01 Oct 2021 / by Dr. Michael Bardwil / in News

Named The Best Varicose Vein Treatment Center in Houston, Texas 2021 by The Houston Chronicle

Texas Vein & Cosmetic Specialists was recently awarded the title of the “Best Varicose Vein Treatment Center in Houston, Texas 2021” by The Houston Chronicle. This distinguished honor was bestowed on the vein clinic at the chronicle’s Best of the Best Houston gala ceremony at the Hilton Americas.

At the gala ceremony it was announced that Texas Vein & Cosmetic Specialists won the award after besting two other finalists: the three finalists had advanced through two initial rounds of voting. Texas Vein & Cosmetic Specialists’ lead vascular surgeon and phlebologist Dr. Bardwil and his team are honored that their hard work and dedication to patient wellness has been recognized in the local area.

Table of Contents

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins, also referred to as varicosities or varicoses, happen when veins become dilated, enlarged, and overly filled with blood. In most cases, varicose veins will have a raised and swollen appearance and look either red or bluish-purple.

In addition, many people who suffer from varicose veins find that they are painful and frustrating.

Unfortunately, varicose veins are far from uncommon. About 25% of the adult population has varicose veins, meaning about 1 out of every 4 adults will experience this condition. While this isn’t always the case, many varicose veins are found on the lower legs.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins will occur when the veins aren’t functioning the way they should be. A vein has a one-way valve that helps keep blood from flowing the wrong way.

However, the valves can malfunction and fail, leading to blood collecting in the veins instead of moving toward the heart.

When this occurs, the veins enlarge to handle the additional blood. There’s a reason that varicose veins are most commonly found on the legs. These veins are the furthest distance from the heart, and gravity makes it more challenging for the blood to move upward toward the chest.

There are many causes of varicose veins, but the following are the most common:

A family history of varicose veins

Pregnancy

Obesity

Menopause

Standing for extended amounts of time

An age of over 50

What Are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?

The most common and apparent symptoms of varicose veins are the veins themselves. They will be very easy to see and are typically misshapen veins, most often visible on the legs. Some common symptoms include swelling, pain, achiness, and heaviness around or over the large veins.

In addition, some people with varicose veins will experience discoloration and swelling. In the most severe cases, the veins can bleed substantially and cause the formation of ulcers.

How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?

There are several ways an experienced doctor like Doctor Bardwil will diagnose varicose veins. Most commonly, the doctor will look at your legs and veins as you stand or sit to determine if they are varicose veins. You can also expect them to ask questions about symptoms or pain you are experiencing.

Dr. Bardwil regularly does ultrasound checks in order to examine the blood flow through a patient’s veins. This test is non-invasive and uses high-frequency sound waves to see how well blood moves through the veins.

Some doctors will also use a venogram for additional assessment of the veins. If this test is needed, a dye is injected into the legs so X-rays may be taken. The dye will light up on the X-rays and provide a better look at blood flow in the location of the potential varicose veins.

Venograms and ultrasounds are often used to rule out other issues – like blockages or blood clots – to ensure they aren’t the source of swelling and pain in the legs.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

There are several treatment options for varicose veins, including the elimination of the abnormal veins. This is a treatment process that used to be performed with a general anesthetic in an operating room. Today, however, minimally invasive procedures are available, known as endovenous thermal ablations. The procedures are performed using radiofrequency or laser energy and local anesthesia to cauterize and close the veins.

Other minimally invasive treatment options include the following:

Sclerotherapy – A foam or liquid chemical injection is used to block off a more prominent vein.

Endoscopic vein surgery – A little lighted scope is placed through a small incision to block off a vein.

Microsclerotherapy – A liquid injection of chemicals is used to block off smaller veins.

Laser surgery – Light energy is used to block off unwanted veins.

Every patient is unique, and the best treatment for you may be different from the next person’s. Therefore, it’s essential to speak with an experienced doctor to determine what the risks are for each treatment and which best fits your needs.

The proper treatment choice will depend on the location, symptoms, and size of any varicose veins.

Why Seek Treatment for Varicose Veins?

In many cases, varicose veins will worsen over time, even when making lifestyle changes to manage pain and control them. However, they often do not cause long-term medical issues.

Sometimes, varicose veins can create sores and ulcers on the legs, chronic inflammation, or blood clots. The worst cases can lead to ruptured veins.

If you have symptoms associated with varicose veins, it’s essential to seek treatment. A trained doctor can let you know what treatment options are best for your situation to handle the problem as early as possible.

Reasons to Choose Texas Vein & Cosmetic Specialists for Your Varicose Veins

In addition to being named Best Varicose Vein Treatment Center in Houston, Texas in 2021, the Houston location has also received many other accolades over the years. Dr. Bardwil was named H Texas Magazine Top Doc in the field of vascular medicine in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021.

He was also awarded the Top Vascular Surgeon in Texas by Leading Physicians of the World and SuperDoc in vascular medicine by Living Magazine in 2014.

If you are experiencing painful or unattractive varicose veins, Texas Vein & Cosmetic Specialists offers various treatment options. Having a consultation could be the first step to stopping the pain and feeling better about your health.

You can contact our office or call (713) 461-4945.