 The Bailey Vein & Aesthetic Centré is the only center in Missouri to offer the entire complement of state-of–the-art vein care procedures. In addition, unlike many vein centers these procedures are always performed in the office under local anesthesia. Dr. Bailey was the first physician in Missouri to use the revolutionary 1320nm Cool Touch YAG laser for the treatment of varicose veins. The benefit of this device over the more commonly used Diode lasers is a marked reduction in post procedure pain and bruising.
Treatment of Varicose Veins
State of the art vein care is minimally invasive. There is no down time and the procedures are office based. The modern treatment modalities include:
- Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT)
- Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
- Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
- European Microphlebectomy
- Radiofrequency Perforator Closure
- Visual Sclerotherapy
- Surface Laser
The goal of all of these procedures is to close off abnormal veins and redirect blood into healthier deeper veins. Vein stripping is no longer necessary and is a historical operation.
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Varicose Veins
What causes varicose veins?
Our legs have hundreds of one way valves which allow the blood to travel toward the heart. Upon standing the valves close in order to keep the blood from traveling backward down the legs. When valves leak (reflux) the blood travels in the direction of gravity. This reversal of blood flow results in high pressure within the veins with subsequent enlargement and tortuosity of veins. Over time, the veins appear ropy and tend to bulge. The symptoms of varicose veins are due to pooling of blood within dilated veins and also the high pressure within the veins. This condition always progresses and often leads to complications such as skin damage, blood clots, ulcerations and rarely spontaneous bleeding. The presence and exact location of leaking valves is determined with an ultrasound examination that is performed in the office.
How common are varicose veins?
aricose and spider veins are very common and result in a variety of symptoms. This condition, which is caused by leaking valves, is inherited in approximately 70% of patients. Other risk factors include a history of blood clots, leg trauma and multiple childbirths. It is estimated that approximately 80 million Americans are affected by varicose veins. For women age 40-50 approximately 40% are affected and 15-20% of men in the same age group are affected. By the age of 70 approximately 70% of women are affected. Generally, this problem increases with age.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
The symptoms vary from person to person but include the following:
- Leg aching, heaviness and tiredness that is worse at the end of the day
- Leg swelling that is worse at the end of the day
- Leg cramps at night
- Itching
- Restless legs
- Blood clots
- Psoriasis type skin rash on lower legs
- Leg ulcers
- Spontaneous bleeding
- Occasionally patients experience a burning sensation in their legs
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Learn about Spider Veins >>
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