YOU ARE NOT ALONE
In total 1 out of every 3 women and 1 out of 5 every men suffer from varicose and/or spider veins. Women develop the condition much more frequently than men due to pregnancies and increased levels of circulating female hormones. At the Brampton Vein Institute we use up-to-date techniques to customize the right solution for you!
What are varicose veins and spider veins?
The heart pumps blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. Arteries carry blood from the heart towards the body parts, while veins carry blood from the body parts back to the heart. As the blood is pumped back to the heart, veins act as one-way valves to prevent the blood from flowing backwards. If the one-way valve becomes weak, some of the blood can leak back into the vein, collect there, and then become congested or clogged. This congestion will cause the vein to abnormally enlarge. These enlarged veins can be either varicose veins or spider veins.
Varicose veins are very swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. They are dark purple or blue in color, and can look like cords or very twisted and bulging. They are found most often on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg, anywhere from the groin to the ankle.
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller, are often red or blue in color, and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like a tree branch or spider web with their short jagged lines. Spider veins can be found on both the legs and the face. They can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.
Why do varicose veins and spider veins usually appear in legs?
The veins in the legs have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart. They endure the most pressure that can overcome the strength of these one-way valves. The force of gravity, the pressure from body weight, and the task of carrying the blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make the legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins.
What is phlebology?
Many people are confused regarding who to choose to treat their venous condition, whether it involves large painful varicose veins or to improve the appearance of their legs by resolving small “spider” veins. In 2012 OHIP delisted venous surgery for all but a few very specialized circumstances. Hence the majority of venous treatment is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive approach. CERTIFIED Phlebologists (phlebology is the specialty of medicine devoted to the treatment of venous disease) have been using minimally invasive nonsurgical techniques for many years. As CERTIFIED phlebologists Dr. Robert Tautkus and Cera Chis are experts in minimally invasive treatment. In fact, vascular surgeons routinely refer patients to the Brampton Vein Institute for non-surgical treatment.
To learn more about phlebology visit their website at www.canadiansocietyofphlebology.org
Are Varicose Veins Just a Cosmetic Issue?
No, varicose veins are not just cosmetic and they should to be looked at by a qualified physician as soon as possible. That is because varicose veins can often be the sign of more serious health conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency. It is important to consult with one of our qualified practitioners at the Brampton Vein Institute so your condition can be addressed immediately and prevented from getting worse. Don’t be deceived into believing that varicose veins are simply a sign of aging.
What is Ultrasound Guided
Injection Treatment?
Ultrasound Guided Injection is a non-surgical treatment of venous disease
that utilizes the latest technology of real-time ultrasound. The ultrasound
allows Dr. Tautkus to reach veins hidden below the skin surface
that could previously only be eliminated through surgery.
The injections are minimally invasive and are very specific and
effectively targeted as a result of ultrasound guidance. Recovery time is faster than surgical procedures and patients can expect to return to work within 1 to 2 days.
Imagine a vein treatment without surgery, scars or downtime, and only minimal discomfort.
All this at approximately 20% the cost of the surgical alternative.
As CERTIFIED phlebologists Dr. Tautkus and Cera Chis are experts in this minimally invasive, cost-effective treatment.
