Do you have a wound on your legs that won’t heal? It may be a venous ulcer. Treatment is available for these painful sores, and with the right care, we can keep them from coming back while addressing the vein conditions that are causing them.

At Vein Specialists of the South, we take a “whole-person” approach to treating venous ulcers. We not only address the immediate and outward issues caused by these sores, but we also seek to treat the underlying problems, decreasing the inflammation and improving the skin’s ability to receive nutrients.

With individualized vein and ulcer care and “WOW” service, we can heal your venous ulcers and improve your overall health and comfort.

Venous ulcers don’t have to be debilitating. Let our expert team of vein specialists in Macon and Warner Robins, GA, help you get Better Veins for Life® with proper treatment and preventive measures.

Understanding Venous Ulcers

Venous ulcers are the painful result of vein disease, when the valves in the veins malfunction and allow blood to flow backward. This backward flow is called venous reflux and causes pressure in the veins along with swelling and inflammation in the surrounding tissues. It also blocks oxygen and nutrients to the skin and eventually causes tissue damage and painful ulcers. These sores can take weeks and sometimes months to heal and can quickly get worse if they aren’t treated. Getting the right treatment for your venous ulcers is important to avoid complications.

Common symptoms and warning signs include:

  • Non-healing sores on ankles/lower legs
  • Swelling, heaviness, itching, skin changes
  • Pain that improves with elevation
  • Hardened or thickened skin near the wound
  • Darkened or discolored patches around the ulcer
  • Fluid drainage or foul odor from the sore
  • Increased warmth, redness, or tenderness

What’s happening inside your legs?

In a healthy vein, there are valves that help the blood to move back to your heart and keep it from pooling in your legs. Sometimes these valves can become damaged because of aging, genetics, lifestyle, and other factors. Many venous ulcers are preventable if these venous diseases are treated early enough. However, without treating the underlying cause, 60% of ulcers will return even after proper wound care. If you already have a venous ulcer, don’t worry, it is treatable, and we can help prevent it from coming back.

Venous ulcers commonly form in patients with:

Why Venous Ulcers Shouldn’t Be Ignored

A venous leg ulcer is not just a sore; it is a sign of ongoing vein disease that can worsen without the right treatment. If they are not treated, they can lead to infection, spreading pain, and long-term damage to your skin and tissues. The good news is that treatment can help your legs heal and keep new ulcers from forming. If you are living with a venous ulcer, seeking care now by scheduling a consultation can put you on the path to healthier legs and a greater quality of life.

Why Choose VSS for Your Venous Ulcers

Who you choose as your vein specialist makes a difference in how your legs heal and how you feel moving forward. At Vein Specialists of the South, we’ve cared for thousands of patients with more than 25 years of focused experience in vein disease. We are Central Georgia’s first Accredited Vein Care Center, recognized for our commitment to Comprehensive Vein Care® and minimally invasive innovation. When you choose us, you gain a partner in restoring your comfort, confidence, and Better Veins for Life®.

Our approach:

We always spend as much time with you as needed to get a complete picture of your health before recommending a treatment. Your appointment will include:

  1. A detailed consultation: We begin with a conversation about your symptoms, medical background, and goals so we can recommend the best treatment for leg ulcers.
  2. A physical examination and complete medical history: Our specialists carefully assess your legs for signs of varicose leg ulcers and related vein problems, guided by your full health history.
  3. Advanced diagnostic methods: Using accredited vascular ultrasound and other modern tools, we gain a precise view of how your veins are functioning.
  4. A customized treatment plan: Based on your unique condition, we design a plan to treat the ulcer, improve circulation, and support your long-term vein health.

Treatment options for venous ulcers

Our treatments depend on whether you are at risk for developing ulcers or are already suffering from leg ulcers. The best step is prevention. Once you have an ulcer, our approach will change, and we will focus on wound healing and preventing recurrence. We offer different prevention and treatment approaches:

Ulcer prevention

  • Better Veins for Life® treatment program: Schedule a consultation, have your legs evaluated, and enjoy better looking®, better-feeling legs.
  • Treating faulty veins: Preventing ulcers by treating veins that aren’t working properly and fixing backward blood flow.

Ulcer treatment

  • Wound care: Proper cleaning and dressing of the ulcer protects the area, lowers infection risk, and supports healing.
  • Compression: Compression wraps and stockings improve blood flow in the legs to reduce swelling and decrease pressure on the veins to help with recovery.

Treatments to prevent recurrence

After your venous ulcers heal, we move on to the next step, which is prevention of ulcer recurrence through vein treatments, including:

RF ablation

We use gentle radiofrequency energy to close off diseased veins to improve circulation and reduce ulcer risk.

VenaSeal™

A medical adhesive that seals problem veins without heat or incisions, allowing blood to reroute to healthier veins.

Varithena®

A specialized foam injected into damaged veins to collapse them and restore more normal blood flow.

Ambulatory phlebectomy

A minimally invasive technique that removes visible varicose veins through tiny micro-incisions.

Treating small connecting veins

After the above treatments, we concentrate on treating small connecting veins that are contributing to venous ulcers. Treatment may include RF ablation, a surgical tie, or ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy injections.

The VSS Difference: Excellence in Vein Care

ONGOING TRAINING FOR BETTER OUTCOMES

Patients deserve the most up-to-date treatments available. Our physicians are board-certified and stay current through continuing education in vein disease management, including advanced methods for conditions such as ulceration of the legs.

TRUSTED ACCREDITATION

You can feel confident knowing our vascular ultrasound lab and vein procedure facility are fully accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). We are dedicated to safe practices, proven protocols, and reliable results that support your long-term vein health.

DECADES OF PROVEN EXPERIENCE

With more than 25 years of focused experience, we’ve evaluated tens of thousands of patients and performed thousands of minimally invasive treatments. Our specialists and long-standing staff bring consistency, skill, and depth of knowledge that few practices in the region can match.

COMMITTED TO OUTSTANDING VEIN CARE

At VSS, we are dedicated to excellence in every detail of your care. From the latest diagnostic technology to individualized treatment planning, our goal is to provide the right care at the right time.

DELIVERING THE VSS “WOW” EXPERIENCE

We are known for going above and beyond expectations. From the first visit to follow-up care, patients often remark on the compassion and attention they receive, even when facing challenges like an ulcerated leg. We promise to treat you like family while guiding you toward Better Veins for Life®.

Don’t Let Venous Ulcers Control Your Life

Since 1997, Vein Specialists of the South has helped thousands of patients like you with varicose veins, spider veins, and leg swelling. Dr. Kenneth Harper is a leader in vein health and a Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and the American Vein and Lymphatic Medicine. Terri Harper, MSN, FNP-C, is a renowned educator in the field of cosmetic sclerotherapy. Our dedicated nurse injectors have been trained by the best.

At Vein Specialists of the South, we have a passion for veins – big and small. We’ve helped over 30,000 people get Better Veins for Life®. Call today to schedule an appointment with the VSS team, where Veins Aren’t Just One Thing We Do, They Are the Only Thing We Do.®

If you are ready for pain-free legs, call (478) 743-2472 or visit our website and fill out a form.

What Our Patients Say

Tonya H

My experience with Vein Specialists of the South was wonderful. They are very organized, professional, and efficient. Everyone working there was eager to answer questions and made it a very smooth visit. I appreciated how kind and knowledgeable everyone was.

C. Bloodworth

World-class customer care providers and services were a huge part of the wonderful care and service I received. THANK YOU for the outstanding care throughout my procedures and visits. You provided fast and friendly, quick and easy care. Much appreciated!

A. Barentine

I’m a mother of four children, although I’ve had eight pregnancies. My first child was born when I was almost 34 and my last was born a week after my 40th birthday. Four children in 6 years, combined with my age, took a toll on the veins in my legs, and I developed several SVT’s with my last two pregnancies. After my last child was born, I endured severe pain in my legs for 5 years before I heeded the commercials I saw on TV. Additionally, I decided to invest in the appearance of my legs that were damaged by the varicose veins causing extensive spider veins covering both legs. The procedures were not bad and the outcome was phenomenal. Thank you, thank you, thank you to Dr. Harper and all his staff! P.S. The schlerotherapy was one of the best INVESTMENTS I ever made!*

Individual Results May Vary

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Top 5 Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What results will I see?

Treating venous ulcers is a process. It usually involves a combination of wound care and vein treatments. Each case is unique, and results may vary in healing time depending on the underlying problems.

Is there any downtime?

While the treatment regimen may take time, the individual therapies don’t typically require a lot of downtime. The wound care phase may be the most time-consuming part of your treatment plan, as sores require frequent cleaning and dressing changes. In some VSS cases, we have seen ulcers heal within weeks of venous interventions, while others take longer.

Vein Specialists of the South is one of Georgia’s leaders in wound care. Our staff has spent hundreds of hours helping patients recover from venous ulcers, and they will work with you individually to determine the best treatment plan that fits your needs.

How long does it take a venous ulcer to heal?

Healing time depends on the size of the ulcer, how long it has been present, and your overall vein health. Some ulcers may improve in just a few weeks, while others take several months. With proper wound care, compression, and vein treatment, healing can be much faster and more complete.

Will the ulcer come back after treatment?

A venous ulcer can return if the underlying vein disease is not treated. That’s why we focus not only on wound healing but also on correcting the cause of leg ulceration. At Vein Specialists of the South, we address the sore and the circulation problem, giving you the best chance for lasting results.

Are vein treatments painful?

Most modern vein treatments are minimally invasive and cause little to no discomfort. Because we specialize only in vein care, we’re able to make the process as easy as possible for our patients.

Will my insurance cover venous ulcer care?

In many cases, insurance does cover venous ulcer treatment because it is considered a medical necessity. Coverage may include wound care, compression, and procedures to correct the underlying vein disease. We will help you navigate your benefits so you understand your options before treatment begins.