VEIN CONDITIONS

A diseased vein can either be seen at the skin surface or it may be deeper in the body and not visible through the skin. Paying close attention to symptoms is important in diagnosing vein disease. Many patients with vein disease experience cramping, aching, burning, itching, soreness or "tired" or "restless" legs, especially in the calf muscles. Vein disease of the legs is one of the most common medical conditions. Approximately half of the population has some form of vein disease. Vein disease can occur through family heredity (genes), pregnancy, obesity and jobs which require long periods of standing. Fortunately, we are able to diagnose and treat vein disease and patient's can return to having a normal active life.

 

TREATMENTS

 

 ENDOVENOUS LASER ABLATION

Insertion of a laser fiber into the problematic vein. The laser heats the vein walls causing the faulty vein to close. The other healthy veins take over the closed vein's function, thereby re-establishing normal flow to the legs and eliminating varicose veins. The in-office procedure takes about 2 hours after which the patient can return to normal activities. This procedure is usually covered by insurance.

 

SCLEROTHERAPY:

Used to eliminate spider veins. A chemical agent is injected into the problematic veins to shrink them. Overall, in two to three days, symptoms begin to disappear and 70-80 percent of the unsightliness is gone. Treatments are done 6 weeks apart. The number of treatments required depends on the amount of veins being treated.

 

PHLEBECTOMY:

Used to remove buldging veins. A tiny incision is made in the skin and then with surgical hooks, the vein is removed from the leg. The incisions are closed with steri-strips.

 

LASER REMOVAL OF VEINS:

Using a Sciton laser, smaller veins are eliminated. This is the final approach to clearing leg veins or if the patient has spider veins that are too small to be injected.