FAQ
WHAT CAUSES VARICOSE VEINS?
WHAT ARE SPIDER VEINS?
DOES VEIN DISEASE AFFECT WOMEN AND MEN EQUALLY?
DO I HAVE TO TREAT BOTH LEGS?
CAN I BE CURED OF MY VARICOSE VEINS?
WHAT IS A SKIN ULCER?
A skin ulcer is caused by a venous reflux disorder that is called a venous stasis ulcer. Early signs that a venous stasis ulcer may develop include a darkening of the skin in the area of the ankle. Gradually, the skin may become leathery or waxy in appearance. Without treatment of the venous disease, the skin may break down and bleeding may occur.
WHAT IS SCLEROTHERAPY?
WHAT NEW TREATMENT OPTIONS EXIST FOR PATIENTS WHO HAVE ABNORMAL BLOOD FLOW IN THE MAJOR VEIN TRUNKS OTHER THAN VEIN STRIPPING?
In order to control the backward flow of blood in these large veins, the vein that is the source of the visible varicosities must be sealed shut or removed. The vein may be sealed shut using energy sources such as a laser, or radiofrequency energy electrical energy, or by ultrasound guided sclerotherapy injections
WHAT IS ULTRASOUND GUIDED SCLEROTHERAPY?
Visual sclerotherapy refers to injection of surface veins that are visible to the naked eye. Some veins that need to be treated are below the surface of the skin and cannot be injected safely without the aid of ultrasound imaging assistance.
IS SCLEROTHERAPY SAFE?
Most patients do not experience any complications from sclerotherapy. However, some patients develop changes in skin pigment in locations where the veins are injected. Some patients may experience chemical burns of the skin while a rare patient may develop an allergy to the medication. Serious complications such as deep vein blood clots and unintentional arterial injection occur rarely.
WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Vein treatment programs are designed to treat visible varicose veins and to treat abnormal veins that may not be visible but that may be the source of the visible varicosities. If varicose veins are the only abnormality detected by the treating physician, the treatment involves surgical removal of the visible varicose veins (micro-incision phlebectomy) or the injection of chemicals (sclerosants) into the vein (sclerotherapy).
WHAT IS PHLEBOLOGY?
Phlebology is the branch of medicine that deals with veins and disease of veins.
WHAT IS A PHLEBOLOGIST?
A Phlebologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disorders.
WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS?
Varicose veins happen when small valves in veins break and cause the blood in them to flow in the wrong direction. This causes the veins to swell and backfill with stagnant blood. Many times varicose veins appear as either bulging and ropelike, or small and threadlike. However, they can also appear deep under your skin, where you are not able to see them. Varicose veins can cause aching, tired and swollen legs; create a burning, throbbing, or itching sensation; and cause muscle cramps and a general restlessness in your legs. Varicose veins require medical treatment.
WHAT IS SCLEROTHERAPY?
During sclerotherapy a solution is injected into your varicose or spider veins. This closes the abnormal vein and seals it off from the other healthy veins in your leg. The vein shrinks over time and is eventually absorbed. A typical treatment session may last for 15 to 20 minutes and will consist of microinjections. Depending on where the vein is located, this procedure is done with and without ultrasound guidance. We uses FDA approved solutions during sclerotherapy, including Asclera and Sotradecol.