Is it normal to have varicose veins at age 17? How are they treated?

I'm 17 years old and have varicose veins on my left leg. I feel like I've been doomed with ugly legs before I've even had a chance to hit my prime! Are varicose veins normal at this age? How are they treated?

Answers from doctors (3)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Sep 10, 2018

We have treated teens with varicose veins. Typically, it is inherited from a parent/grandparent, etc. Consult with a board-certified vascular surgeon who specializes in treating varicose veins. This will include an ultrasound examination to see if there is venous reflux.

These veins are usually treated with laser (EVLA) and microphlebectomy (removal of the bulging veins) all at the same time, in the office and just under local anesthetic. Very little downtime is required. You can walk in and walk out in an hour.

You will need to be fitted into a thigh-length compression stocking. There are some nice, thinner styles or black hose that appear like a pair of leggings.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

We have treated teens with varicose veins. Typically, it is inherited from a parent/grandparent, etc. Consult with a board-certified vascular surgeon who specializes in treating varicose veins. This will include an ultrasound examination to see if there is venous reflux.

These veins are usually treated with laser (EVLA) and microphlebectomy (removal of the bulging veins) all at the same time, in the office and just under local anesthetic. Very little downtime is required. You can walk in and walk out in an hour.

You will need to be fitted into a thigh-length compression stocking. There are some nice, thinner styles or black hose that appear like a pair of leggings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Vein Specialists

Published on Sep 06, 2018

Venous insufficiency is largely hereditary and can affect patients of all ages, even teenagers. I would suggest a comprehensive venous ultrasound for insufficiency to determine whether you have an underlying problem in the superficial vein system (saphenous veins). If so, and if you are having symptoms of swelling, leg fatigue or achiness, or have obvious signs of varicose veins, consider endovenous ablation. This is the process of sealing the leaking vein with a heated catheter through a small needle stick and IV—all performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. If your legs rarely bother you and your veins are not that impressive (spider veins or small bluish-green veins under the skin), you may consider just treating them with injection sclerotherapy.

Answered by Vein Specialists (View Profile)

Venous insufficiency is largely hereditary and can affect patients of all ages, even teenagers. I would suggest a comprehensive venous ultrasound for insufficiency to determine whether you have an underlying problem in the superficial vein system (saphenous veins). If so, and if you are having symptoms of swelling, leg fatigue or achiness, or have obvious signs of varicose veins, consider endovenous ablation. This is the process of sealing the leaking vein with a heated catheter through a small needle stick and IV—all performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. If your legs rarely bother you and your veins are not that impressive (spider veins or small bluish-green veins under the skin), you may consider just treating them with injection sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 06, 2018

Varicose veins can occur at any age; my youngest patient was 11 years old. When they occur at an early age, varicose veins are usually due to genetic factors. You should see a vein specialist for a full venous evaluation, including a venous ultrasound. This will determine the appropriate treatment, which usually involves closing the refluxing valves and then treating the varicose veins.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Varicose veins can occur at any age; my youngest patient was 11 years old. When they occur at an early age, varicose veins are usually due to genetic factors. You should see a vein specialist for a full venous evaluation, including a venous ultrasound. This will determine the appropriate treatment, which usually involves closing the refluxing valves and then treating the varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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