Varicose Veins

What are Varicose Veins?

The term varicose vein refers to abnormal and unwanted veins that vary in size from small spider veins to larger bulging varicose veins. Spider veins commonly occur on the legs, face and other areas. Varicose veins occur on the legs.

Bulging, cord-like, twisted, soft, blue-to-purple swellings are seen on the legs, anywhere from the groin to the ankle. Common symptoms include aching, leg fatigue and heaviness, itching, throbbing, night cramps, restless legs and ankle swelling. Some people also complain of burning and muscle cramping. Conservative measures such as walking, compression hose and leg elevation may temporarily improve these symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Aching

Leg Fatigue & Heaviness

Night Cramps

Throbbing

Restless

Ankle Swelling

Treatments for Varicose Veins

Ambulatory Microphlebectomy
Ultrasound Guided Chemical Ablation
Laser Ablation
Sclerotherapy

Ambulatory Microphlebectomy for Varicose Veins

This procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia. When a patient has large visible veins that need to be removed, the microphlebectomy procedure is done to achieve both excellent cosmetic results and to improve patients’ symptoms.

Multiple tiny (1-2mm) cuts are made over the course of the veins, which are then teased out with surgical hooks. This procedure has minimal pain and virtually no ‘down time’.

Ultrasound Guided Chemical Ablation for Varicose Veins

This is often used for deeper veins that cannot be treated with the laser due to their location or morphology.

A concentrated (FDA approved) chemical is injected into the vein with ultrasound guidance and then a pressure bandage is applied to help seal the vein shut. The chemical causes the vein walls to stick to themselves to keep the vein closed, diverting the blood to the normal vein channels.

Laser Ablation for Varicose Veins

Under local anesthesia and after identifying the abnormal vein with ultrasound, a tiny laser fiber is inserted with ultrasound guidance into the vein. The laser is activated and the fiber is slowly withdrawn, closing the incompetent vein as the laser fiber is pulled out.

The entire non-surgical varicose vein procedure takes less than an hour, and patients return home afterward virtually pain-free.

Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins

This is the most common treatment for both spider veins and varicose veins.

A solution is injected into the vein that causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut. This stops the flow of blood and the vein turns into scar tissue. In a few weeks, the vein should fade. The same vein may need to be treated more than once.

Foam Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins

Foam Sclerotherapy is a technique where the solution that is used to close veins is mixed with a gas, usually room air or compressed CO2, to create a foam. This can then be injected into the veins to achieve closure. The indication for the use of foam is usually for larger surface veins or incompetent twisted veins that cannot be closed with a laser.

Foam often works better than straight solutions on the larger veins because the tiny micro bubbles that make up the foam are able to displace the blood in the vein when injected. This results in better surface contact with the vessel wall, leading to closing of the vein. In addition, a smaller volume of solution is needed for injection, potentially decreasing complications.

Learn more about Varicose Veins

What causes Varicose Veins?

The causes of varicose veins may be different for different people. However, some factors have been identified that may contribute to the development of varicose and spider veins: family history of varicose veins, female hormones (internally produced or taken by prescription), pregnancy, trauma, age, obesity, and prolonged standing. Extensive exposure to the sun may also cause spider veins on the face, another good reason to wear sunscreen in our South Florida sun.

Varicose veins affect one out of two people over age 50. They are more common in women than men.

Why Treat Varicose Veins, Even if They Don’t Hurt?

Phlebitis, thrombosis (blood clots), spontaneous bleeding and skin ulcers are complications of varicose vein disease. Also, if varicose veins are left untreated, smaller abnormal veins may increase in number and are associated with worsening symptoms.

How Many Treatments are Necessary to Remove Varicose Veins?

The severity and extent of each case will determine how many treatments are required. The experienced staff examines each patient to decide on the appropriate type and schedule of care.

Insurance Options

Many of the vein treatments offered at The Kimmel Institute are covered by Medicare, managed care and private insurance plans.

We will work with your insurance company whenever possible to limit your out-of-pocket expenses.

older male doctor is shaking hands with middle-aged woman

Varicose Vein Consultation

To request a Varicose Vein consultation, fill out the form below or call us at 561-477-0210.