Venous leg ulcers can bring persistent pain, swelling and irritation that interfere with daily life. Without proper care, these ulcers can progress, affecting not only your health but also your ability to stay active.

At Vein Specialists of the South, we have the experience to care for these complex conditions. At VSS, veins aren’t just one thing we do; it’s the only thing we do®, and that focus allows us to provide informed care for patients facing venous leg ulcers. With decades of experience and a commitment to Comprehensive Vein Care®, we bring proven methods to help you manage symptoms and work toward better vein health.

About Venous Leg Ulcers

Venous leg ulcers are open sores that develop on the lower legs when blood flow through the veins is impaired. They form when increased pressure in the leg veins damages the skin and underlying tissue, preventing proper healing. These ulcers can be slow to close, are often painful, and make daily activities more difficult.

Patients with venous ulcers may notice symptoms such as aching, throbbing or burning pain, thickened or discolored skin around the sore, swelling of the leg and drainage from the wound. In many cases, these ulcers are recurring and require ongoing care to reduce discomfort and prevent worsening.

What Causes Venous Leg Ulcers?

  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Varicose veins
  • Leg swelling from fluid buildup
  • Previous blood clots or deep vein thrombosis
  • Injury to the lower leg that does not heal properly
  • Obesity or limited mobility

The Benefits of Our Venous Leg Ulcer Treatments

  1. Faster healing support: By addressing the underlying vein disease, treatment can help improve circulation and encourage wounds to close more effectively.
  2. Comprehensive care: We evaluate both the ulcer and the vein issues that contribute to it to improve leg health.
  3. Reduced recurrence: Treating the source of poor circulation can lower the risk of ulcers returning in the future.
  4. Improved comfort: Treatment can ease symptoms like pain, swelling, and skin irritation that often accompany venous ulcers.
  5. Minimally invasive options: Many treatments are performed in-office with little disruption to your normal routine.
  6. Experienced vein care: With over two decades of focus on vein and lymphatic disorders, we bring knowledge and skill to each patient’s treatment plan.

Diagnosing Vein Problems

If you are living with leg pain, swelling, or a wound that just won’t heal, we will need to diagnose your condition first. We will review your medical history, symptoms, and the condition of your legs. We may also perform a duplex ultrasound mapping study to identify problems in the superficial veins.

If deeper vein issues are suspected, we will recommend more tests. These can include CT or MRI imaging, a venogram, or an intravascular ultrasound to give a clearer view of your circulation. Once we understand what is going on in your veins, we can start to develop a treatment plan.

Prevention of Venous Ulcers

As often as we can, we focus on prevention because managing vein conditions early can reduce the chance of ulcers developing. When we treat circulation problems before the skin breaks down, we can protect your legs from painful wounds. We also guide patients in making lifestyle changes, such as using compression therapy, staying active, and elevating the legs when possible. Prevention steps can include the following:

1

Our Better Veins. Better Life.® Plan

We make vein care simple with our Better Veins. Better Life.® Plan. The process begins when you schedule a consultation and have your legs evaluated with a complete exam and diagnostic testing. From there, we create a treatment plan to improve circulation and support healing. You can look forward to Better Looking® and better feeling legs through focused, effective care.

2

Correction of Faulty Veins

  • Radiofrequency Ablation: This treatment uses gentle heat delivered through a thin catheter to close off diseased veins. Blood naturally reroutes to healthier vessels, which can improve circulation and reduce pressure in the legs.
  • VenaSeal™: A medical adhesive is placed inside the vein through a small catheter, closing it without heat.
  • Varithena®: This approach involves injecting a specialized foam into the vein under ultrasound guidance. The foam causes the vein to collapse and be absorbed by the body.
  • Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Problem surface veins are gently removed through a series of tiny incisions. This method is most often used for bulging surface veins that cannot be treated effectively with injections or heat.

How We Treat Venous Ulcers

If you already have open sores on your legs, prevention alone will not be enough. We will shift our focus to active ulcer care and strategies that improve circulation so the wounds can heal. We also look at long-term solutions to reduce the chance of venous leg ulcers coming back.

1. Wound Care

Treatment starts with cleaning and protecting the ulcer so the skin can repair itself. Dressings may be used to control drainage and keep the area protected from infection. We will carefully monitor your wounds so we can adjust our approach when we need to and make sure your ulcer heals.

2. Compression

Gentle pressure applied through compression wraps or stockings helps blood flow back toward the heart. This reduces swelling, increases circulation, and supports healing of the damaged skin. Compression will likely also become part of your long-term plan to keep your legs healthier.

3. Treat Faulty Veins

When circulation problems are linked to diseased veins, addressing them directly will be part of the process, but will happen after your ulcers have healed.. Closing or removing faulty veins helps reduce pressure inside the legs and prevents ulcers from reopening. Treatments may include the minimally invasive methods discussed above.

What to Expect

1

Consultation

Your first step is a comprehensive consultation with one of our vein specialists. We review your medical history, look closely at your legs, and perform testing to understand the cause of your symptoms. We will determine whether your venous ulcer is linked to vein disease and what treatment options will support healing.

2

Treatment Preparation

Before starting care, we will give you clear instructions to make the process as smooth as possible. You may be asked to bring a list of medications, wear loose-fitting clothing, and avoid lotions or creams on your legs each time you come in for treatments. You should also keep your body hydrated before any vein treatments.

3

During Your Treatment

Our treatments are performed in our office and are straightforward. Just Walk In. Walk Out. With Little to No Down Time®. The actual treatment will depend on your plan and may involve advanced wound care, dressings, vein treatments, and more.

4

After Your Treatment

Healing continues after you leave our office, and we provide all of the instructions you need for at-home care. This may include keeping the area clean and covered, wearing your compression garments, and walking regularly to support circulation.

5

Your Results

Improvements can gradually be seen as your wounds close and your circulation stabilizes. If you have been suffering from long-standing leg ulcers, your treatment will support healing and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Ongoing vein care and preventive strategies are part of maintaining healthier legs, and we will continue to be here to make your veins as healthy as possible.

Real Patients, Real Results

View More Photos

Individual Results May Vary

Is Our Venous Leg Ulcer Care Right for You?

Venous leg ulcer care can be an important step for patients who already have open sores on the lower legs. The ideal patient is someone who notices wounds that do not heal, experiences leg swelling or discomfort, and is ready to address the circulation problems causing these issues.

Our treatments may be especially appropriate for:

  • Patients with slow-healing or recurring ulcers on the lower legs
  • Those with a history of varicose veins, leg swelling, or blood clots
  • Patients who have tried basic wound care without improvement
  • Anyone experiencing pain, drainage, or skin changes around the ulcer
  • Patients who want long-term strategies to reduce the chance of future ulcers

Why Choose Vein Specialists of the South for Venous Ulcer Care

Choosing the right specialist matters when you are dealing with a leg ulcer that will not heal. At Vein Specialists of the South, we bring over 25 years of experience. Our vascular ultrasound lab and vein treatment facility are accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).

Our physicians are board-certified, actively involved in research, and frequently educate other providers through our Comprehensive Vein Training Center. Patients also benefit from our culture of “WOW” service, where compassionate care and medical expertise go hand in hand.

Schedule a Consultation to Learn More

If you have a venous ulcer, now is the time to schedule an evaluation. We provide care in Macon and Warner Robins, GA, offering experience and advanced testing to guide your treatment plan.

Call (478) 743-2472 today or complete our online form to book your consultation and take the first step toward Better Veins for Life®.

What Our Patients Say

Dianne W.

Overall, vein care has improved my life by giving me great self-esteem. I was very self-conscious before, but after I had the procedure, I am not at all. If friends or family members were curious about having their veins evaluated and treated I would tell them to not put it off if they are having problems. It is a very easy procedure. The practice was very friendly and professional. I love the overall results and would definitely do it again. Any future problems I will come back to the Vein Specialists to see Dr. Harper and his Staff.*

Marsha B

Dr. Harper is an excellent doctor. He communicates effectively with the patient and is easy to talk to. He talks to you and not at you. He gives a good examination and explains the process. He also explains the sonogram results. Dr. Harper’s staff does an excellent job also. They are very knowledgeable and efficient with their jobs and put the patients first and work as a TEAM. It is very evident and refreshing. I had a good appointment experience.*

I. Jones

Everybody was so friendly. I trust Dr. Harper. I feel like I did the right thing. I have more energy and am feeling better. I do believe that this has helped me. Go to your doctor, get a recommendation and talk with Dr. Harper and staff. Trust their recommendations and follow through with the procedure. I have nothing but good things to say and am so thankful.*

S. Wedow

Very happy with the results of the procedures that Dr. Harper did and also his making sure I understood everything that he was about to do. He was very personable, friendly and patient with me and made me feel very at ease. Also, would like to thank his P.A.'s, nurses and other support staff for the outstanding work they did and their friendliness and assistance to make my experience there a good one. It was an excellent team effort, which made me feel that I was in very competent hands. Very happy to have been a patient there.

L. Hogan

I had heard a lot of good things about Dr. Harper and Vein Specialists of the South. They had been recommended by my daughter and several friends... Everyone greeted me with a smile! They loved their work and their fellow employees. They were kind, considerate, and courteous. Their primary goal was for you to have a great experience. I would highly recommend Vein Specialists of the South!

Individual Results May Vary

Hear From More Patients

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I see my results?

Healing varies for each patient depending on the size of the ulcer and the severity of the underlying vein disease. Some patients notice improvements within weeks, while others may need several months of care.

Is there downtime after vein treatments?

Vein care is performed in our office and allows you to return to normal activities the same day or shortly after. Patients may need to wear compression or follow wound care instructions, but these do not usually interrupt daily life. Our goal with venous ulcer treatment is to make care practical and manageable.

Will the ulcer come back?

There is always a chance that venous ulcers can return, especially if the underlying vein disease is not treated. Correcting faulty veins and maintaining preventive strategies can reduce that risk. Ongoing follow-up helps us manage circulation issues before they lead to another ulcer.