Summer: A Season of Discomfort for Varicose Vein Patients

Hello, I am Seung-in Yang, the Chief Director of Busan Thoracic Surgery.

As the summer heat continues, many look forward to vacations and leisure activities. However, for those suffering from varicose veins, summer is not always a welcome season. This is because the symptoms of varicose veins often worsen during the hot summer months.

What exactly are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when the valves inside the leg veins weaken, causing blood that should flow toward the heart to reflux (flow backward). This results in the veins becoming dilated and stretched.

The most recognizable symptom is the appearance of blue or red veins bulging out on the legs. Beyond the visual aspect, patients often complain of discomforts such as:

• Swelling and Heaviness

• Pain and Cramping

• Itching

During summer, high temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate (expand). This expansion can compress surrounding muscles, skin, and nerve tissues, significantly intensifying these symptoms.

What happens if you leave it untreated?

Varicose veins are not merely a cosmetic issue where veins are simply visible. If left untreated, they can lead to serious complications such as:

• Skin pigmentation

• Skin ulcers

• Blood clots (Thrombosis)

Varicose veins are a progressive disease; they do not heal naturally once they have developed. Therefore, if you experience symptoms, it is crucial to seek professional medical consultation as soon as possible.

Does every case require surgery?

Many people believe that "varicose veins always require surgery," but that is not necessarily true. Depending on the symptoms and the degree of reflux, a non-surgical treatment called Sclerotherapy may be an option for patients with milder conditions.

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a specialized medicinal agent into thin veins to cause the vessel walls to adhere and close off the blood flow. Its advantages include:

• Short procedure time

• Fast recovery

• Immediate return to daily life

It is also frequently performed as a supplementary treatment after surgery to prevent recurrence. However, the effectiveness of the procedure can vary greatly depending on the experience and expertise of the medical staff, so it is vital to be treated by a skilled specialist.

Customized Treatment Prevents Recurrence

Since the causes and symptoms of varicose veins vary by individual, an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan are essential. We must meticulously analyze each patient's blood flow through vascular ultrasound and select the appropriate treatment method to minimize the risk of recurrence.

In my practice, I always emphasize "treatment that considers the patient's lifestyle, occupation, and vascular condition." This is because the best results are achieved when the treatment is paired with proper post-operative care and lifestyle adjustments.

Many of you may be worried as your symptoms worsen during the summer. However, if you receive an accurate diagnosis early and proceed with a treatment tailored to your condition, you can achieve significant improvement.

I, Seung-in Yang, will continue to do my best to ensure safe, comfortable treatment and to reduce the recurrence rate for all my patients.