Vein Care

Overview

The primary risk factor for venous disease is genetics. Risks can be worsened by pregnancy, weight gain, blood clots, or spending long periods of time on your feet. Venous disease can be a cosmetic concern but, if left untreated, it can sometimes cause swelling and pain, or even changes in the skin. Our board-certified vascular surgeons are trained in many minimally-invasive options so you know you are getting the best and safest care for these conditions.

Treatment options for varicose and spider veins can include:

• Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective procedure that can be performed in your physician’s office. A medication is delivered directly into the problematic vein with a small needle, causing the vein to seal shut. The unwanted vein then collapses, is reabsorbed into local tissue, and eventually fades. Patients often experience relief of symptoms within two months.
• Varithena is a specialized type of sclerotherapy which mixes the medication with carbon dioxide before it is injected into the vein. This is typically used to treat larger veins and can also be done in the office setting.
• Radiofrequency ablation delivers heat created from radiofrequency into the vein through a thin, flexible tube to close off blood flow in the unhealthy vein. Results from this treatment are seen within a few weeks to a few months.
• Phlebectomy removes varicose veins through small incisions in the skin. This procedure is typically recommended for larger veins that are near the skin’s surface. It is performed under local anesthesia during an outpatient visit.
• The VenaSeal system delivers a small amount of a medical adhesive to seal the diseased vein, which in turn reroutes blood through healthier veins.

Dr. Chelsey Lewis with Elliot Vascular Surgery Answers Common Questions About Varicose and Spider Veins. Listen to the full podcast online!