It is estimated that about half of the adult female population is irked with this common cosmetic problem. But with the advances in cosmetic surgery, you can kiss goodbye to unsightly varicose and spider veins!

Spider veins more likely to be known in the medical world as telangiectasias or sunburst varicosities - are small, thin veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Although these fine veins are linked to the larger venous system, they are not an essential part of it, while varicose are bulging veins that are larger than spider veins, typically 3mm or more in diameter and usually far deeper than the spider veins.

"A number of factors contribute to the development of spider veins. These includes heredity, pregnancy and other events that cause hormonal shifts, weight gain, occupations or activities that require prolonged sitting or standing, and the use of certain medications. These factors also cause emergence of varicose veins. However, pregnancy usually results to unwanted varicose veins," shares Prettylooks CEO and founder Susan Co-Ong.

Pregnant women develop varicose veins during the first trimester. This is common for all. Pregnancy increases the hormone levels and blood volume in the body, which results to vein enlargement. To add, the enlarged uterus provokes increased pressure on the veins. Varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within three months after delivery, however, with successive pregnancies, abnormal veins are more likely to remain. Other predisposing factors include aging, obesity and leg injury.

Europe started using Sclerotherapy to rid of varicose and spider veins for over 50 years while it has only become popular in the United States during the past decade – and now available in the Philippines.

Susan Co-Ong, owner of a cosmetic and skin center- Prettylooks, has been using the method which she started practicing way back when she was still based in the States. She’s a pharmacist by profession who has been involved for over 20 years in developing and offering cosmetic breakthroughs for women and men both in Asia and in the US. At the moment, she shares this genuis procedure, Sclerotherapy, to the Filipino community.

"Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure wherein veins are injected with a sclerosing solution, which causes them to collapse and fade from view. Women of any age may be good candidates for sclerotherapy, but most fall in the 30-to-60 category," says Prettylooks’ resident phlebologist Dr. Rizalino Dela Fuente.

He adds, "Serious medical complications from sclerotherapy are extremely rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified practitioner. Something which, our clients should not bother. And the other good news for everyone interested, no knives included."

Sclerotherapy can enhance ones appearance and self-confidence, but it’s unrealistic to believe that every affected vein will disappear completely as a result of treatment. After each sclerotherapy session, the veins will appear lighter. Two or more sessions are usually required to achieve optimal results.

"You should also be aware that the procedure treats only those veins that are currently visible; it does nothing to permanently alter the venous system or prevent new veins from surfacing in the future. But, you can be assured for its efficacy in getting rid hideous spider and varicose veins," Dr. Dela Fuente explains.

Far more, sclerotherapy does not only feed on cosmetic concerns or one’s unflagging vanity to maintain flawless and untainted legs, thighs, calves and ankles. It is also to relieve women from pain due to leg heaviness, fatigue, itching, night cramps, restless legs at night and leg swelling and other vein disorders.

"As every woman knows, varicose and spider veins are official no-nos both for cosmetic and health reasons. Here at Prettylooks, we offer a treatment that is effective and most important, safe – to slough off unwanted bulging and visible veins through Sclerotherapy, " he further shares.

Cosmetic procedures in the Philippines are fast improving making use of, if not most, modern technology and method. Now becoming a commodity, women are undoubtedly conceding to any possible procedure that would defy age and preserve youth.

"Women seem to become obsessed with physical improvements, which on the other side become the fuel of ever increasing clinics in for the profit. That’s reality. But here at Prettylooks, we make sure we do not magnify the treatments for our customers," tells Ong.

"We explain to them the procedures and it is only but our goal to improve their appearances without overdoing it. We want to abate women from the pain caused by varicose and spider veins. Rest assured, treatments are supervised by qualified and experienced doctors and well trained staff," she ends.

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