Whenever you are faced with surgery or a procedure, you should ask questions to ascertain facts about expected discomfort or pain, method used, and any anticipated side effects. As with any surgery the following side effects may be encountered: nausea, vomiting and the risk that the wound/incisions may become infected. There is also the risk of scarring from any surgery as well as the possibility for blood clots.

Those who undergo sclerotherapy may experience allergic reactions or a burning on the skin from the needle if not inserted properly. A mark on the skin can result from the needle not being inserted correctly. Sometimes the brown stain marks fade over time and sometimes they remain. Rarely sclerotherapy can lead to the development of blood clots.

When trying to determine which treatment to use for your condition it is wise to seek the counsel of your healthcare provider who will refer you to either a dermatologist or a surgeon. Factors to take into consideration when deciding between surgical treatment or sclerotherapy are: the diagnosis, vein size, your treatment history, age of patient and history of allergies as well as your tolerance for pain and ability to handle anesthesia.

Usually vein surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Many insurance policies do not cover cosmetic surgery, so it is wise to check your particular insurance before consenting to the surgery.

Untreated varicose veins can lead to aching and discomfort and also ulceration of the legs. Treatment is not always necessary and is usually done so for cosmetic reasons.

The mild forms of varicose veins have very little consequence for the patient other than a mild discomfort. Severe cases are caused by venous disease which is when there is a insufficiency in function of the vein tissue causing pain, soreness, burning aching, throbbing, cramping, muscle fatigue and also restless legs. Varicose veins can progress in nature and over time may lead to chronic venous insufficiency which can lead to breakdown of the tissue and can lead to cellulitis, ulceration, discoloration, inflammatory dermatitis, disfigurement and can lead to loss of limb or life.

The existence of venous insufficiency can lead to non-healing leg ulcers, bleeding from the varicose veins, and also recurrent phlebitis (inflammation of the vein).

It is quite common to see varicose veins during pregnancy. These are caused by hormonal changes that make the walls of the veins pliable.

Any sudden appearance of dilated varicose veins should have the patient seeking medical advise; even those found during pregnancy.

In the United States studies have shown that women have a greater amount of various veins. Varicose veins occur in the Westernized and industrialized countries, most due most likely to changes in lifestyle and activity level.