Varicose vein treatment

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are large, swollen and twisted veins, usually in your legs. Varicose veins can get worse. You may notice skin discoloration, a change in skin texture or skin ulcers.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are like varicose veins, but are smaller and closer to your skin’s surface.

What causes varicose and spider veins?

Varicose and spider veins are caused by venous insufficiency – which means your veins fail to properly return blood back to your heart. This causes blood to back up, or pool, in your blood vessels, making them swell.

Your first appointment

At your first appointment with ProHealth’s vein care program, your vein specialist will:

• Review your medical history.
• Physically examine you.
• Look at the blood circulation in your legs using a quick, painless imaging test called a duplex ultrasound.

Treatments for varicose veins

Find a full range of varicose vein treatment options at ProHealth. Talk with your doctor about a treatment plan to fit your symptoms, health and individual needs.

Nonsurgical treatments

If your varicose veins can be treated without surgery, you may benefit from less pain and a faster recovery. Ask about:

• Radiofrequency ablation – Uses heat from radio waves to shrink and close your damaged veins.
• Sclerotherapy – Injects a solution directly into veins, causing them to collapse and disappear; may require several treatments.

Varicose vein surgery

Your doctor may recommend surgery if your varicose veins are very large or severe. Trust doctors with experience performing:

• Ambulatory phlebectomy (microincision) – Removes large surface veins using very small incisions that don’t require stitches.
• Vein ligation and stripping – Ties off and then removes damaged veins.

Cost of treatment

Check with your insurance company before varicose vein treatment to understand your coverage.