Which Vein Doctors Are Best for Varicose Vein Treatments?

Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging, twisted veins that typically develop in the lower body. They’re often caused by valve failure in a deeper vein that allows blood to flow backward and engorge the vein. While spider veins can be caused by valve failure, they also develop from things like sun damage and skin injury. So, treating a varicose vein in the leg and a spider vein in the face require different strategies.

If you have varicose veins, you need a board certified vein doctor with ultrasound technology. These vein specialists can treat the causative valve, as well as the surface damage, so you don’t develop more varicose veins. Surface lasers that are used in facial vein treatments can’t eliminate varicose veins. Book an appointment with Harvard-trained vein doctors in California for successful varicose vein care.

Which doctor is best for varicose veins? The best ones are board certified vein doctors. Most patients need a minimally invasive vein doctor, not a vascular surgeon.

Should They Be Certified by an American Board of Medicine?

The best vein doctors are board certified. Board certification is a voluntary process by which the doctor gains specialized training and passes an examination of their skills. It’s supplemental to earning a medical degree, and it indicates superior expertise. Doctors who are board certified in vein medicine, vascular surgery, or other circulatory specialties are more equipped to diagnose and treat even the most complicated veins.

Look for a doctor who is board certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, as this indicates they are trained in the latest vein treatments. Additionally, doctors who are certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties, and who specialize in fields like vascular surgery, are uniquely qualified.

Do You Need a Board Certified Vascular Surgeon?

A board certified vascular surgeon has extensive training in surgeries like phlebectomy (ligation and stripping) and ambulatory phlebectomy. However, most patients do not need these surgeries for their varicose veins. Vascular surgeons also perform surgeries on other blood vessels, like arteries that rupture or sustain an aneurysm. For varicose veins, either choose a vascular surgeon who’s also trained in minimally invasive vein treatments, or choose a vein doctor who’s certified in vein medicine. 

Can Veins be Treated on the Surface of the Skin Instead?

There are three primary categories of vein treatments. Non-invasive (applied to the surface of the skin), minimally invasive (injected through the skin) and invasive (surgical incisions in the skin). Some spider veins can be treated with non-invasive procedures, while many are treated with minimally invasive procedures. Spider veins are rarely treated with invasive procedures. Varicose veins are rarely treated with non-invasive or invasive procedures and are primarily treated with minimally invasive procedures.

Minimally invasive vein treatments are the predominant choice for both spider veins and varicose veins, particularly in the legs. That’s because leg veins are more prone to valve failure, which must be treated too to prevent more spider or varicose veins. While some spider veins (especially facial ones) are treated on the surface of the skin, most varicose veins require an injection through the skin of either a sclerosant, adhesive, or thermal energy.

How Do Treated Varicose Veins Change the Circulatory System?

Treated varicose veins are sealed shut so blood can no longer enter them. This causes blood to flow into other veins nearby that are capable of pumping it back to the heart. Over time, the varicose vein shrinks from sight and is absorbed by surrounding tissue. Treating your varicose veins makes them disappear and also improves the efficiency of your circulatory system. In addition, vein treatment eliminates frustrating symptoms of impaired circulation, like swelling, cramping, restlessness, heaviness, itchiness, achiness, and fatigue.

Many patients don’t realize how their Restless Leg Syndrome, dermatitis, fatigue, or swelling are linked to their veins until they seek vein treatment. Resolving varicose veins and vein disease restores circulation, which restores a healthier well-being. If you leave varicose veins untreated, you risk complications like the symptoms above, as well as permanent hyperpigmentation, blood clots, profuse bleeding, and venous ulcerations that are slow to heal.

Minimally invasive vein treatments are outpatient procedures that take 15-30 minutes. Patients don’t need general anesthesia, so they can drive home or even back to work. Don’t delay varicose vein treatment. It’s quick and gentle, unlike the lasting complications that can develop when they’re left untreated. 

Will You Need to Wear Compression Stockings After Treatment?

Some patients need to wear compression stockings for a few days after varicose vein treatments. This is determined based on the severity of vein damage, the type of treatment used, and the patient’s vascular health. Compression stockings help pump blood up and out of the leg veins so it doesn’t collect in the vein.

Vein doctors might also suggest that you take a daily walk and elevate your legs while you’re resting after vein treatment. Patients who have vein surgery or surface laser treatments might not be advised to exercise right away. But patients who complete minimally invasive treatment can resume moderate activity and should refrain from sitting or standing for too long. Some will wear compression stockings as well, but that won’t prevent exercise or showering.

Which California Vein Clinics Have the Top Vein Specialists?

If you’re wondering which doctor is best for varicose veins, you should start by assessing their qualifications. Look for a vein specialist who is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, or the American Board of Medical Specialties. For the latter, determine which specialty they’re certified in.

It’s also best to choose a vein center approved by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. Accredited vein centers have passed a rigorous review of their providers, facility, technology, and treatment success. Visit either of our accredited Centers of Excellence in San Jose or San Diego for unparalleled varicose vein treatment in California. All of our doctors are board certified and trained in Ivy League programs, setting the precedent for vein medicine. We look forward to providing quick, affordable, painless relief from your varicose veins!