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What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins refer to the thick, swollen veins that develop under your skin, affecting texture and appearance. These visible veins can appear on any part of your body but are most often found on the legs.

Your veins support blood circulation by pushing blood back to your heart and lungs. Veins contain tiny valves that open and close as the muscles contract and relax to push your blood along. If these valves are damaged or not working properly, the blood flow may move backward and pool, creating the swollen vein.

When should I have my varicose veins evaluated?

Though varicose veins are often considered a cosmetic concern, you should have them evaluated by Dr. Serrano. Your faulty valves can affect blood circulation and lead to health issues such as chronic venous insufficiency, which affects the circulation of blood through your veins. 

You should also have your varicose veins evaluated if they’re causing symptoms such as:

• Leg pain
• Swelling in your legs or ankles
• Nonhealing ulcers
• Burning or throbbing sensation at the site of the vein
• Itching around the vein
• Skin discoloration

Dr. Serrano is a varicose vein specialist and can talk to you about your treatment options. Even if you’re varicose veins aren’t causing physical symptoms, like if you simply don’t like how they make your legs look, Dr. Serrano can help.

How are varicose veins treated?

At Precision Surgery and Advanced Vein Therapy, Dr. Serrano offers many innovative treatments for varicose veins. However, before he recommends an invasive procedure for removing your varicose veins, he may first recommend conservative treatments such as:

• Compression stockings
• Exercise
• Weight loss
• Keeping your feet elevated when possible

These treatments can’t get rid of your varicose veins but may prevent them from worsening. 

To eliminate your varicose veins, Dr. Serrano offers:

Chemical ablation

During a chemical ablation, Dr. Serrano injects a chemical into your varicose vein that irritates the vein and causes it to collapse. This procedure may be recommended to treat small varicose veins or spider veins.

Radiofrequency ablation

During radiofrequency ablation, Dr. Serrano inserts a catheter into your raised vein, which delivers radiofrequency energy to the wall of the vein. The energy produced by the catheter causes the vein to collapse and seal shut.

Phlebectomy

Dr. Serrano also offers phlebectomy procedures. He creates micro-punctures at the site of your varicose vein then uses special tools to grab and remove the affected vein.

Sclerotherapy

Injecting a Sclerotic chemical mixture directly into a vein, causing it to collapse and seal shut. This can be done, utilizing an ultrasound as well. 

All the varicose vein techniques offered at Precision Surgery and Advanced Vein Therapy are conducted at the office, causing little to no pain, and require little to no downtime.

To schedule a consultation with an experienced varicose vein specialist, contact Precision Surgery and Advanced Vein Therapy by phone or online today.