Varicose Veins
Varicose veins not only affect the confidence you feel in your appearance but can also be a sign of underlying vein disease. If you have varicose veins, experienced vascular surgeon Dennis Resetarits, MD, of Surgical Care East, PLLC in Camillus, New York, and serving the greater region of Syracuse, New York, can help. Dr. Resetarits and his team use innovative, minimally invasive techniques, including sclerotherapy, endovenous radiofrequency ablation, and the VenaSeal™ Closure System to restore health to your legs. Call Surgical Care East, PLLC to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are unhealthy blood vessels that are most likely to appear in your legs. They’re visible through your skin and sometimes become so swollen they protrude like twisted ropes. Varicose veins can be blue, red, or purple.
In the earlier stages, varicose veins might be no more than an aesthetic concern. However, as they get bigger, you might start to experience symptoms in your legs such as:
- Itching
- Fatigue
- Burning
- Leg pain
- Night cramps
- Restless legs
- Swollen legs
- Discoloration of the skin around the veins
- Tingling
- Heaviness
- Soreness
- Throbbing
- Cramping
Without timely treatment, varicose veins can cause fluid buildup in your tissues (edema) and eventually lead to the development of venous ulcers. These open wounds are a serious issue that can lead to pain, disability, and in severe cases, amputation.
Why do I have varicose veins?
Varicose veins occur because there’s a problem with the valves in your veins called venous insufficiency. The valves prevent blood from leaking back down your leg when it should be on its way to your heart. If your valves are damaged or weak, blood can trickle backward and collect in places along the vein, resulting in the appearance of varicose veins.
Risk factors for valve damage include sitting or standing for long periods over the years, being overweight or obese, not getting enough exercise, and smoking. Hormonal activity can also be a factor, and it’s not uncommon for pregnant women to develop varicose veins.
If other people in your family have varicose veins, you’re more likely to get them too.
Treatments We Offer
Looking after your legs helps prevent venous insufficiency from getting worse. You should avoid standing or sitting for extended periods, and when you’re still, keep your feet and legs moving as much as possible. Regular exercise, quitting smoking, and losing weight if you’re overweight or obese are vital. Wearing compression stockings can also help support the veins as they pump blood back up your legs. If you have varicose veins as a result of venous insufficiency, Dr. Resetarits offers a selection of effective, minimally invasive treatments, including:
VenaSeal™
In-office procedure where a catheter is inserted directly into the diseased vein and injects the VenaSeal® adhesive to seal the vein.
ClosureFast™
A catheter is introduced into the vein and delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall, causing it to heat, collapse and seal shut and other healthy veins take over.
Sclerotherapy
In-office procedure where a solution, called a sclerosing agent, is injected into the veins causing the blood to clot and the vein to scar.
Phlebectomy
Small incisions are made in the area of the vein, and then a special hook tool is used to remove the vein. The incision is closed and bandages are applied.
To find out how these advanced treatments could address your venous insufficiency and varicose veins, call Surgical Care East, PLLC today or book an appointment online. Now serving Camillus, NY and surrounding areas of Syracuse.
What happens after my varicose vein treatment?
Following your varicose vein treatment, you need to wear compression stockings and avoid anything too strenuous for a few days. The treated veins can’t return, but it’s possible for new varicose veins to form. You can help prevent this by making healthy lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and losing weight.