Why Did my Varicose Veins Disappear?

Varicose veins don’t typically go away on their own, however for some people, temporary pressure on the abdomen can cause varicose veins to appear temporarily, then they appear to go away once that pressure is alleviated.

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Varicose veins (swollen, twisted veins that are visible as blue or purple from the skin’s surface),  can cause symptoms such as aching, itching, and are also a cosmetic concern for those suffering with them. Varicose veins rarely go away on their own, and often get progressively worse over time, but fortunately, vein specialists have developed several minimally invasive, clinical procedures to remove varicose veins for good. 

Can varicose veins go away by themselves?

Varicose veins in general do not disappear entirely on their own, but some factors may lead to their improvement or reduction in appearance over time. Here are a few reasons why varicose veins may seem to improve without specific treatment:

Pregnancy & varicose veins

For some women, varicose veins that develop during pregnancy due to increased pressure on the abdomen may gradually fade childbirth. The hormonal changes and increased blood volume that occur during pregnancy can lead to the development of varicose veins, however, once these go back to ‘normal’ levels, the veins may become less prominent and therefore less visible. Despite this, varicose veins often do not completely disappear after pregnancy and it is possible that the symptoms worsen with subsequent pregnancies.

Can weight loss cause varicose veins to disappear?

Excess body weight can place additional pressure on your veins, making varicose veins worse. Losing weight through a combination of a healthy diet and exercise can help reduce the appearance of varicose veins, however, weight loss alone may not cause them to go away entirely. By losing weight, you are reducing the pressure on your veins and improving circulation, which all adds to your vascular health. 

Lifestyle changes

If your varicose veins have started to disappear, it could have been down to some simple lifestyle changes that you didn’t even realise you were doing. Regular exercise, avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing, and elevating your legs can help reduce discomfort and swelling, and have been known to reduce the appearance of varicose veins.

Does age affect varicose veins?

As people age, the risk of developing varicose veins increases as ageing causes wear and tear on vein valves, ultimately leading to valve dysfunction. This results in blood pooling in the veins, causing them to swell and become varicose. However, some varicose veins may appear less prominent as you age, especially if you are no longer exposed to the underlying factors that contributed to their development, such as certain jobs that require prolonged standing.

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It's important to note that these factors might reduce symptoms and improve the appearance of varicose veins to some extent, but the veins themselves may not vanish entirely. Varicose veins often persist unless specialist treatment is used to get rid of them entirely. 

Can you get rid of varicose veins without surgery?

While surgical procedures like vein stripping and laser ablation are common treatments for treating varicose veins, there are minimally invasive options available that can effectively reduce the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins which are much less invasive. 

Minimally invasive ways to remove varicose veins:

Foam sclerotherapy

This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a special solution into the affected veins, causing them to collapse and be gradually absorbed by the body. Sclerotherapy is effective for both varicose veins and spider veins. Between 50% and 80% of veins are successfully removed with each session, so more often than not, only a couple of sessions are required to remove all varicose veins.

Radiofrequency ablation

This is a minimally invasive form of thermal treatment that uses radio energy to generate and direct a precise source of heat which closes off varicose veins. It is used to treat larger varicose veins by using an electric current to heat up a small area of a damaged vein, causing it to collapse and block itself off entirely. The body then reabsorbs the blocked vein, effectively removing it. 

It's important to consult with a vascular specialist to determine the most suitable treatment option for your specific case as the choice of treatment depends on the severity of your varicose veins, your overall health, and your preferences. These treatments are often less invasive, have shorter recovery times, and can have excellent results.

TREATMENTS FOR VARICOSE VEINS

While it is unlikely that varicose veins may disappear entirely on their own, certain factors like pregnancy, weight loss, and lifestyle changes can improve their appearance and symptoms. Additionally, there are minimally invasive treatments available that can effectively reduce varicose veins, making them less noticeable and irritating.

If you are concerned about your varicose veins, get in touch with UK Vein Clinic to explore the best treatment options for your individual needs and goals.