Varicose Veins | Find Varicose Vein Surgeons or Doctors

What are varicose veins?
Varicose vein, commonly found on the face and legs, are caused by the dilation of a small group of blood vessels near the skin's surface. They often look like red or purple sunbursts or web patterns.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by swollen or enlarged blood vessels. The blood vessels have enlarged due to a weakening in the vein's wall or valves. Located deeper in the skin than spider veins, they may appear raised and often are blue.

Varicose veins can be serious because they may be associated with the development of one or more of the following conditions:
phlebitis - inflammation of the vein.
thromboses - occurs when blood clots form in the enlarged vein.
venous stasis ulcers - an ulcer is formed when there is not proper drainage in the enlarged vein.
More than one in five women has some form of varicose vein condition. Although the exact cause for varicose veins is unknown, pregnancy, heredity, and hormonal changes seem to be contributing factors.

Treatment for spider and varicose veins:
Specific treatment for spider and varicose veins will be determined by your physician based on:
your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the condition
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the condition your opinion or preference

Varicose vein treatment may include:
sclerotherapy
This procedure involves the injection of a concentrated saline or specially-developed solution into the spider or varicose vein. The solution then hardens, causing the vein to close up or collapse. Healthier blood vessels located nearby absorb the blood flow of the collapsed vein.
ambulatory phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy involves the removal of the varicose vein by tiny punctures or incisions along the path of the enlarged vein. Through these tiny holes, the surgeon uses a surgical hook to remove the varicose veins.
electrodesiccation
This procedure involves the sealing of the varicose veins with the use of an electrical current.
laser surgery and intense pulsed light therapy
Abnormal varicose veins are destroyed by high-intensity laser beams or intense pulsating light.
surgical ligation and stripping
This procedure involves the surgeon making an incision in the skin and removing or tying off the blood vessel.
Possible complications associated with the treatment of spider or varicose veins:
Possible complications associated with the treatment of spider or varicose veins may include, but are not limited to, the following:
pigmentation changes
Brownish splotches near the treated area may appear, and may take several months (or even up to a year) to fade.
allergic reaction and scarring
Allergic reactions from the injected chemical solution, as well as permanent scarring, may result.
telangiectatic matting
This reaction involves the appearance of fine, reddish blood vessels near the treated area. Treatment for this condition may require further injections.
blood clots
Treatment could cause blood clots in the veins.
Who are candidates for varicose vein removal?
Women and men of any age may be candidates for sclerotherapy, but most are 30 to 60 years in age. Varicose veins are more common in women. Men do have varicose veins, but often do not consider them to be a cosmetic problem because the varicose veins are usually concealed by hair growth on the leg.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should postpone sclerotherapy treatment, as varicose veins that occur during pregnancy usually disappear on their own. Further, it is not known how sclerosing solutions may affect breast milk.

You will want to know that your surgeon is experienced and qualified to perform the varicose veins. Many surgeons have taken special training and passed exams given by a national board of surgeons. Ask if your surgeon is "board certified" in surgery. Some varicose vein surgeons also have the letters F.A.C.S. after their name. This means they are Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and have passed another review by surgeons of their surgical practices.

Most of us have some criteria for making important decisions in life. But suppose that your varicose vein doctor recommends that you consider having an operation. How do you go about finding a qualified surgeon? If you or someone you know is considering elective surgery, you should be aware that there are some ways to objectively evaluate your surgeon. The American College of Surgeons—the largest international organization of surgeons in the world—recommends that you look for the following qualifications:

A good indication of a varicose vein surgeons competence is certification by a surgical board that is approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). In order for a physician to become board certified in varicose veins, he or she must complete the designated years of residency training in that specialty, and then demonstrate his or her knowledge by successfully completing a rigorous examination. When you choose a surgeon who is certified by an ABMS-approved board, you select a physician whose specialty is in surgery.

Before having varicose veins, ask your physician these questions:

What operation are you recommending?
Why do I need varicose veins?
Are there alternatives to surgery?
What are the benefits of having the operation?
What are the risks of having varicose veins?
What will happen if I don't have this operation?
Where can I get a second opinion?
What has been your experience in doing the operation? How many have you performed?
Where will the operation be done?
What kind of anesthesia will I need?
How long will it take me to recover from varicose veins?
How much will the operation cost?

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