Does Weight Gain Cause Varicose Veins To Appear?

There’s no doubt that varicose veins can be unsightly, embarrassing, and frustrating. While age may play a role in developing varicose veins, it is not the only risk factor. For many men and women, being overweight contributes to unwanted varicose veins and, in some cases, more serious vascular problems. Board-certified general surgeon Dr. Matthew Lynch and the acclaimed team at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics in Peoria, AZ are experts at diagnosing and treating varicose veins and associated conditions. Discover how your weight may be related to your varicose veins, what options you have, and how you may be able to prevent future varicose veins.

What do varicose veins look like?

Varicose veins, which develop as the blood vessel wall weakens due to increased pressure, are typically characterized by a bulging appearance and are most commonly seen in the legs and feet. Frequent signs and symptoms associated with varicose veins include:

• Long, bulging veins in the legs and feet
• Purple and blue veins
• Pain
• Aching
• Heaviness
• Itching
• Worsening symptoms after long periods of standing

Are varicose veins dangerous?

Unlike spider veins, which are generally harmless, varicose veins may lead to much more serious complications, including blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and even death. However, this is certainly not always the case. The best way to find out with certainty what is causing your varicose veins and whether you made need treatment to avoid further problems is to be evaluated by a qualified and experienced vascular expert like Dr. Lynch.

What causes varicose veins?

For some men and women, there is no obvious cause for developing varicose veins, while other patients may have a number of factors contributing to their enlarged veins. Some of the most common risk factors and causes of varicose veins include:

• Pregnancy
• Genetics/heredity
• Obesity
• Hormone changes
• Hormone therapy/birth control pills

Can being overweight cause varicose veins?

In some cases, yes. The increased pressure put on the veins caused by being overweight, as well as other vascular conditions associated with obesity, can contribute to the development and worsening of varicose veins. Oftentimes, varicose veins are concealed by a patient’s excess weight, which delays the patient from seeking treatment.

Can varicose veins go away with weight loss?

Once the vein’s valve becomes dysfunctional and the vessel wall weakens, forming a varicose vein, it will not resolve on its own. However, losing weight is still essential for discouraging new varicose veins to develop and for improving the patient’s vascular function and overall health.

How are varicose veins treated?

Dr. Lynch is committed to offering the most current and effective vein treatments in Peoria, AZ to help patients struggling with the uncomfortable, embarrassing, or dangerous symptoms of varicose veins. During your consultation, Dr. Lynch will examine your veins, perform any necessary imaging studies and lab work, and determine the cause and most appropriate treatment plan for your spider veins and varicose veins. Some of our most popular and exciting vein treatments include:

• Surface laser treatments
• Sclerotherapy
• Microphlebectomy
• Ultrasound-guided therapies
• Laser vein removal
• Venefit™
• ClariVein®
• Alma VascuLife™

Dr. Lynch understands that every patient’s situation is unique and takes great care to customize your vein treatment plan to meet your specific needs, goals, and situation. With expert vein treatment in Peoria, AZ, you can finally say goodbye to your unsightly varicose veins.

Get the confidence and freedom you deserve with varicose vein treatment in Peoria, AZ

If you have varicose veins caused by weight gain, we can help. While losing weight is certainly an important first step in restoring your overall health and wellness, advanced vein treatments can address your varicose veins and help you avoid a potentially more serious complication, such as DVT. Call Lynch Vein & Aesthetics to schedule your one-on-one consultation with board-certified general surgeon Dr. Matthew Lynch today, and discover all of your options for varicose vein treatment in Peoria, AZ.