Varicose Veins Treatment | North Shore LI
What Are Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are dilated, abnormal veins that protrude from the skin’s surface. Most commonly they appear on the legs. The most common reason is chronic venous insufficiency.
What Causes Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can appear most commonly on the legs and thighs resulting from increased venous pressure or chronic venous insufficiency. How does this develop? Inside our bodies are numerous superficial and deep veins that return blood to the heart. Inside the legs, our saphenous veins drain the skin and subcutaneous tissue. These superficial veins are prone to developing vein disease due to wear and tear. Under normal circumstances, the veins have tiny valves that keep blood flowing from the lower extremities towards the heart against gravity. However, in many individuals, these valves can become damaged and lead to blood pooling in the legs. As a result, the pressure within the veins increases and venous insufficiency ensues.
Risk Factors for Varicose Veins
There are several factors that increase your risk of developing venous insufficiency:
With increased age, there is more wear and tear on our leg vein valves that results in spider veins and varicose veins
Women have a higher prevalence for vein disease that is likely related to hormonal differences. In fact, it is not uncommon to see an increased number of visible veins during and after pregnancy highlighting the role of hormones.
Family history is the most important determinant for the development of future vein disease
Excess weight increases the wear and tear on our leg veins
Lifestyles that require prolonged standing or sitting (such as at work) are associated with an increased predisposition to vein disease
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
- Legs that are achy or heavy especially towards the end of the day
- Bruising and skin discoloration
- Pain that gets worse after a lengthy period of sitting or standing
- Itching and venous eczema
- Swelling
- Restless legs or charlie horses at night
How To Diagnose Vein Disease
In the absences of visible varicose veins, a vein doctor must have a high level of suspicion to consider vein disease. Patients are encouraged to report all types of abnormal experiences they may be experiencing in their legs. It’s important to remember that not all vein disease presents as pain. If venous insufficiency is suspected, an on-site ultrasound can quickly assist in the diagnosis. A vein specialist can also interpret the results and individualized a treatment plan.
The Best Varicose Vein Treatments Available Today in Long Island
Exercise: Movement is a key preventative measure. A vein doctor can help you with the dos and don’ts of exercise with varicose veins.
Leg Elevation: To reduced the stress on your leg veins.
Compression Stockings: These are prescribed stockings that are custom fitted. The main purpose is to reduce pooling of blood in the lower extremities using graded pressure.
RF Vein Ablation: The gold-standard of vein treatment. Minimally invasive and performed by vein specialists in an office setting.
Sclerotherapy: Simple liquid sclerotherapy will not often suffice as it does for spider veins. A knowledgeable vein doctor will used enhanced techniques for treatment of varicose veins using sclerotherapy. The treatments are often used in combination with other tools such as vein ablation and phlebectomy.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Having expertise in phlebectomy is invaluable to a vein practice. Some large varicose veins are not amenable to sclerotherapy or ablation.
How Our Vein Doctors Make Vein Treatment Safe?
- Dr. Smith is board-certified in cardiovascular medicine and advanced imaging for venous ultrasound. As a board-certified vein doctor, Dr. Smith has an advanced knowledge of venous imaging that enhances each patient’s diagnosis and treatment.
- Dr. Rios is a diplomate of the American Board of Vascular and Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM) and has been in practice over a decade. She gained her initial experience at the world renowned Vein Treatment Center on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Today, she has a active Upper East Side vein clinic and assists Dr. Smith with spider vein treatment.
- All vein procedures are performed only by our vein doctors. Both Dr. Smith and Dr. Rios are advanced imaging experts comfortable with ultrasound technique and catheter placement using simple local anesthesia. There is no role for sedation in vein treatment if the doctor is fully trained. In fact, sedation is used by so-called vein specialists that depend on ancillary staff to manage the procedure. This is unprofessional and potentially danger
Treat Your Legs With Confience!
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Our vein doctors in Long Island are experts dedicated to the diagnosis and management of vein disease.