When To See A Vascular Surgeon

Abnormal veins, such as varicose veins and spider veins, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. When you suffer from either of these issues, you may experience pain, frustration and low self-esteem; however, you don’t have to live with abnormal veins. With the help of a board-certified vascular surgeon, you can eliminate abnormal veins and alleviate any associated symptoms like pain, swelling, and discoloration.

If you are wondering whether it is time for you to visit a vascular surgeon in Houston, ask yourself the following questions.

What do abnormal veins look like?

The first sign of abnormal veins is often a change in appearance. Two main types of abnormal veins can develop: spider veins and varicose veins. While spider veins are smaller, twisted veins that appear most commonly on the face, hands, ankles and feet, varicose veins are larger, swollen veins that develop most often in the legs.

I think I am experiencing symptoms of vein disease. What should I do?

Varicose veins may cause other physical symptoms in addition to their unsightly appearance. Symptoms may include heaviness in the legs, burning, tingling, itching, cramping, restlessness, weakness and swelling. These symptoms are most often experienced in the legs and may worsen after standing for an extended period of time.

 What are my treatment options?

If your condition is not severe, you may be able to improve the appearance of your abnormal veins and/or reduce their symptoms through certain conservative treatments. Examples of treatments that may be beneficial include:

• Compression stockings
• Elevation
• Weight loss
• Regular exercise
• Compression pump worn at home
• Ambulatory compression pump worn at work

The Society of Vascular Surgery and The American Venous Forum, two medical societies dedicated to treatment, in a joint statement dated May 2011, recommended that mandatory trial of conservative therapy be the first approach to treatment. If conservative therapy does not work, then other treatment options should be considered.

What other treatment options are available today?

By visiting with a board-certified vascular surgeon, you will learn about all of the treatment options available to you for treating abnormal veins. Insurance may even cover some of these procedures. Some of the options you may consider include:

• Sclerotherapy – Injection of sclerosing solution into varicose and spider veins
• Endovenous Laser Ablation – Treatment of abnormal veins with laser energy
• ClariVein® – Mechanical ablation of veins
• VNUS Closure^TM – Treatment of veins with radiofrequency energy
• Varithena® – Treatment of veins with foam injections
• VeinGogh^TM – Treatment of spider veins with targeted thermal energy
• Micro-Phlebectomy – Removal of varicose veins through small incisions in the skin

You don’t have to struggle with abnormal veins. Call us today at 713-461-4945 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Bardwil and ask if we’re in network with your insurance provider! Healthy veins and beautiful legs are just a phone call away.

Related post: Non-surgical Varicose Vein Treatment Options

Related post: Do You Need to See a Vascular Surgeon for Varicose Veins?

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Dr. Michael Bardwil

Michael F. Bardwil M.D., F.A.C.S., R.V.T., R.V.P.I., is a vascular surgeon and is board-certified in both general and vascular surgery. He has over 26 years experience performing a wide range of surgical procedures. Since 2004, he has dedicated his efforts exclusively to the treatment of leg veins. He has taken his vast surgical expertise and combined it with state-of-the-art, cutting-edge technology, to form Texas Vein and Cosmetic Specialists. He has meticulously written or reviewed all the website content, ensuring that all the medical facts are correct.

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