).
ME-
Is there anything that can be done in terms of creams or injections, etc to reduce the appearance of veins?
There are no known creams to help. Makeup may cover up veins, but the veins are still there. Sclerotherapy involves injecting clotting agents directly into the veins. If there is no significant underlying condition, this can be very effective in treating the veins. External laser treatment can also be used to treat spider veins effectively – if there is no underlying condition. If an underlying condition exists – it must be treated before you will get lasting results.
ME-
Is there a makeup that can be used to cover them up?
MARC-
You can try any cover up or foundation, as needed.
ME-
Can anything be done to prevent unsightly veins before they appear.
MARC- The only things you can do to try to prevent this from happening is to keep your weight and blood pressure in a normal range. Regular, non-straining exercise (walking/swimming) may help. Avoidance of long periods of standing or sitting may help.
ME-
Do laser treatments work? I have heard that these have been used to remove unsightly veins from the face around the nose.
MARC-
External laser treatment can help for spider veins and hemangiomas. On the face, Laser treatments and peels may help with other conditions which cause prominent tiny veins such as rosacea. Internal laser treatments are necessary to destroy underlying abnormal veins in the legs in patients with venous insufficiency.
So guys their you have it. I wish you great.... legs?
AFG
GUEST WRITER MARC HAMET
MHamet@stamhealth.org
Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved
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