Varicose Veins - What are they?
Varicose Vein & Spider Vein Treatment
In the United States, more than 50% of the adult population suffers from some type of vein disorder. The most common types are varicose and spider veins. Treatment methods vary based on the type of vein and the presence of venus reflux disease (incompetent or leaking valves). Diagnosis is based upon an ultrasound scan and visual inspection, both of which we do right in our office. Venus reflux disease can also lead to symptoms of pain, swelling, aching in the legs, and skin disorders. If left untreated, legs with varicose veins develop pain, swelling, and aching could cause blood clots that could travel in the vein to the heart and lungs (pulmonary embolism.) It is important to know that veinous disease is, in most cases, congenital; so go check out your family tree to see if you have a family history of veinous disease so you can stay on top of treatment!
The advantages of our in-office Dornier® endovenous laser vein treatment are:
*In-office procedure
*No hospitalization
*You can resume activities the same or the next day
*Minimal discomfort
*Little or no side effects
*Proven treatment
Varicose Vein Treatment Options
Varicose veins are enlarged dilated veins carrying stagnant blood that can be prone to clotting. This enlargement is caused by venous valvular reflux. Our Dornier® endovenous laser treatment is used to correct venous valvular reflux (failure) by closing the diseased vein and re-routing blood to a healthy vein. Walking is encouraged immediately following the procedure and you can return to work the same or the next day. This procedure has proven to be highly effective for the treatment of venous reflux with a reported 95-97% success rate at a 12 month follow-up! A diagnostic duplex doppler ultrasound test is done by Dr. Merkel to determine the root cause and develop your best plan to treat the bad veins.
Spider Vein Treatment Options
Spider veins are small blue or red vessels that appear near the surface of the skin. They appear mainly on the legs and face. They are branches of the larger internal varicose veins. We have several different methods for treating spider veins. If the Dornier® laser is used, the laser energy is absorbed into the vessel through the skin, eliminating blood flow through the vein. Immediately following treatment, your veins appear similar in appearance to a scratch and they later close off altogether. The length and number of treatments vary depending on your condition.
Sclerotherapy (which involves injecting a foamed solution into the veins) is another effective way of treating spider veins. A combined laser and sclerotherapy treatment is sometimes recommended.
Spider veins are a definitive indicator of venous reflux disease and usually appear on your face and/or body with refluxing veins. If an ultrasound determines the presence of venus reflux disease, Dr. Merkel may choose to treat this condition prior to the treatment of spider veins.