Varicose Vein Treatment in NY and NJ

Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose Veins are enlarged, bulging veins caused by the blood flowing in the wrong direction. These veins can not only be physically painful, but they can also be aesthetically embarrassing.

When left untreated, varicose veins may worsen over time and, in some cases, lead to complications such as venous leg ulcers. Most of our ulcer patients notice them near the inside of the ankle or anywhere below the knee. You may not have even realized you had varicose veins when a venous leg ulcer occurs. If you have a painful wound on a swollen leg that is red, open, draining and not healing, you may be dealing with a venous leg ulcer.

An Ambulatory Phlebectomy is one of the vein reduction surgery procedures that removes unnecessary varicose veins through small incisions.

Advanced Dermatology, P.C. offers advanced ambulatory phlebectomy techniques to treat varicose veins. In select cases, acupuncture needles may be used to help stabilize varicose veins during treatment, reducing the need for larger incisions. Some veins may be removed through a small needle puncture, which may help minimize scarring. Similar minimally invasive techniques may also be used during Endovenous Laser Ablation when appropriate.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT) is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive procedure to treat varicose veins. It is a procedure used specifically to treat deep varicose veins. This treatment uses a laser fiber to close the affected vein. At six months, the success rate for EVLT has been reported to be between 95 and 100 percent.

At Advanced Dermatology P.C.,  our providers have extensive experience performing EVLT as part of comprehensive vein care.

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that uses heat to close affected veins. Most patients experience little downtime and can return to normal activities soon after treatment.

Contact us to learn more treatment options for varicose veins, and to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins that are typically dark blue and near the surface of one’s skin. Healthy veins feature one-way valves that help direct blood flow. However, if one or more of the valves does not function correctly, blood may flow down one’s leg in the wrong direction. When that happens, blood overfills and distends the branches of superficial veins beneath the skin. This causes them to stretch, bulge, and become more apparent, resulting in varicose veins. Varicose veins do not contribute to overall circulation effectively.

What are some common symptoms of varicose veins?

Varicose veins exhibit a multitude of symptoms. Sufferers experience heaviness, pain in their legs and feet, fatigue, and itching. In extreme circumstances, varicose veins cause excessive swelling – especially after standing or sitting for long periods of time – inflammation, various skin changes, and potentially open sores.

What causes varicose veins?

Roughly 30 percent of the population in the U.S. has varicose veins. The condition is more prevalent among women than men, but no one is immune to it. Among the regular causes of varicose veins are heredity, hormonal changes, obesity, pregnancy, and lifestyle habits such as prolonged standing or sitting. Varicose veins are typically progressive, so it is important to seek varicose vein treatment before they worsen.

How are varicose veins diagnosed?

Varicose veins are easy to notice, especially when a patient stands. A skilled provider will examine patients by assessing their legs and feet visually while also checking for tender areas, swelling, sores, skin color changes, and other symptoms.

How can I prevent varicose veins?

There are several measures you can take to increase your chances of varicose vein prevention. It is impossible to prevent them completely, but you reduce your risk by improving circulation and muscle tone. You can do this by exercising, staying within your ideal weight range, eating a high-fiber diet, changing your sitting and standing position regularly, and avoiding tight hosiery. Furthermore, these same steps will help treat varicose vein pain.

What is the difference between varicose veins and spider veins?

Spider veins are blood vessels that twist and turn much in the same way as varicose veins. Whereas varicose veins are large and raised, spider veins are small and typically flush with the skin. Spider veins can be red, blue, or purple and are easily visible. In addition to affecting the legs, spider veins can also appear on one’s face.

What treatment options are available?

A wide range of treatment options are available for painful varicose veins. Each option is designed to either reduce or remove varicose veins. Our professional techniques include:

• Ambulatory Phlebectomy
  Through small incisions, we can remove varicose veins.
• Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT)
  This treatment uses an activated laser fiber to close affected veins.
• ASVAL
  This innovative approach to treating spider and varicose veins incorporates acupuncture needles that aid with vein removal.
• Sclerotherapy
  Our team can inject sclerosant into a patient’s veins to shut them down and stop blood flow, thus eliminating the spiderweb appearance.