Health

Treatment For Varicose Veins

Published

3 years ago

December 17, 2021

Varicose veins are discolored, enlarged veins that typically appear on the legs. While this condition is often hereditary, it can also be caused by pregnancy or obesity. Varicose veins can be uncomfortable, but there are steps that you can take to reduce your symptoms. Treatment for varicose veins can be done through physical therapy, vein stripping, and laser surgery. Many people with varicose veins develop the condition due to prolonged periods of standing. To prevent the appearance of varicose veins, it is essential to take breaks and elevate your legs often. While they do not pose any health risks, you may want to seek treatment for varicose veins for cosmetic reasons. Below are some of the common treatments offered by Upper East Side varicose veins specialists.

1. Sclerotherapy

For small spider veins that are causing discomfort, your doctor may recommend sclerotherapy. This treatment involves injecting a unique solution into the affected area. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel and causes it to collapse and fade away. A single injection lasts anywhere from three months to two years. There is a risk of infection and bruising, but the procedure is generally painless.

2. Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are elastic garments worn on the legs to improve symptoms associated with varicose veins. The ideal compression level can be determined by your doctor but typically ranges between 20 and 30 millimeters of mercury. Compression stockings work by reducing the diameter of veins, which increases blood flow speed throughout your body. It is essential to talk with your doctor about getting the proper sized stockings. If you try on the wrong size, it can worsen symptoms like swelling and pain. High heels should be avoided, as they increase pressure on varicose veins in your legs.

3. Laser Treatment

Although laser surgery is considered a last resort treatment for varicose veins, there are some benefits to this procedure. Laser surgery works by sealing the vein and removing excess blood from the area. This minimizes symptoms such as itching and swelling, but it can also create scar tissue in the process. If you have severe symptoms that reduce your quality of life, laser surgery may be the right treatment option for you.

4. Ambulatory Phlebectomy

An ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that can improve symptoms of varicose veins. During this treatment, your doctor will make small incisions in the affected area and remove the vein with a unique tool called a balloon embolectomy catheter (BEC). The BEC is inserted under high pressure to remove the vein, which causes minimal scarring and pain. Recovery time is quick, with many patients returning to work within a few days of their procedure.

5. Endoscopic Vein Treatment

There are several endoscopic vein treatment options available, but sclerotherapy is one of the most commonly recommended. This treatment involves injecting a unique solution into the affected area to remove the varicose vein. The procedure is minimally invasive and often performed in an ambulatory care center. Patients may experience pain or itching after the procedure, but this discomfort typically goes away quickly.

In summary, varicose veins are discolored, enlarged veins that typically appear on the legs. If you have this problem, you can benefit from various treatments, including sclerotherapy, compression stockings, ambulatory phlebectomy, and endoscopic vein treatment.

Health

Dr. Raghu Athré: Beyond the Surface: The Mind-Skin Connection in Aesthetic Medicine

Published

5 days ago

March 18, 2025

Michelle Langton

Before becoming one of the most sought-after facial cosmetic surgeons in Houston, Dr. Raghu Athré’s academic journey began at the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with honors in Chemical Engineering. His deep-rooted passion for understanding how things work—both functionally and aesthetically—laid the foundation for his career in plastic surgery. For Dr. Athré, the parallels between engineering and surgery are unmistakable: both require precision, analysis, attention to detail, and strategic problem-solving.

Dr. Athré’s expertise extends beyond surgical precision. He recognizes that beauty is not just skin deep—stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being play critical roles in dermatological and aesthetic concerns. This understanding has led him to explore the field of psychodermatology, a specialty that examines the powerful connection between mental health and skin conditions.

“Psychodermatology has become a buzzword ever since a strong relationship was shown between acne patients and depression.” said Dr. Athré. “To treat these patients effectively, physicians must address both the patient’s acne and depression simultaneously for optimal results. This highlights the connection between how we look and how we feel.”

A similar trend is evident among many of Dr. Athré’s facial rejuvenation patients. Unscripted patient interviews reveal that patients feel more awake, alert, confident, and self-assured after surgery. This pattern is also observed in many rhinoplasty patients, who often change how they engage with the world post-surgery due to increased self-confidence. These observations underscore the importance of a holistic approach to patient care in contemporary aesthetic medicine.

What is Psychodermatology?

Psychodermatology examines the intricate relationship between the mind and skin, focusing on how psychological stress and emotional well-being directly influence skin health. Conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and even premature aging have been linked to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles. This field bridges dermatology with psychological and emotional care, offering a more holistic approach to skincare and aesthetic treatments.

The mind-skin connection becomes particularly evident when a patient’s emotional state exacerbates or triggers skin conditions. For example, stress-induced acne breakouts are a common issue, as the body’s response to emotional stress can lead to hormonal fluctuations, which in turn affect the skin. Similarly, individuals battling with anxiety or depression may experience worsened symptoms of psoriasis or eczema, as emotional distress can amplify the immune response.

An Approach to Aesthetic and Skin Wellness

The rise of psychodermatology marks a shift in how both patients and healthcare providers approach skin conditions. Instead of viewing the skin as merely a surface to treat, psychodermatology emphasizes the importance of emotional and psychological health in the overall management of skin conditions. Patients dealing with skin issues are encouraged to address their emotional well-being as part of their skincare regimen, fostering not just physical but mental health in tandem.

This field also highlights the importance of treating the patient as a whole person rather than focusing solely on external beauty. While cosmetic procedures can improve physical appearance, psychodermatology helps ensure that patients are also given the tools to support their mental health, which plays a key role in maintaining long-term skin wellness.

Bridging Aesthetics, Science, and Mental Well-Being

As the understanding of psychodermatology continues to grow, there is increasing recognition of the need to treat mental health concerns in conjunction with skin conditions. Innovative treatments are emerging that combine dermatological care with psychological interventions, offering patients an integrated approach to wellness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices, for example, can be used alongside traditional dermatological treatments to reduce stress and improve skin health.

The future of aesthetic medicine is poised to be more inclusive, recognizing that true beauty encompasses not just a person’s outward appearance but their emotional and mental well-being as well. As psychodermatology continues to evolve, it offers the potential to transform how we approach skin care, focusing not just on the exterior but on the holistic well-being of the individual.

By merging the science of dermatology with the psychology of the mind, psychodermatology provides a groundbreaking approach to skincare—one that is as much about healing the mind as it is about enhancing the skin.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Raghu Athré, visit https://www.athrefacialplastics.com/facial-surgery/facial-rejuvenation/ or call 281-214-9324