Medically reviewed by Deborah Cogan, MD, FACOG, FABVLM, on April 24, 2024
If you are "of a certain age" and have varicose veins, spider veins, or other vein issues that cause itchy, achy, heavy-feeling legs, swelling, or unsightly visible veins, you may wonder if you're too old to seek treatment. The good news is that, with the advent of modern minimally invasive vein treatment options, there's no upper age limit for addressing vein problems.
Many people mistakenly believe that varicose veins and spider veins are purely a “cosmetic concern” or that they may be "too old" for certain types of vein treatment procedures. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Venous insufficiency, the root cause of varicose veins, develops when the tiny valves inside your veins stop working correctly. This causes blood to pool and veins to become swollen, twisted, and enlarged and lead to more serious medical problems such as:
Treatment options for varicose veins and spider veins are extremely safe. They can be performed as outpatient procedures and can be successful for adults through their senior years as long as they are healthy enough to undergo them.
A comprehensive study conducted by the National Library of Medicine (NIH) on the safety and effectiveness of varicose vein procedures across all age groups found that these procedures are safe for all age groups and are increasingly offered to elderly and high-risk populations. Many people who once thought they were doomed to live with uncomfortable leg vein problems due to their age can now find relief.
Why?
Because the latest vein treatments are performed as an outpatient, don't require general anesthesia, and are done in an hour or less. Patients can return to their normal routine immediately with few restrictions.
We had the privilege of speaking with Deborah Cogan, MD, FACOG, FABVLM, board-certified doctor at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein clinic locations in Gahanna (Columbus), Ohio, and Grove City, Ohio, about her experience with successfully treating symptoms of vein disease in older individuals.
The answer is a resounding yes.
The following is a real-life example of the experience of an older patient treated by vein expert Dr. Deborah Cogan.
Dr. Deborah Cogan: “I have a really lovely patient who came to me at age 69, having told me that she had pain and heaviness and achiness in her legs for the last two decades.
This patient’s leg pain had gotten to a point where she felt like she couldn't stand for a long time. And she was really limited in her ability to travel and do what she wanted to do. Her daughter had wanted to take her to Spain for her 70th birthday. And she came to me and said, ‘I don't know if I'm going to be able to go because I know we're going to be walking and standing all over the city, trying to go to museums. And I don't think it's something that I can do at this point.’
I looked at her legs and realized that she had significant venous insufficiency (vein disease). We talked through the treatment options. We went ahead and treated the veins that had incompetent vein valves that were causing pressure in her venous system.
The patient did really well, and her treatment went great!”
Dr. Deborah Cogan: “My patient returned for her one-month checkup, and everything looked really good, so I sent her on her way. She came back to me for her six-month checkup, and she gave me a hug and said," I have to let you know that I just got back from my 70th birthday trip. We went to Barcelona, and we stood in museums and went on tours, and I never missed a beat.
The patient continued, ‘I kept up with my daughter the whole time, and I never even thought about my legs. I have you to thank for that.’”
Dr. Deborah Cogan: “It really just warmed my heart to think that I could do something as simple as fixing her venous insufficiency and make that big an impact on her life and her enjoyment. Our biggest recommendation is not to wait if you have symptoms.”
Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is a nationally acclaimed authority addressing the root cause of varicose and spider veins: chronic venous insufficiency. Offering an array of minimally invasive treatments, they specialize in pain-free solutions to alleviate both the aesthetic and discomfort of vein issues.
CVR is committed to delivering cutting-edge vascular care with compassion and affordability. It is dedicated to redefining the standard of care for patients with venous disorders across the United States. Its physicians are extensively trained in the latest outpatient vein treatments, ensuring the utmost safety and convenience for every patient they serve.
Dr. Deborah Cogan: “Many patients tell me that they've talked to their primary care doctor and were told there's nothing that can be done, or they've been given stockings or compression stockings and tried those but found that they weren't really helping enough to provide them with the quality of life that they wanted.
I would encourage patients to come in and have an evaluation if they're having symptoms.
I know some people are scared of the potential for a procedure or surgery and are afraid even to understand what's going on—but I feel knowledge is power. If you know what the problem is and you can understand the different treatment options, most of what we do these days is very minimally invasive and can have such an impact on something that you might have been struggling with for decades.”
People mistakenly assume that bulging varicose veins are just a harmless sign of aging, but this isn't true. If you have varicose veins that cause pain, heaviness, swelling, or other issues, don't put off getting an evaluation by a vein expert.
Effective, safe, and minimally invasive treatments can restore healthy circulation and help you feel like yourself again—regardless of age.
Dr. Deborah Cogan: “My recommendation is to come in, find out what's going on, and see if there is a fix for you!”
No one should have to suffer from the pain, discomfort, and mobility issues that can come with vein problems, especially since the safety and effectiveness of vein treatment for anyone at any age is proven:
“Given these (study findings), patients older than 65 years appear to benefit from varicose vein procedures and should not be denied interventions on their varicose veins and venous insufficiency on the basis of their age only.” – National Library of Medicine (NIH)
Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is America's largest physician-led vein center. It offers comprehensive treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. With 120+ centers in 22 states and 70+ active physicians, CVR boasts a 98 percent patient satisfaction rating.
CVR accepts various insurances, including Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Medicare. It provides accessible, compassionate, and effective vein care for people of all ages.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
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