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Summer is around the corner. Hot temperatures and cool drinks by the water are in our minds. We are all about our summer wardrobe that includes chic-looking dresses, shorts, sunglasses, and bathing suits, but also having smooth and hairless legs is a must. But if you have varicose veins, this can present some challenges.
There are different stages of vein disease that can be taken into consideration when choosing a hair removal method.
Varicose veins are larger size subcutaneous blood vessels that have become swollen and twisted. They appear dark blue and stick out from the skin like raised tunnels and can be seen and felt right under the skin’s surface.
Spider veins are dilated small vessels that are visible through the skin. They may be red, purple, or blue and most often appear on the legs or face.
Veins carry blood back to the heart, and they contain a one-way valve that closes once the blood passes through it. If this valve weakens or becomes damaged, the blood may struggle to flow in the correct direction, and it can begin to pool inside the vein.
Waxing: uses a warm-up waxy substance applied to the skin. Once the wax cools and slightly hardens, it’s removed in the opposite direction of hair growth.
The heat can make the varicose vein dilate and increase the blood flow. Since varicose vein walls are already distended and weakened, increased blood flow can cause discomfort and even spontaneous bleeding.
Due to how it’s removed, some waxes can be harsh on the skin and damage the already fragile skin of the varicose veins. When choosing the type of wax, soft wax adheres to the skin and can pull off the skin when removed. Hard wax is gentler on your skin and is better suited for sensitive areas.
Shaving: it is recommended to avoid the use of a razor around varicose veins. You could catch a protruding varicose vein with a razor, which can lead to bleeding that will be difficult to stop or create a wound that will take time to heal.
Laser hair removal: is a procedure that uses a beam of heat (laser) to target unwanted hair. Laser hair removal is a safe option if you have varicose veins. During treatment, the laser is not pulsed directly over the varicose veins. Laser is also used to treat varicose veins, and it is known as Endovenous ablation. This procedure introduces a catheter in the vein and uses energy to cauterize (i.e., burn) and close varicose veins. Ablation is safe, less invasive than surgery, and leaves virtually no scars.
Lasers that are used for laser hair removal can also treat spider veins. However, there is a difference in the wavelength used to treat each one. For the treatment of spider veins, the laser is aimed at the blood vessel and as a result, scar tissue forms, sealing off the vein.
Always consult with your doctor before deciding on a hair removal method if you have varicose veins. Varicose veins and spider veins are now treated in the office with minimally invasive procedures that are quick and effective.
