The mainstay of treatment for varicose veins has long been conservative therapy including such options as compression/support hose and lifestyle changes such as weight loss and exercise. Although conservative therapy will not remove existing abnormal or diseased veins it may significantly improve symptoms and is an option for those who are unable to undertake other treatment options. A trial of conservative therapy is often required by insurance companies prior to approval of other forms of therapy.

The beginning of any good venous treatment is a comprehensive history and physical followed by a diagnostic venous duplex ultrasound. This will allow us to make an accurate diagnosis of any venous disorder and formulate an appropriate plan of treatment specific to your problem.

Small superficial spider veins are treated by the injection (with a very fine needle) of a sclerosing solution that irritates the lining of these veins causing them to fade over time. A sheer compression hose is prescribed to be worn for about a week after the procedure. No anesthesia is required as this is a simple office treatment.

Sclerotherapy is considered a cosmetic procedure by insurance companies but fees are quite reasonable.

Sclerotherapy can be associated with a brown discoloration of the vein that may take up to one year to disappear. It can in rare instances cause skin ulcers and some patients may have an allergy to the solution.

Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy used for the treatment of deeper veins that cannot be seen or left. After closure of these deeper veins more superficial spider veins and reticular veins will sometimes disappear. This is sometimes used in the thretment of venous ulcers.

Phlebectomy, often used in conjunction with Closure involves the removal of varicose veins at the skins surface via a series of tiny incisions in the skin. The advantage of phlebectomy is permanent removal of the varicose vein.

A minimally invasive alternative to vein stripping. Please refer to the animation on this website.