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Varicose veins are a common side effect of weight gain and obesity.
These enlarged and twisted veins can itch, hurt, and cause a feeling of heaviness while appearing unsightly on the thighs and lower legs.
For many, varicose veins are generally harmless and are easily treatable after sr weight loss.
For others, advanced treatment may be required to eliminate varicose veins and restore overall circulation after reaching your healthy goal weight.
Varicose veins are caused by increased pressure in the vein that damages or weakens the valve within the vein over time. When veins stop working efficiently, blood begins to flow backward and pool within them, causing them to swell and appear bulging and twisted just below the skin’s surface. Often, they appear in a blueish purple hue.
If you’re living with varicose veins caused by obesity, we can help.
Let’s discuss varicose vein causes and whether or not they go away after losing weight in more detail.
How Does Weight Gain Cause Varicose Veins?
Added weight on the body puts pressure on various organs, joints, and vessels, including the veins. This added pressure puts more stress on the veins, causing them to malfunction, which leads to spider and varicose veins.
For those with severe obesity, varicose veins may be masked by excess fat and skin on the lower legs. Even when this happens, varicose vein symptoms can still be present without the visual aspect of the protruding veins.
It is important to note that any weight increase, including pregnancy, puts you at an increased risk of developing varicose veins.
Varicose Vein Symptoms
Although many people do not experience any symptoms of varicose veins outside of their protruding and twisted appearance, others may experience painful symptoms.
Common varicose vein symptoms include
- Constant leg aching or discomfort
- Heaviness in the legs
- Swollen calves, feet, and ankles
- Muscle cramping
- Dry skin
- Color changes in your legs
Do Varicose Veins Go Away After Weight Loss?
The short answer is that it depends, but not usually.
While weight loss can help reduce the pressure on your veins and prevent further varicose veins from forming, it will probably not eliminate your current varicose veins completely.
One of the most positive results of weight loss for vein health is less pressure and stress on the veins themselves. You may also experience a reduction in overall varicose vein symptoms, even if you can still visibly see them beneath your skin.
If your varicose veins are bothersome after weight loss, minimally invasive treatment options may be the best option for your vein health.
Treatment Options
Although losing weight helps alleviate symptoms of varicose veins, weight loss alone cannot completely cure your vein condition.
Common treatment options for varicose veins include
- Sclerotherapy
- EVLT
- Radiofrequency Ablation
Most varicose vein treatments can be performed in an outpatient setting with little to no downtime following care.
When Should I Get My Varicose Veins Treated?
In most cases, vein surgery for those considered overweight or obese is recommended after you’ve reached a healthier, more stable weight.
However, our team can help you reduce the signs and symptoms of varicose veins and prevent complications of other vein-related issues now.
Comprehensive Varicose Vein Treatment in Virginia
Virginia Vein Care offers effective treatment for varicose veins.
Our minimally invasive outpatient procedures do not require extensive surgeries or downtime and provide lasting results for symptom reduction and overall better quality of life for those living with varicose veins caused by weight gain and obesity.
If you’re hoping to eliminate the symptoms and appearance of varicose veins, we can help. Please visit a Virginia Vein Care location near you.