What Happens If You Don't Get the Varicose Veins Treated?

I am often asked by patients, "what will happen if I don't get my varicose veins treated?". Not all patients have significant symptoms with their leg veins, but we understand that as elevated venous pressures persist, skin damage to the lower leg can easily occur. One of my Leesburg, Virginia patients, whose photo appears on the left, exemplifies this problem very nicely.

She is a 38 year old school teacher, on her feet quite a bit of the day, and has had left leg varicose veins since the birth of her second child a few years ago. Pregnancy is one of the risk factors for the development of varicose veins. The patient has the typical symptoms of leg aching and heaviness, more common at the end of the day as gravity places more stress on her veins.

She had seen her OB/GYN a year ago and asked about treatment options, but was advised to wait until she's done with pregnancies to have this addressed. At that time she had no skin changes or rash as you see here. Over the ensuing year, she noted significant itching and this skin problem, clearly associated with her varicosities.

Work up and treatment is quite simple, as the duplex ultrasound scan showed saphenous vein reflux leading to the leg veins and resultant skin issues (dermatitis). The Venefit Procedure (VNUS Closure) is the ideal method to eliminate venous reflux and normalize venous flow in the leg. Once done, the symptoms resolve and the skin rash can begin clearing up.

As we have studied venous disease throughout the years, it's become apparent that women of child bearing age should have their varicose veins evaluated and treated even prior to completing their pregnancies. Varicose veins become worse with each successive pregnancy and risks for blood clots and skin damage increase as well.

Either Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. McNeill at Capitol Vein & Laser will be happy to examine and advise you as to the best course of action to rid your legs of the varicose veins and restore normal circulation.