Varicose Vein Cost in Singapore

Veins that swell and bulge are called varicose veins. Any superficial vein that is near the skin's surface has the potential to develop varicose veins. Leg veins are most frequently affected by varicose veins. This is because walking and standing raise the blood pressure in the lower body's veins.

Varicose veins are mostly just an aesthetic issue for many people. As well as spider veins, a typical, less severe kind of varicose veins. On the other hand, varicose veins can hurt and create discomfort. They can occasionally result in more serious health issues. Compression stockings, leg raises when sitting or lying down, and exercise are all part of the treatment. Veins can be blocked or removed through a procedure.

Although they have different appearances, varicose veins, and spider veins are both forms of venous illness. Compared to varicose veins, spider veins are thinner and smaller. They are near the skin's surface and resemble red or blue spider webs or tree branches. In most cases, spider veins are not painful. They can appear anywhere on your body, but they usually land on your face, feet, or behind your knee. Usually, varicose veins show up on the legs and feet.

What causes Varicose Veins?

Weak or broken valves can cause varicose veins. Blood is transported throughout the body by arteries from the heart. Blood is returned to the heart via veins from the rest of the body. Leg veins must defy gravity to return blood to the heart. Lower leg muscles contract to work as pumps. Vein walls facilitate the heart's blood return. Small vein valves open to allow blood to move toward the heart and close to prevent blood from moving the other way. Veins may stretch or twist due to blood flowing backward and accumulating in the veins due to weak or broken valves.

Risk factors for Varicose Veins:

• Family history: You have a higher probability of developing varicose veins if other family members do.
• Age: Vein valves that aid in regulating blood flow deteriorate with age. The valves eventually give way due to wear, allowing some blood to return to the veins where it accumulates.
• Being overweight: Vein pressure is increased by being overweight.
• Pregnancy: The body's blood volume increases during pregnancy. This alteration can cause the veins in the legs to enlarge while also supporting the developing fetus.
• Extended periods of sitting or standing: Blood flow is improved by movement.
• Sex of the person: The illness is more common in women. Vein walls often loosen due to hormones. Hormonal changes before menstruation, during pregnancy, or menopause may therefore be a contributing factor. Varicose veins may become more common as a result of hormone therapy, such as birth control pills.

The treatment of varicose veins depends on the severity of symptoms, the extent of the veins affected, and the presence of complications. The following are some of the treatment options for Varicose Veins:

• Lifestyle Changes: Encouraging regular exercise, weight management, elevating legs when resting, and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting.
• Compression Stockings: Graduated compression stockings help improve circulation and alleviate symptoms like swelling and discomfort. They are tight around the ankles and loose farther up the leg. In this way, compression stockings encourage proper blood flow upward, against gravity, and back toward the heart.
• Sclerotherapy: A substance that scars and seals small- and medium-sized varicose veins is injected by a doctor. They should diminish a few weeks later. It could be necessary to inject a vein more than once.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: With the use of an ultrasound scan, a physician creates a tiny incision either above or below the knee. After that, they insert a catheter—a thin tube—into the vein. After that, the physician inserts a radiofrequency energy-emitting probe into the catheter. The vein's walls collapse as a result of the radiofrequency energy's heating, thus shutting and sealing it shut. Larger varicose veins are more suited for this surgery.
• Endovenous laser treatment: A catheter is inserted into the patient's vein by a physician. A tiny laser is then inserted through the catheter and positioned at the top of the vein to be targeted. The laser produces brief energy bursts that heat the vein and cause it to close.
• Transilluminated powered phlebectomy: To determine which veins require removal, a physician makes an incision beneath the skin and inserts an endoscopic transilluminator, a specialized light. After that, they make an incision and use suction equipment to cut and remove the target veins. For this surgery, a general or local anesthetic may be employed. Following the procedure, minor bleeding and bruises are possible.
• Mechanochemical Ablation (MOCA): Combines mechanical damage to the vein wall with a sclerosing agent to close the vein.
• Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy: Foam sclerosants injected under ultrasound guidance to treat larger varicose veins
• Stripping and Ligation: There are two incisions made, one at the top of the target vein, close to the patient's groin, and the other further down the leg, perhaps at the knee or ankle. The vein's apex is sealed and fastened. The vein is taken out along with the thin, flexible wire that was inserted into its base.
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy: It is a surgical technique intended to enable the excision of protruding varicose veins. When varicose vein tributaries are palpable and visible on the skin's surface, AP is recommended for their removal.
• High Ligation and Vein Excision: Surgical removal of the vein at its junction with a deeper vein. Treatment selection depends on factors such as the size and location of varicose veins, patient preferences, and the expertise of the healthcare provider. Individuals with varicose veins must consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and conditions.

Improving blood flow and muscle tone can significantly reduce the risk of developing varicose veins and alleviate discomfort associated with existing ones. Avoiding high heels and tight stockings, except for compression stockings which promote circulation, is crucial. Alternating sitting and standing positions frequently prevents prolonged pressure on veins. A diet rich in fiber and low in salt supports cardiovascular health, while regular exercise enhances circulation and muscle tone. Elevating legs when seated or lying down helps reduce swelling and improves blood flow. Maintaining a healthy weight further decreases strain on veins. By adopting these lifestyle adjustments, individuals can promote better vascular health and potentially prevent the onset or worsening of varicose veins.