Vanity has a negative connotation. People don't want to be seen as vain and self-centered. Yet, our appearance is important. It's how we create positive first impressions and begin building healthy relationships. When I hear people say that they don't really care what their legs look like because they aren't vain...I know that's not entirely true. It's not about vanity...it's about feeling healthy and normal.
In my clinical experience, the presence of ugly bulging varicose veins, blue or purple spider veins, or brown skin stains on people's legs causes a negative self-image. People with these symptoms often avoid social interactions because they don't feel like they fit in. They also avoid wearing shorts, dresses, or swimsuits because they don't want people to stare at their legs or little kids to point their fingers at them. They feel bad about themselves and their confidence suffers. This negative self-image isn't normal and it certainly isn't healthy.
In my experience treating patients, taking care of your appearance, and caring for your personal hygiene is a normal approach to a healthy self-image. It's because most people want to fit in and feel confident. Most of us understand that we aren't going to look like a supermodel, but we can and should expect to have a healthy self-image. I've seen the negative psychological state resulting from the unsightly veins. The stares and finger-pointing cause people to feel unaccepted, which leads to social isolation and often depression.
The good news is that vein treatments work. When we treat the underlying vein circulation condition, not only do leg symptoms and fatigue go away, the unsightly veins go away as well. Patients feel better, and they look better too. This renewed sense of confidence is part of the story they tell about how treatments made a difference in their lives.
I hear people say "I didn't think anything could be done about my unsightly veins." When we tell them that there is a solution, they are ecstatic. It's not about vanity. It's about a healthy self-image and confidence.
If you'd like to explore the possibility of treatments for your varicose veins, spider veins, or skin stains, contact us to schedule a free vein screening.