Varicose veins ulcer results from the poor circulation of blood through the leg veins. The blood cannot circulate back to the heart and puts pressure on the skin resulting in an open sore.
The following tests are performed for the diagnosis of venous ulcers:
At Cutis, experienced cosmetic surgeons may use the following procedures for poorly healing sores.
Endovenous ablation
This is an outpatient procedure. A catheter is inserted into the large/small saphenous vein. A numbing medication is injected into the skin along the area of the affected vein. This vein is heated using laser beam or radio waves. This process is called ablation and it takes less than 10 minutes to be complete. The restricted blood in the affected vein is naturally redirected into the deep vein system. Patients experience immediate relief from pain and are encouraged to walk after the procedure.
If a patient experiences any pain after the treatment, then OTC analgesics are prescribed. A follow-up visit is necessary one week after the procedure to examine the vein for blood clots. Medication may be prescribed to manage blood clotting.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
This procedure can be performed in an office or as an outpatient procedure and is suitable for treating the branched varicose veins. A patient is asked to stand for a few minutes in order to let the veins fill with blood. A surgeon marks the veins that are supposed to be excised. A numbing medication is injected into the skin along the course of the affected veins. A few tiny incisions are made into the skin and the veins are removed using a small hook. It is not necessary to stitch the small incisions. A dressing is placed on the leg after treatment. Patient is allowed to walk after the procedure. A patient may or may not require any analgesics.
Most patients return to work within a day or so after the procedure; however, it depends on the extent of the procedure.
Sclerotherapy
This procedure is also performed to treat branched varicose veins or spider veins. It can be performed in an office or as an outpatient procedure. The smaller veins are injected using a tiny needle. A liquid that closes down the vein is used for the treatment and this procedure is known as scleroses of the veins. No anesthesia or numbing medicine is used during the treatment.
At Cutis,
We have a team of skilled surgeons capable of providing proper varicose ulcer treatment based upon the severity of the disease. Skilled cosmetic surgeons at Cutis ensure the best medical and aesthetic results through surgical correction of varicose ulcers.
Expert nursing staff can provide the best medical and personal care
The venous skin ulcer is a sore that is present on the leg. It usually occurs just above the ankle. It heals slowly and results from the poor blood-circulation in the limb. This type of ulcer may remain for weeks and may become infected without receiving proper medical care.
The early signs of venous ulcers are as follows:
The ulcer looks like a shallow open wound after developing. It is red in color at this stage and usually develops the following symptoms:
A venous leg ulcer may develop if the veins have damaged valves. These valves cannot prevent the blood from flowing back into the vein. The damaged veins cannot send blood back to the heart. Hence, the blood may start pooling in the smaller veins close to the skin.
The valves in the larger veins may become damaged due to thrombosis (blood-clot) or due to developing varicose veins. The swollen veins put pressure on the skin at the end of the limb. The continued pressure weakens the skin making it hard for a cut or scrape to heal.
The following individuals are at risk for venous ulcers:
You may use the following precautions to prevent the venous leg ulcers from developing if you are at risk.
Regular walking strengthens the calf muscles which play an important role in pushing the blood back toward the heart. Rotating the ankle and foot in alternate directions strengthens the calf muscle. It is possible to do this exercise in seated and lying positions.
It is crucial to keep the leg elevated higher than the level of the heart. It prevents the blood from flowing back into the veins.
If you have to stand for a long time, then it is important to repetitively shift the bodyweight from one foot to another. You may even stand on your toes for a few seconds to shift the bodyweight.
Overweight/obese people are at risk for developing venous leg ulcers, as the legs carry the entire weight of the body. Hence, it is essential to follow a healthy diet plan alongside doing regular exercise.
It is prudent to avoid wearing tight-fit shoes or clothes, as they restrict the blood-flow. It is important to remember that well-fitted compression stockings are used for the treatment of venous ulcers. However, it is prudent not to use knee-high socks/garters/girdles. It is also important not to wear high-heel shoes or shoes with narrow toe-box.
If you are at risk for developing venous ulcer, then you may look after the skin in the following manner.
You may book a consultation at Cutis if you notice the following symptoms.
At Cutis, the following medical tests are performed to diagnose the varicose veins ulcer.
Blood pressure cuffs are placed on arms and ankles. A handheld ultrasound device is used in order to listen to the blood-flow and to measure the blood-pressure.
An ultrasound device is used to measure the blood-pressure on different points of leg and arm.
X-ray/MRI-scan/bone-scans are performed to identify any evidence of bone infection.
Yes. Compression therapy is used for the treatment of venous leg ulcer at the primary stage. Different types of compression therapies may be used during the treatment.
We provide effective surgical and non-surgical treatments for all parts of the body. At Cutis Hospital, our cosmetic and plastic surgery team is committed to giving patients safe and high-quality care.
