Many people with unsightly varicose veins or spider veins use makeup to hide them. Others simply avoid wearing shorts or skirts during the summertime to prevent anyone from seeing them. If you are adventurous and want to consider doing a tattoo over the veins to camouflage them, think again. Tattoos and varicose veins are a dangerous combination.
Understanding Varicose Veins
You develop varicose veins when the one-way blood valves in your veins fail to work properly keeping blood flowing in the right direction toward the heart. This creates blood pooling and results in the expansion of the vein walls creating raised, twisted and deformed veins. You are left with delicate vein walls which are easily damaged.
This is known as vein insufficiency or vein disease, and it can be treated by Vein Center of Brinton Lake. However, if left untreated, varicose veins are not only 
uncomfortable, but can develop into venous ulcers or a very serious issue known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
More Reasons You Shouldn’t Tattoo Over a Varicose Vein
There are various consequences of a tattoo over a varicose vein, and none of them are particularly positive.
They include the following:
- When you tattoo over varicose veins, you will end up with a gnarled looking tattoo due to the enlarged veins. You will have a distorted design that may actually draw more attention to the varicose veins.
- The pressure applied during the tattooing may cause the vein to rupture, become swollen, bleed, and might even cause an infection.
- It may make it more difficult to treat your veins in the future. The vein must be completely visible for a vein specialist like the Vein Center of Brinton Lake to properly treat the vein insufficiency.
- There is a high likelihood of developing complications after medical treatment.
- Swelling after a tattoo will further decrease the vein’s ability to transport blood back to the heart which can make the problem worse.
Be Smart About Your Options
Of course you want to disguise your varicose veins, but there are safer options than getting a tattoo. You can find skin-colored compression stockings or creams over the counter.
The best way to proceed is to opt for a safe and a minimally invasive medical treatment.
Contact Vein Center of Brinton Lake at (610) 579-3516 for a consultation to discuss all your options for the removal of your varicose veins.
