Varicose Veins

As many as 40 million Americans live with unsightly and sometimes painful varicose veins. If the appearance of these bulging veins bothers you or you need relief from pain or other varicose vein symptoms, you can find solutions at Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC. The skilled surgeons offer sclerotherapy and minimally invasive laser and surgical procedures to get rid of damaged veins and improve blood circulation. Call the office in Somerville, New Jersey, to schedule a varicose vein consultation or book an appointment online today.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins just under the skin’s surface that develop when blood flows backward and pools in the vessel. The pooling of blood occurs because the valves that are supposed to keep blood flowing in one direction don’t work as they should.

As more blood settles in the vein, the larger it becomes. The enlarged vein can protrude out from your skin and also cause uncomfortable symptoms like pain, heaviness, and skin color changes.

Varicose veins most often develop in your legs because blood has to fight gravity to make it back to your heart. Your risk for developing varicose veins increases with age. Having peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a slow but progressive circulation disorder, can cause varicose and spider veins.

Other risk factors for vein enlargement include:

• Smoking
• Pregnancy
• Weight challenges
• Lack of exercise

If you take oral birth control or undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you may also be at a higher risk for developing varicose veins.

When should I seek treatment for varicose veins?

If you have varicose veins that are painful, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC. The providers also recommend an evaluation if you’re unhappy with the appearance of your legs because of the bulging veins.

They perform a physical exam of your veins and may request ultrasound imaging to assess the blood flow through the affected vein.

Based on the results of your testing, your provider can determine which treatment is right for you.

How are varicose veins treated?

Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, offers minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins:

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses injections of a chemical solution into the damaged vein to close it off. 

Using a fine needle, your provider injects the solution, which irritates the vein and eventually causes it to collapse. Blood reroutes to healthy veins nearby to restore healthy blood flow. Over time, your body naturally reabsorbs the treated vein.

Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, uses Varithena® microfoam to treat varicose veins with no downtime.

Endovenous ablation therapy

Using radiofrequency ablation, your provider applies heat to the vein, destroying it. They insert a catheter into the varicose vein and an electrode device. The electrode emits heat to the vein wall, closing it off. The vein eventually shrinks and becomes unnoticeable. 

Vein stripping surgery

Vein stripping is a surgical procedure to remove varicose veins. Your surgeon makes a small incision over the vein, in your groin, and near your ankle. They insert a flexible wire through your vein and guide it down your leg.

After tying the wire to your vein, your surgeon pulls out the entire vein and wire, and then closes your incisions with stitches.

Following varicose vein treatment, you should wear compression socks to support good blood circulation in your legs and prevent new varicose veins. Your provider may also suggest lifestyle changes and daily exercises to keep your leg veins healthy.

Call Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, to schedule a varicose vein consultation or book an appointment online today.