The Vein Treatment Center at Allure Medical Spa.

"There is no need to suffer with unsightly and painful varicose and spider veins."

Varicose veins affect an estimated 10%-20% of the adult population, the majority of them are women.

Legs are made up of a network of veins. Healthy leg veins contain valves that open and close assisting the return of blood back to the heart. These veins can also be a source of a common problem - varicose veins and spider veins. In some people, the valves fail to close properly, allowing the blood to pool, leading to varicose veins. Unsightly and uncomfortable, varicose leg veins can produce swelling in the ankles and feet and itching of the skin. Varicose veins occur in almost any part of the leg but are most often seen in the back of the calf or on the inside of the leg between the groin and the ankle. Untreated, patient symptoms are likely to worsen over time and can lead to venous ulceration (open wounds).

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Some common symptoms of varicose veins include:

• Swelling in the legs
• Restless legs
• Numbness in the legs
• Aching pain
• Tired heavy legs
• Persistent itching or irritated rash on the legs
• Leg ulcers that won't heal

• What are varicose and spider veins?

• Varicose veins - Larger ropey veins that protrude, frequently causing discomfort, look unappealing, and can lead to long-term health problems. The term “varicose” actually derives from the word “twisted” and they are by their nature twisted. A classic varicose vein is enlarged, twisted and bulging at the surface of the skin.
• Reticular veins - These medium sized blue veins are larger than spider veins and they are the veins from which spider veins arise.
• Spider veins - The tiny blue-purple-red veins at the skin surface, frequently in a "patchy" distribution. These may look unappealing, but generally pose no health risk. In many cases there are signs of hidden vein problems, and a medical evaluation can clarify this.

Click on image to enlarge.

Reasons for symptoms:

The symptoms of varicose veins are actually related to the underlying cause. The term “venous insufficiency” refers to the condition of inadequate or poorly functioning valves in your legs. These leaky valves allow the blood to backflow, and this leads to increased pressure in the veins. This increased pressure forces your body to try to grow more veins, and the classic ones are varicose veins. Varicose veins can only handle so much blood, so the blood in your circulation becomes stagnant, and leads to the symptoms described above. When we treat varicose veins, we search the root of the problem where the venous insufficiency starts and treat it first, or the problems will return.

Clots from veins:

Blood clots can form when the stagnant blood gets more advanced. Superficial blood clots are referred to as “Superficial Thrombophlebitis” . This presents as hard knots on the surface of your leg, they are frequently tender and red, sometimes hot. When the blood continues to be stagnant, the clot may extend into the deeper veins of the leg, causing what is referred to as a “Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)” . If this occurs, blood thinners are needed. A DVT can be a serious health threat, when it occurs spontaneously, a thorough blood work evaluation should be undertaken to assess your risk for repeated DVT. Symptoms of DVT are vague and easily misdiagnosed, for this reason, the use of ultrasound (which is close to 100% accurate) is used when DVT is suspected. If you suspect a DVT, you need to notify your doctor immediately. For more information on DVT, click here

Preventing Varicose Veins:

First and foremost if you suffer from any of the symptons of vein disease, you should immediately seek a medical evalutation. Most of the symptoms of varicose veins should improve to some degree with leg exercise, avoidance of prolonged standing and compression stockings. If you have varicose veins, evaluate your lifestyle and alter it accordingly. Not walking or lack of activity can actually make your varicose veins worse.

Dr. Charles Mok, at Allure Medical Spa in Shelby Township Michigan, has performed tens-of-thousands of modern vein procedures. In fact, Allure Medical Spa, using the latest laser technology, treats more patients with this procedure than anyone in the US.

For years the only treatment for varicose veins was stripping and sclerotherapy for spider veins. These were effective, but left the patient with scarring, pain, down time, and a relatively high recurrence rate. About 50% came back with these techniques. While these procedures are relatively safe and are still being used the unsatisfactory results have led to the development of safer and more effective vein procedures.

There are many terms and options that may sound confusing, this site will not only explain why varicose & spider veins exist; but, inform you of the new non-surgical/no downtime options available right here in the Metro-Detroit area.