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Vein Treatment Procedures at Vein Centers of America

About Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

EVLT works by heating the inside of the vein, which causes it to seal shut and disappear. This treatment requires that a very thin laser fiber be inserted into the damaged underlying vein.

About Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy, or injection therapy, is a non-surgical procedure in which a solution is injected into the problem varicose veins or spider veins in order to cause its disappearance. Sclerotherapy is done in-office using small needles. The procedure does not take more than 30-60 minutes and can even be done during an office lunch break.

About Phlebology

Phlebology is the specialty of diagnosing and treating vein disorders, including large varicose veins, spider veins and venous leg ulcers. All physicians at Vein Centers of America are phlebologists dedicated to pursuing the best results. Vein Centers of America specializes in the treatment of large vein disease without surgery and in the treatment of the most difficult cases.

What Are Spider Veins?

Click here to view 3-D imaging of spider vein therapy.

Spider veins appear to be hormonally induced and are associated with pregnancy and menstruation. Although these spider veins are not usually symptomatic, the feeder veins deeper in the skin often cause discomfort. Many women have a combination of both varicose and spider veins. While patients may seek treatment for cosmetic improvement, many are looking for relief from pain.

Many people assume that all vein treatment is the same no matter where you get treated. It is the opinion of Dr. Karlin that treatment techniques vary greatly. And so do their results. At Vein Centers of America (VCA) we have definite opinions about the treatment of spider veins because we have been treating them since 1989.

Patients have many questions; mostly they want to know about "recurrences". Your chances of recurrence are related to several factors, but most importantly to the thoroughness of your treatment. This can be related to physician skills, but it can also be due to the patient quitting too early. These patients believe their legs look good enough when, in fact, more work should be done in order to prevent the growth of new veins. (Whatever remnants of veins are left in the leg will quickly grow into more veins.)

What are Varicose Veins?

Before and After Varicose Vein Treatment

Click here to view 3-D imaging of varicose vein treatment.

A varicose vein is a failed vein; the contents of which are stagnant or refluxing (going backwards and distends the veins when you stand up). Either way, this blood is out of circulation. The function of veins in your body is to channel blood flow back to the heart. The larger veins have valves which direct the flow of blood. When any of the valves fail, blood can be accumulated under pressure, engorging and distorting the veins of the leg.

These veins appear as bulging and rope-like, or small and thread-like. These "varicose" veins can result in aching, tired legs, burning, throbbing, itching, swelling, muscle cramps and a restless feeling in the legs. This vascular disorder deserves treatment for medical reasons.

It used to be that the best treatment for large varicose veins was surgery, but ultrasound has shown that image-guided injection with depressurization is predictably effective in even the most difficult cases.

Follow-up imaging shows us how the abnormal blood flow patterns respond to treatment, and the difference between "recurrence" and "progression". These features are important to consider if we are to improve the quality of results.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spider Vein Therapy and Varicose Vein Treatments

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