How to get rid of leg veins!

Dealing with veins that won’t go away? Thankfully, procedures have now progressed to the stage where patients can feel little or no pain, and treatment can be a quick in and out of the surgery. We speak to three surgeons on all there is to know about spider veins, how to get rid of leg veins, as well as varicose vein treatment in Singapore.

Options for varicose vein treatment in Singapore

Want to find out more about your bulgy varicose veins or spider veins? DR LEONG CHUO REN from The Vascular & Endovascular Clinic shares his insights.

What are the early warning signs of varicose veins that people often miss?

Many of the early warning signs of varicose veins are subtle and often dismissed as general tiredness or ageing. These symptoms, which often precede the appearance of visible, bulging veins, are primarily related to poor circulation and increased pressure in the lower legs. They can include leg heaviness, fatigue, aching or throbbing usually at the calves, mild swelling, night cramps, restlessness, subtle skin changes like dryness, increased pigmentation, itchiness and appearances of small web-like veins (spider veins).

Who is most at risk for developing these veins?

Risk factors include those with a family history of varicose veins. Older patients have a higher risk because varicose veins are a degenerative disorder that increases with age. Women are also more likely to develop varicose veins due to hormonal (oestrogen, progesterone) effects on vein wall smooth muscle, especially during puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Lifestyle risk factors include obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyles or occupations which require prolonged standing.

Some people assume varicose and spider veins are mainly a cosmetic issue. When are they a medical concern?

Cosmesis shouldn’t be the only reason patients seek help. The presentation and symptoms can vary widely. Some patients have large, bulging varicose veins for many years with minimal symptoms, while others have relatively small spider veins but experience pain, leg heaviness or swelling that limits their activity in Singapore. Veins become a medical concern when they cause pain, limb discomfort, swelling, eczematous skin changes, recurrent infections, blood clots, bleeding and ulcers.

How can I get rid of legs veins? Tell us about the varicose vein treatment options available in Singapore.

The treatment of varicose veins can be divided into conservative versus definitive. Conservative management aims primarily at symptom control without addressing the fundamental cause, which usually involves faulty venous valves resulting in reflux. Conservative management includes lifestyle modifications, compression stockings, medications and skin care products. Definitive management tackles the root cause and usually involves a minor surgical procedure. Options include minimally invasive treatments such as endovenous thermal ablation, sclerotherapy, mechanochemical ablation and cyanoacrylate glue embolisation. Open surgical techniques include open ligation, stripping and stab avulsions to remove large varicose veins.

What’s the recovery process like?

Almost all varicose vein treatments are minimally invasive and performed as day surgery cases, even for open ligation and stab avulsions. All patients are ambulatory immediately after surgery and can resume work and regular activity within two weeks. Is there anything we can do to reduce our risk? Many patients presenting with varicose veins have a family history. While it may not be possible to avoid its development in those circumstances, addressing risk factors – such as tackling obesity, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and wearing adequate compression for high-risk professions – can help delay its occurrence and reduce its severity. It is important to speak to a healthcare provider early and get treatment and prevention advice if you encounter any symptoms.

The Vascular & Endovascular Clinic
Locations at Gleneagles Medical Centre, Mount Elizabeth Orchard Medical Centre, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Farrer Park Hospital and Parkway East Medical Centre.
6252 7138 | WhatsApp 9173 0272
enquiries@vascularclinic.sg | vascularclinic.sg

Causes of varicose veins

These abnormally dilated and swollen veins, commonly found in the legs but sometimes on the face and other body parts, can be frustrating. DR JOHN TAN, Consultant Vascular Surgeon from The Vein Clinic & Surgery, shares a few more things to know about them.

#1 Common culprits

While the causes of the disease are not fully understood, it can be triggered by prolonged standing at work, multiple pregnancies and situations that cause significant stress on leg veins. These cause them to stretch and the valves to fail. Also, high heels often restrict calf muscle function and circulation, resulting in spider veins on the legs. Sun exposure is another well-known culprit for them on the face.

#2 Skip the cream and medication

Varicose veins are a progressive issue that won’t go away without proper treatment. No amount of cream or medication can cure it. They can cause great discomfort, too – many of Dr Tan’s patients report tired legs and calf cramps. Early treatment is crucial, especially for those with complications caused by bleeding or infection. Patients with ankle ulcers from the disease should also be aware that treatment is the only path to long-term ulcer healing.

#3 Endovenous closure techniques for varicose veins treatment

Wondering how to get rid of legs veins? Endovenous closure techniques are an excellent treatment without requiring surgery, general anaesthesia or hospitalisation. The procedure involves a fine wire that’s inserted into the affected vein through a small skin puncture, then cauterising it with a laser or radiofrequency. To seal it, physicians may use medical glue introduced via a small catheter. These modern techniques deliver swift and effective relief for varicose veins, allowing patients to resume normal activities within the same or next day after treatment.

The Vein Clinic & Surgery
#11-08 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road
6245 6666 | theveinclinic.com.sg

Spider vein vs varicose vein treatment in Singapore

How does treatment for spider veins in Singapore differ from that for varicose veins? Hear from DR SUJIT SINGH GILL, Director and Consultant Surgeon at The Vascular and General Surgery Centre.

What are the spider veins and varicose veins treatments available in Singapore?

Endovenous ablation for varicose veins. In this technique, a laser is inserted into the diseased vein and heats it from inside, causing it to seal shut. Some bulging varicosities may need removal, too. Newer techniques such as glue ablation or chemical ablation are also available. The procedure is performed under sedation, and therefore an overnight stay at the hospital is not necessary. Patients are able to walk and continue with their daily activities, except exercise. Spider veins, on the other hand, are treated with microsclerotherapy. An irritant drug is injected into the veins, causing them to swell shut. Stubborn spider veins can be treated with laser, too.

How many treatments are required for visible results?

For varicose veins disease, typically one session is all that is necessary. For spider veins, however, a second or even third session is often necessary to complete the treatment. Furthermore, as spider veins are age-related, touch-ups every couple of years are necessary. Veins that are sealed usually do not re-open. However, new veins can develop with ageing.

How do you prevent issues from recurring?

Wear compression stockings whenever you are standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time. Elevate the legs when you’re resting at home. A healthy diet and regular exercise are very important too.

The Vascular and General Surgery Centre
#18-05 Paragon Medical Suites, 290 Orchard Road
6736 2302 | tvgsc.sg

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