How Does Vein Anatomy Become Varicose?

A vein’s anatomy involves three layers. The innermost layer of many veins is lined with valves that close once blood flows through, to keep blood moving toward the heart. If these valves fail, which is a common occurrence in leg veins, blood flows in reverse. Blood pools beneath the valve, which causes increased blood pressure in the veins. This accumulation of blood is why varicose veins are swollen, twisted, and protuberant. Many patients have faulty valves without knowing it. It’s a condition called Chronic Venous Insufficiency, and it’s easy to treat with the right vein doctor.

Book an appointment with our California vein specialists if you suspect you have a varicose vein or Chronic Venous Insufficiency. There are several non-surgical ways to treat varicose veins in 2023 that don’t require recovery time, general anesthesia, or hospitalization. Our Harvard-trained doctors offer minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency that takes just 15-30 minutes.

How Does a Vein or Vascular Doctor Treat Varicose Veins?

Are you wondering how to treat varicose veins without time off work and big medical bills? Varicose veins were once routinely treated with surgery. But in 2023, a vein or vascular doctor can use less invasive measures to treat varicose veins. Tools like sclerosants, thermal energy, and medical adhesives have replaced surgery as a first line of treatment for varicose veins.

The best vein doctors in California also use ultrasound guidance for many procedures, to ensure the accuracy and efficacy of treatment. Below, you’ll read about some of the ways our vein specialists treat varicose veins. The list begins with less invasive techniques and ends with the most invasive. Choose a vein doctor who favors the least invasive method that will work for your particular blood vessels. This will ensure your treatment is quick, safe, and affordable. 

What Are the Options for Leg Vein Removal Near Me?

● Laser Treatment– Meaning and Indications:

Surface lasers beam light through the skin to cauterize veins. They require topical numbing agents, and they’re non–invasive. Surface lasers treat spider veins and occasionally varicose veins. Most varicose veins require a minimally invasive treatment instead if they’re too large to heat through the skin.

● Sclerotherapy– Meaning and Indications:

Sclerotherapy injects sclerosants into veins to irritate and close them. It comes in liquid and foam concentrations for different blood vessels. Sclerotherapy requires no anesthesia and takes about 15 minutes. It’s minimally invasive and is used for spider veins and small varicose veins.

● Vein Adhesives– Meaning and Indications:

Vein adhesives are injections of cyanoacrylate glue to close veins. They require no anesthesia. Some doctors use vein mapping to ensure the glue doesn’t travel into connecting veins. These minimally invasive procedures treat varicose and spider veins.

● Mechanochemical Ablation– Meaning and Indications:

Mechanochemical ablation is a combination of sclerotherapy and mechanical manipulation of the vein’s anatomy. Vein doctors insert a catheter into the vein. They inject a sclerosant and rotate the catheter to disrupt the vein’s walls. This approach works well for varicose veins and is rarely necessary for spider veins.

● Endovenous Laser Ablation– Meaning and Indications:

Endovenous lasers differ from surface lasers because they’re positioned on the vein, rather than sending heat through the skin. The doctor injects tumescent anesthesia around the vein to protect adjacent tissue. Then, they insert a fiber into the vein and heat it with thermal energy. This is safer and more effective than surface lasers for large varicose veins.

● Radiofrequency Ablation– Meaning and Indications:

Radiofrequency ablation is like endovenous laser ablation, but it uses sound waves rather than light. For many patients, radiofrequency is more comfortable, since sound waves use less heat than lasers. Radiofrequency is a top way to treat varicose veins and venous insufficiency. It’s minimally invasive and uses local anesthesia.

● Ambulatory Phlebectomy– Meaning and Indications:

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a more invasive procedure that uses small punctures to pull veins out of the body. Patients remain awake and can usually walk afterward. It’s less invasive than traditional surgery but requires more recovery time and post-procedural care than minimally invasive treatments. It’s used for varicose veins but almost never for spider veins.

● Ligation and Stripping– Meaning and Indications:

Ligation and stripping (phlebectomy) is a traditional vein surgery. Vein doctors make multiple deep incisions to pull the vein loose. This often requires spinal or general anesthesia. It also requires downtime, and for some patients, hospitalization. Ligation and stripping is invasive and has been largely replaced by other methods. It treats varicose veins with blood clots or severe tortuosity but not spider veins. 

Wondering What Doctor to See for Vein Problems in CA?

If you’re wondering what doctor to see for veins in California, start with a board certified vein doctor. Then, determine whether they specialize in minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. Surgeries like ligation and stripping are rarely necessary, so look for a doctor who’s up-to-date on the latest methods. Vein doctors studied the anatomy of veins, unlike dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons. They have the tools to treat diseases like Chronic Venous Insufficiency as well as large varicose veins. Learn about California’s top vein doctors below.

Who’s the Top Vein Doctor or Varicose Veins Specialist in CA?

The top vein doctors in California are Dr. Jasmine Koo, Dr. Billy Shoenfeld, Dr. Carly Guthrie, and Dr. Walter Lech. These award-winning vein specialists offer minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins in San Diego and San José. Our medical practice was named a Center of Excellence, and all of our doctors are board certified in vascular fields.

Do You Book Treatment for Your Legs by Phone Number or Email?

There are several easy ways to book treatment for your legs. Our phone number is (858) 298-3245. You can click here to book an appointment as well. Our team will verify your insurance coverage before your appointment, so you know what to expect. For many patients, treatment is covered completely.

If you have bulging leg veins or symptoms of varicose veins, book your appointment today. The sooner you treat varicose veins, the better your chances are to avoid serious complications. Our vein experts will always use the most conservative method possible. We’ll determine which varicose vein treatment is right for you. We’ll also advise you on things like whether to wear compression stockings or avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time.