Varicose Veins Specialist

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are the large, often twisted blood vessels that bulge out above your skin’s surface. They typically appear on your legs and are purple, indigo, or blue. 

Varicose veins take on their bulging, twisted appearance because of blood pooling within them. This happens when the valves within your veins, which open and close to help your blood travel upward against gravity, become weak or damaged over time. Therefore, blood cannot effectively flow upward and tends to get stuck in your legs. 

Spider veins, which are similar to varicose veins, are not exactly the same. They’re much smaller and, rather than being raised above your skin’s surface, are flat on your skin. Spider veins can be red, blue, or purple and usually appear on your legs or face. 

Who is at risk for varicose veins?

There are several reasons why your risk for varicose veins might be higher. A few factors that contribute to varicose veins are:

• Genetics
• Pregnancy 
• Menopause
• Long periods of standing or sitting
• Obesity
• Birth control pills
• Blood clotting conditions
• Venous insufficiency
• Hormone replacement therapy
  
  

Varicose veins are significantly more prevalent in women than in men, though anyone can get them. You’re also more likely to see varicose veins on your legs the older you get. 

What are the potential complications of having varicose veins?

Complications from varicose veins are surprisingly rare. In most cases, people seek treatment for varicose veins solely for aesthetic purposes. Still, varicose vein treatments can help minimize your chances of experiencing:

• Leg and ankle ulcers
• Vein bursting and bleeding
• Blood clots
• Rashes
• Infections
  
  

If you’ve already experienced complications associated with varicose veins, the LoneStar Clinic team can diagnose and treat them. 

What are my treatment options for varicose veins?

LoneStar Clinic provides many of the latest research-backed treatments for large and unsightly varicose veins. After making a diagnosis, your provider might recommend:

Venefit™ 

Venefit is a venous closure procedure that uses radiofrequency waves to heat the walls of your varicose veins. The heat causes them to contract and shrink. Soon, the blood flows through other veins in the area instead.

Ambulatory phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minor surgical procedure. Your provider makes small slits near the vein and removes the vein in segments using a small instrument.

Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT)

During EVLT, your provider uses ultrasound imaging to see the inside of the vein and gives you anesthesia to keep your leg numb. They insert a catheter into the vein, which contains the laser heat source. They use this to heat the vein from the inside, which causes it to close. 

The LoneStar Clinic team may also instruct you to wear compression stockings for some time after varicose vein treatment. 

For spider veins, they may recommend either sclerotherapy or cosmetic laser treatment. 

Learn more about treatments for varicose veins by calling either LoneStar Clinic location or booking an appointment online today.