Varicose Veins and Beyond: Winter is the Best Time to Treat Unsightly and Uncomfortable Leg Veins

There may be some drawbacks to living in an area where winter can force you into hiding. But on the positive side, it does provide you with ample time to address those unsightly and uncomfortable veins on your legs. Whether you’re dealing with painful ropey blue veins or prominent spider vein patterns that simply limit your wardrobe choices, now is the time to address these issues. 

It takes some time to eradicate varicose veins and other unwanted venous issues. But start treatment now and you’ll be ready to confidently sport shorts or a swimsuit by summer. 

At the Vein Institute of Westchester, board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Michael Gioscia offers a wide range of treatments that eliminate aesthetically displeasing and potentially harmful conditions like varicose veins. With nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Giorscia personally assesses each patient’s condition and recommends the best course of action. Most treatments are covered through insurance, and cosmetic options are extraordinarily reasonable. 

Here’s a look at why winter is the best time to treat unsightly and uncomfortable leg veins and how Dr. Giorscia can accomplish this goal.

Behind varicose veins

Varicose veins are bulging, ropey veins that appear on the surface of your skin, usually in your legs. At best, varicose veins pose a cosmetic concern, but they can also signal a larger problem with the function of your veins.

Your veins are tasked with delivering blood back to your heart for recirculation, picking up critical oxygen and nutrients along the way so your arteries can take over and distribute these resources. The veins in your legs, however, face more challenges as they have to fight both distance and gravity to get your blood back to your heart. 

To help, your veins are equipped with tiny valves that shut off as blood passes through, preventing your blood from flowing backward. Varicose veins develop when these valves malfunction or weaken, which allows your blood to pool and engorge, causing your veins to rise toward the surface of your skin.

As we mentioned, these veins can be unsightly, but they can also lead to discomfort and pain in your legs. And, in severe cases, ulcers can develop, which pose infection risks.

Winter is here

The reason we recommend addressing varicose and spider veins during the winter months is because we have the time to fully evaluate and treat the problem in an order that makes sense. We start by addressing the more problematic veins first and then we turn to those smaller, pesky veins that aren’t necessarily dangerous, but they do pose cosmetic concerns.

By treating your leg veins systematically over the winter months, it ensures that your legs will be good and ready for the more revealing warmer months that come all too soon.

Treating your veins

During your initial consultation, Dr. Gioscia takes the time to fully evaluate your leg veins and devise the most effective treatment plan. This isn’t a one-fix-for-all practice. Dr. Gioscia has extensive experience in all possible solutions. As such, your plan may include one or more of the following techniques:

• Radiofrequency ablation
• ClariVein®
• VenaSeal™
• Micro-incision/needle phlebectomy
• Sclerotherapy
• Laser vein treatments

To get started on your leg vein treatments this winter, please contact our office in White Plains, New York, to set up an appointment.