What Doctor Treats Vein Problems? Is It a Phlebologist?

There are a few medical specialties that enable doctors to treat veins, at varying degrees. Some dermatologists are qualified to treat cosmetic vein damage. Cardiologists and vascular surgeons are qualified to treat vascular issues, which occasionally include vein problems, but more often involve arteries or the heart. Interventional radiologists might treat veins, but their specialty is radiology, not veins, and they treat diseases in several organ systems in the body.

The name for a doctor who actually specializes in veins is a phlebologist. These doctors study the vascular system in depth, with a special emphasis on venous anatomy and problems that arise in veins, like spider veins, varicose veins, blood clots, and vein diseases like Chronic Venous Insufficiency. If you have visible vein damage or symptoms of vein disease (swelling, itching, fatigue, heaviness, cramping, or restlessness in the legs), click HERE to visit our board certified vein doctors in California.

There are different types of doctors and specialists who treat veins. What is a vein doctor called? And what sets them apart from other vein specialists?

Specifically, What Type of Doctor Treats Varicose Veins?

There are various problems that arise in veins, including blood clots, DVTs, spider veins, varicose veins, and vein disease. One of the most common reasons people seek vein treatment is to get rid of unsightly and uncomfortable varicose veins. It’s important to note that only a qualified vein doctor should treat varicose veins. Surface-level treatments offered by estheticians and dermatologists can’t properly treat these large and bulging veins, and cosmetic treatments are typically for small spider veins.

In addition, varicose veins are often caused by Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). If you ignore that underlying disease, varicosities will continue to develop, so it’s essential to treat that first. Our award-winning vein treatment center offers state-of-the-art solutions for diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins, as well as CVI. We can isolate and treat the causative issue with a single treatment, thanks to ultrasound guidance and innovative devices. If you’re looking for a “vein specialist near me” to treat varicose veins, make sure you choose an actual vein doctor.

Vein Specialist vs. Vein Doctor: What’s the Difference?

Vein specialist is an unregulated title that might be used by a cardiologist, dermatologist, radiologist, or esthetician, as well as board certified vein doctors. Before visiting a practitioner who’s labeled as a vein specialist, determine what that actually means. Find out whether they are an MD and what they specialize in, as well as whether they’re board certified or practicing at an accredited vein center.

Are All Vein Treatment Doctors Certified in Vein Medicine?

Some vein treatment doctors are board certified in venous medicine. But others might be certified in cardiology, dermatology, internal medicine, or vascular surgery. And some doctors offering vein treatment aren’t board certified at all. It’s not a requirement to achieve board certification to practice medicine, so look for doctors who have taken these extra measures and passed the board exams, to ensure you receive the best care.

If you want the best, minimally invasive treatments for veins, choose a vein doctor who’s certified by the ABVLM (American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine), since this means they have specific training in venous medicine that often prevents vein surgery. If you’ve been advised to have surgery, look for a doctor who’s either ABVLM or ABMS board certified. Certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties is more common for vascular surgeons than minimally invasive vein doctors. But schedule a consultation with our Harvard-trained vein doctors before agreeing to surgery. We offer gentle alternatives that many vein surgeons aren’t trained to perform.

Is There a Difference Between Vascular and Vein Doctors?

A vascular doctor, sometimes called a vascular interventionist, vascular specialist, or vascular surgeon, isn’t the same as a vein doctor. The vascular system includes veins, but also other blood vessels like the arteries, which carry blood away from the heart. A blocked carotid artery in the neck, artery disease, or a ruptured aneurysm are common issues a vascular doctor treats, while spider veins, varicose veins, and venous insufficiency are commonly treated by vein doctors.

Not every vascular doctor is a vascular surgeon, just like not all vein doctors perform vein surgery. Check the credentials and training of your vein specialist before agreeing to treatment to make sure you’re in the best hands. Our renowned California vein treatment center offers the latest procedures for spider veins, varicose veins, and Chronic Venous Insufficiency, which some people refer to as “varicose vein disease,” since it’s the primary cause of varicosities.

Are Vascular and General Surgery Doctors Best for Vein Care?

If you have issues like spider veins or varicose veins, you don’t need to visit a vascular or general surgery center. Most patients’ veins are now treated quickly and easily within the body, rather than surgically extracting them (phlebectomy). A very small number of patients will need vein surgery, but that doesn’t require a general surgeon. Qualified vein specialists perform ambulatory phlebectomies and other procedures that don’t require hospitalization or general anesthesia. So, always visit a vein doctor first, to prevent unnecessarily invasive surgery.   

Is Vascular Surgery the Varicose Veins Treatment for Me?

For most patients, vascular surgery is not required for varicose veins. Our California vein treatment specialists offer gentler alternatives like radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, and vein adhesives to eliminate varicose veins. These procedures use pinpoint-sized incisions and tiny needles or catheters that treat the vein directly without deep incisions or scarring. They’re performed without general anesthesia and allow patients to resume their normal activities immediately.

Does a Vein Treatment Specialist Work in a Vascular Office?

Our minimally invasive vein treatment specialists provide care in our vascular office. Our cutting-edge procedures don’t require you to go to the hospital. In fact, they typically take about 15-30 minutes. Our treatments are both in-office, and outpatient, so you can treat your veins and be back at work in under an hour.

Is Every Leg Vein Center Run by Vein Doctors?

No, not every facility labeled as a leg vein center is run by vein doctors. Some are cosmetic spas or dermatology centers, and others are run by doctors, but they didn’t specialize in veins. Choose an accredited leg vein center with certified physicians for best results. You’ll not only be happier with your outcome, you’ll also prevent life-threatening complications of poorly done procedures or neglected vein disease.

Do I Need a Vein Doctor to Remove Varicose Veins?

Most people don’t actually need to “remove” varicose veins from the body. The majority of unhealthy veins can be treated inside the body with injectable medicines, adhesives, or thermal energy. And, yes, a vein doctor is needed to conduct these treatments. DIY treatments for varicose veins are primarily for reducing symptoms, and varicosities tend to worsen and proliferate without medical intervention.

How Will a Varicose Veins Doctor Treat My Veins?

A qualified varicose veins doctor will close off malfunctioning veins and treat any underlying diseases, like Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Sealing faulty veins and broken valves is called ablation, and it’s done with either thermal energy (RFA, VNUS Closure, ClosureFast), sclerotherapy (Varithena, ClariVein), or vein adhesives (VenaSeal). Some doctors will also use endovenous laser ablation, but our team finds that radiofrequency is more comfortable for patients than laser ablation (EVLA). Each of our vein treatments is quick and virtually painless, so the best one depends on your unique circumstances.

Where Can I Find a Good Vein Doctor Near Me in California?

If you’re searching for the “best vein doctor near me in California”, look no further than our prestigious physicians. Our team is world-renowned for innovative, custom solutions for veins. We treat the full spectrum of vein issues, including spider veins, varicose veins, and vein disease. We look forward to creating a plan that suits your specific needs and generates flawless results!