Vein Treatment

Women account for approximately 85-90% of varicose vein cases that are treated each year, mainly because of the unique additional risk factors for females, including estrogen levels and pregnancy. Women are particularly afflicted with reticular veins. These light blue veins usually appear in a lattice framework, giving a marbled appearance to the skin. They are harmless looking veins but may be symptomatic. Reticular veins can be associated with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) in women. When these veins are effectively treated, the discomfort may diminish. 

In men, the pathophysiology is similar, but instead of reticular veins, the culprits are multiple, small-branching varices and “high pressured small vein disease” (hpsvd). The varices, unfortunately, are often mistaken for “cosmetic” telangiectasia (spider veins). The difference is important because the treatment is different. The association between RLS and vein disease has been overlooked, most likely because of the innocent appearance of the reticular veins.

Varicose vein disease can be very complex and each patient is unique. Therefore, it’s important to find a physician experienced in treating the entire spectrum of vein disease from spider veins to large ropey varicose veins to leg ulcers. Our physicians are board certified general surgeons experienced in treating all aspect of venous disease. They are dedicated to providing individualized treatment plans for each patient that meet your individual needs. They will thoroughly evaluate your health and medical condition, discuss the details of your situation so you feel comfortable and present you with a course of action that works best for you. We recognize that each person and their treatment needs are different. 

An endovenous laser is used to treat large veins beneath the surface of the skin. Surface lasers treat the lighter, more delicate spider veins that appear close to the skin’s surface. 

Varicose veins are a burden on your circulation. Because the blood inside them is refluxing (going backwards), correcting the flow improves your circulation. In treating varicose veins, we eliminate only the bad veins and safeguard the healthy veins for normal circulation. Ultrasound helps to ensure that treatment is highly selective. 

If you have a chronic vein problem, your chances of recurrence are affected by several factors, the most important of which is the thoroughness of your treatment. Unfortunately, many patients quit treatment too early – usually, once they believe their legs look “good enough.” In fact, remnants of the veins left in the leg can quickly grow into more veins. 

As you probably know, postponing any type of treatment can have its drawbacks. Varicose vein disease is a progressive disease that, if left untreated, will only get worse. When making a decision about your varicose veins, keep in mind that the sooner you get your veins treated, the easier they are to treat and control. 

Your entire course of treatment will be at our clinic which will save you time and money, avoiding a hospital stay. Usually, you can resume most activities shortly after each session. Prior to your treatment, you will receive detailed post operative instructions. 

All our physicians are board certified general surgeons who have extensive experience in all areas of venous disease. 

When you come to us, you will complete a patient medical history form that will help the surgeons understand your medical history and current concerns. It is possible that they will require some diagnostic studies, such as an ultrasound to help diagnose the extent of your venous disease. Once your doctor understands your medical needs, they will discuss and develop a plan of care specific to you. You will meet with our support staff that will assist you with insurance questions, financing and scheduling of your treatment.

Our surgeons may recommend a diagnostic test called Duplex Ultrasound. This state-of-the-art technology provides painless and non-invasive testing, and is performed in the physician’s office. Again, this will help us diagnosis and treatment your medical condition. 

In many cases, depending on your coverage and benefits, your insurance company will pay for the procedure. Many insurance companies first require 3-6 months of conservative therapy (use of compression stockings, weight loss, exercise and anti-inflammatory treatment). If the conservative method does not work for you, then your insurance company may pay for surgical therapy. You should also make sure to have a referral from your primary care physician for your initial consultation, as it will allow us to bill your insurance for this visit. 

That will depend on your individual treatment plan, but a general guideline is about an hour. 

We have special packages available for spider treatment only. Since you are still having a medical procedure, we do require a consultation prior to start of treatment. We do not bill insurance companies for this type of treatment since it is considered cosmetic in nature. On average, you will need about 3 sessions. 

No. Most pregnancy related varicose veins will resolve on their own within 6- 8 weeks after you deliver. We would suggest waiting until you are at least two months post-partum. If you still have varicose veins, make an appointment to see one of our surgeons. 

• Family history 
• Pregnancy 
• Prolonged standing
• Obesity
• Trauma
• Surgery
• Illness 
• Prior episodes of blood clot formation
• Medication
• Lifestyle 

Spider veins are small blue or red vessels visible within the skin, usually on the leg, face, neck and chest. Spider veins are caused when small blood vessels just below the surface of the skin become damaged. They can form webs of blue, purple, or red veins. These spider veins rarely cause serious symptoms on their own but can be an indication of a more serious underlying issue. Treatment for spider veins can range from laser treatments and sclerotherapy. The number of sessions will vary depending on the degree and complexity. 

Varicose veins are dilated and ropey appearing blue vessels visible under the skin, often 1/4 inch or larger in diameter. Varicose veins are caused when a damaged vein causes blood to flow in the wrong direction. When the vein does not function properly, blood pools, pressure builds up, and the veins become weakened, enlarged, and twisted. This is called venous insufficiency. The most common site of varicose veins is in the leg. 

• Some people may be more likely than others to develop varicose veins because of inherited characteristics (genetics) and the aging process. Varicose veins may also result from conditions that increase pressure on the leg veins, such as being overweight or pregnant, or having an occupation that requires standing for long periods of time. 
• People with varicose veins often may or may not have symptoms. If you have varicose veins, your legs may feel heavy, tired, achy, and painful. Symptoms may worsen after standing or sitting for long periods of time. Varicose veins can also cause skin color changes (stasis pigmentation), dry, thinned skin, skin inflammation, open sores (ulcerations), or bleeding after a minor injury. 
• Superficial thrombophlebitis is when a blood clot and inflammation develop in a small vein near the surface of the skin and can develop in varicose veins.
• In some cases, varicose veins can signal a blockage in the deeper veins. This condition, called deep vein thrombosis, requires evaluation and possibly treatment.