By Dr. Massoudi at Aluna Vein Centers in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Encino and Glendale CA
Dr. Massoudi treats the source of the vein problem. His extensive experience in treating varicose and spider veins is the reason why his patients are happy and satisfied with his treatment plan. To learn more about the treatments of Varicose Veins and Spider Veins, read the valuable links below.
Varicose Veins Q&A
What causes varicose veins?
The veins in your legs rely on one-way valves to keep blood flowing up the leg and back toward your heart. When a valve is damaged, it allows blood to flow backward, a condition called chronic venous insufficiency.
As the blood accumulates, that part of the vein becomes engorged. The enlarged vein gradually turns into a twisted, bulging, dark purple and blue varicose vein.
What symptoms develop due to varicose veins?
Some people with varicose veins may not develop any symptoms other than the cosmetic problem of unsightly veins. However, varicose veins often lead to problems such as:
Pain
Swelling
Aching legs
Tired legs
Dermatitis
Burning or itching
Changes in the color or texture of your skin
Untreated varicose veins increase the pressure in your lower leg, which leads to serious complications such as venous stasis ulcers and deep vein thrombosis.
How does a duplex ultrasound diagnose varicose veins?
During your initial consultation at Aluna Vein Centers, you may have a duplex ultrasound. This type of ultrasound combines a regular and a Doppler ultrasound to produce detailed images of your veins and show the blood flowing through them.
With duplex ultrasound, the Aluna Vein Centers team can map your veins, examine varicose veins, find blood clots and narrowed vessels, and determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.
How are varicose veins treated?
Treatment for varicose veins often begins with compression stockings that create pressure and push blood up the leg. In mild cases, compression stockings alone may be all you need to minimize your varicose veins.
The Aluna Vein Centers team recommends one of several possible advanced procedures to eliminate your varicose veins:
Sclerotherapy with Varithena®
VenaCure EVLT® endovenous laser treatment
Venefit™ targeted endovenous radiofrequency therapy
VenaSeal™ medical adhesive
ClariVein® infusion catheter
Ambulatory microphlebectomy
Your provider performs your vein treatment using real-time imaging that allows them to view the blood vessels and guide the medical device through the vein.
Though each procedure uses a different technique, all of them except the ambulatory microphlebectomy eliminate varicose veins the same way: They make the blood vessels collapse and turn into scar tissue that’s eventually eliminated from your body.
During a microphlebectomy, your provider makes a pinhole cut in your skin. Then they use a specialized tool to gently remove the varicose vein.
In some cases, the team treats chronic venous insufficiency with a prescription medical food product called Vasculera®. Vasculera is a natural plant-based flavonoid that supports the health of your blood vessels.
If you need help with varicose veins, call Aluna Vein Centers or book an appointment online today.