Patients were often advised to have extended bed rest, as severe bruising occurred and infections were more frequent. In the last few years, however, new therapies have improved on the major surgical procedure. In either case, the patient is generally up and on her feet a few hours after the procedure. Scarring is minimal compared to the old procedure. People seek help for vein problems when visual clues, such as bulging veins, brown pigment and possibly even a firmer surface of the surrounding skin, indicate that the system isn't functioning properly.
Veins carry the blood through the body and back to the heart.
They have valves every inch or so, which keep the blood flowing in the proper direction. When these valves become defective, the blood is not conveyed back to the heart efficiently. This can cause cosmetic problems -varicose and spider veins are not pretty. But in some cases, circulatory problems can occur, which cause aching legs. In the worst cases, circulation can be seriously affected and the leg severely damaged or destroyed.