Varicose Veins Specialist

Varicose Veins Q & A

What causes varicose veins?

Blood flows against gravity as the veins in your legs transport blood back to your heart. Muscles in vein walls contract to push blood up the veins, while valves stop blood from flowing down.

When your muscles or valves weaken or don’t work properly, blood flows backward and accumulates in the vessels. Over time, this accumulation leads to varicose veins.

What symptoms are caused by varicose veins?

Some patients don’t have any symptoms, while others experience:

Cramps
Leg pain
Heavy or tired legs
Swelling
Rash that’s itchy
Restless legs

Varicose veins can also lead to health complications such as skin ulcers, deep and superficial blood clots, cellulitis, and chronic venous insufficiency.

How are varicose veins treated?

Dr. Chung eliminates varicose veins using one of the following treatments:

Sclerotherapy: The doctor uses a fine needle to inject a medicated solution into the vein, which causes vein walls to stick together and seal shut. Blood flow stops, and over the next few months, the treated veins fade away as your body absorbs the treated tissues. Sclerotherapy usually doesn’t require anesthesia, and you won’t need downtime.
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT): Dr. Chung performs endovenous laser therapy using VenaCure EVLT™. Under ultrasound visualization, the doctor inserts a thin laser fiber into the vein. Laser energy emitted through the fiber heats the vein, making it close and seal shut. Your body automatically reroutes blood flow to other veins, so you don’t need to worry about circulation issues. Over time, the vein shrinks and disappears.
Mini-phlebectomy: A mini-phlebectomy, or ambulatory phlebectomy, is usually performed in the office under local anesthesia or IV sedation. Dr. Chung removes varicose veins at the surface of your skin through tiny incisions. You’ll need to wear prescription compression stockings for a week. Otherwise, you can get back to normal activities the next day.