Leg Vein Center

It is estimated that more than 80 million Americans suffer from painful, bulging varicose veins or unsightly spider veins. Spider veins are the tiny veins that appear right under the outer layer of skin and are seen as small, red, blue or purple vessels, usually in a cluster pattern. Varicose veins are bulging blue veins on the leg, which appear large, twisted, and ropelike, and can cause pain, swelling or itching.

Most women begin to notice the appearance of spider veins after childbirth, as a result of direct pressure on the veins in the pelvic region and the lower extremities. Furthermore, progesterone- a hormone involved in the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and development of humans -- may relax the muscle found in the wall of the vein.

Heredity, smoking, weight loss, direct trauma, excess physical activity and weight lifting may also cause venous disorders to develop. Varicose and spider veins can be physically and emotionally painful, and sufferers often feel embarrassed, frustrated, and, in some cases, depressed. However, a physical exam and ultrasound study will determine if the condition is medical or cosmetic, and also will illuminate appropriate options for treatment.

Diagnostic Ultrasound

Prior to performing a cosmetic procedure, any underlying vein disorders must be medically controlled. An ultrasound is a device used to visualize veins under the surface. This is performed on patients whose condition extends beyond cosmetic. This will give a clear understanding of the underlying pathology and allow the physician to guide the treatments. This treatment not performed in our office.

Spider Veins- Sclerotherapy and Laser Vein Therapy

If the unsightly veins are solely a cosmetic problem, they can be treated with sclerotherapy or by laser ablation. Sclerotherapy utilizes a tiny and painless needle to administer a medication to the vein. This will damage the wall of the vessel and the body will eventually dispose of the vessel. Complications following these procedures are rare and one can expect approximately 70-80% improvement after 3-5 sessions.

Laser vein treatment is a new technology that destroys the vessel by heating the blood inside. This will caused destruction of the vessel wall and it will collapse. In a given area, one may require 2-3 treatments. This option is great for individuals who have an aversion to needles, however sclerotherapy is considered the gold standard of care for spider leg veins.

Whether sclerotherapy or laser vein removal are performed, normal activity can be resumed immediately. In addition, patients are required to medical stockings and sun block for a few days after treatment. This treatment not performed in our office.

Bulging Varicose Veins

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy
This techniques allows the ultrasound to guide our injection therapy in order to find hidden and deeper veins that are not seen on the surface. The deeper vessels can be the cause of surface vessels that you see, however unless the source of the problem is treated, the surface vessel will recur. By using the ultrasound to guide our treatment, more successful vein therapy will be obtained. This treatment not performed in our office.

EVLT/ Endovenous Laser Treatment
This is the latest technology that has made vein stripping virtually obsolete. Venous insufficiency that can cause aching, throbbing, swelling and bulging veins can now be treated in the office. Without the need for anesthesia, this office procedure is minimally invasive. A small laser is inserted into the leg and the vessel is treated to remove the underlying vein problem. Normal activity is resumed after the treatment and a compression dressing is worn on the leg for one week. This treatment not performed in our office.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy
This treatment is performed at the time of the EVLT procedure. Used for moderate to severe bulging veins, the vein is marked and removed. Ambulatory phlebectomy is an outpatient vein treatment and only requires a local anesthetic. You won't need stitches and you won't have scars. This treatment not performed in our office.