Donna M. Mendes, MD, FACS

Bulging, ropy veins can be blue or green.  You should be seen by a vascular surgeon for a complete diagnosis for varicose veins.

Thank you for your question.  You may want to see your physician to rule out osteomyelitis - which is a bone infection. 

Ultrasound is frequently done to rule out a deep vein thrombosis.  It is also performed in patients with varicose veins to determine how long it takes for valves to close.  Patients with varicose veins have valves that take longer to close.  When treating varicose veins, an ultrasound will determine if your valves are functioning properly.  EVLT is a proven method of treating varicose veins caused by valvular insufficiency, and certainly not a waste of money and diagnostic for appropriate treatment.

If the tattoo is in the area of the vein treatment - wait.  Tattooing is not an emergency.  If the tattoo is not near the vein treatment - then you can have it done the next day.

Veins with poorly functioning valves will dilate.  The patient can develop rope-like varicose veins.  This also increases spider veins.  When the cause is treated - both the rope-like veins disappear and spider veins lessen.