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Varicose Veins

At Vein Specialists of the South, we are committed to providing you with the best vein care designed to meet your individual needs, delivered with WOW service. Our comprehensive approach to varicose vein treatment helps patients throughout Georgia achieve Better Veins for Life®.

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Understanding Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that appear blue or purple and typically develop in the legs. Unlike smaller spider veins, varicose veins are raised above the skin’s surface and can cause significant discomfort, including aching, burning, swelling, cramping and heaviness in the legs. However, about 30% with classic vein symptoms have underlying vein problems including hidden varicose veins.

These problematic veins develop when tiny, one-way check valves inside the veins weaken or become damaged. In healthy veins, these valves allow blood in one direction back to the heart. When valves weaken, blood can flow backward when your are sitting or standing and accumulates in your leg veins. This is referred to as venous reflux. The extra blood puts pressure on the vein walls, causing them to stretch, swell and become twisted into the rope-like appearance characteristic of varicose veins.

Common Causes of Varicose Veins

  • Genetic predisposition (family history)
  • Prolonged standing or sitting occupations
  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
  • Obesity and excess weight
  • Aging and natural wear on vein valves
  • Previous blood clots or vein conditions
  • Lack of regular exercise
  • Smoking and poor circulation

Varicose Vein Symptoms

Many people with varicose veins experience uncomfortable symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life.

  • Aching or throbbing pain in the legs
  • Burning or cramping sensations
  • Swelling in the lower legs and ankles
  • Heaviness or fatigue in the legs
  • Itching around affected veins
  • Restless legs at night
  • Skin discoloration near varicose veins
  • Bleeding from varicose veins
  • Skin ulcers in severe cases

Varicose Vein Complications

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a progressive condition that develops when varicose veins prevent proper blood circulation in the legs. When damaged vein valves fail to effectively return venous blood back to the heart, blood pools in the lower extremity veins , leading to increased pressure in the venous system.

Signs of chronic venous insufficiency include persistent leg swelling, skin discoloration around the ankles, broken veins around your ankles. aching that worsens throughout the day and a feeling of heaviness in the legs. The incidence of restless leg syndrome and leg cramps at night is increased when you have vein problems, too. Without treatment, CVI can progress to more serious complications, including venous ulcers,permanent skin changes and blood clots or DVT..

Blood Clots and Thrombophlebitis

Varicose veins increase the risk of blood clot formation, particularly superficial thrombophlebitis, which occurs when clots form in veins close to the skin’s surface. While typically not life-threatening, these clots cause significant pain, redness and swelling along the affected vein.

More concerning is the potential for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where clots form in deeper veins. If clots travel to the lungs, DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism, making early treatment of varicose veins important for preventing serious complications.

Venous Ulcers and Skin Changes

Venous ulcers are open wounds that typically develop near the ankles when chronic venous insufficiency prevents proper healing. These ulcers can be painful, slow to heal and prone to infection if not properly managed. The skin around varicose veins may also develop permanent changes, including:

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation occurs when red blood cells leak from damaged veins, causing brown or rust-colored staining of the skin that may be permanent without treatment.

Lipodermatosclerosis

Lipodermatosclerosis is a hardening and thickening of the skin and underlying tissue caused by chronic inflammation from poor venous circulation.

Atrophie blanche

Atrophie blanche appears as white, scarred areas of skin surrounded by hyperpigmentation, indicating severe venous disease that requires immediate treatment.

Bleeding

Varicose veins close to the skin’s surface may bleed if injured or spontaneously rupture, particularly in elderly patients with thin skin. While bleeding from varicose veins is typically not dangerous, it can be challenging to control and may recur without proper treatment of the underlying vein problem.

Risk Factors for Developing Varicose Veins

1

Hereditary Factors

Genetics plays a significant role in varicose vein development. If one parent has varicose veins, you have approximately a 40% chance of developing them. If both parents are affected, your risk increases to about 90%. While you cannot change your genetic predisposition, understanding your family history helps with early detection and prevention strategies.

2

Hormonal Influences

Hormonal changes significantly impact vein health, particularly in women. Estrogen and progesterone can weaken vein walls and valves, explaining why varicose veins often develop or worsen during:

Pregnancy increases blood volume while growing uterus pressure compresses pelvic veins, restricting blood flow from the legs. Many women develop their first varicose veins during pregnancy, with symptoms typically worsening with each subsequent pregnancy.

Menopause brings hormonal fluctuations that can accelerate varicose vein development. Hormone replacement therapy may also increase risk, though the benefits often outweigh the risks for appropriate candidates.

Menstrual cycles can cause cyclical worsening of varicose vein symptoms, with many women reporting increased pain and swelling during certain times of their cycle.

3

Occupational and Lifestyle Factors

Certain occupations and lifestyle choices significantly increase varicose vein risk:

Prolonged-standing occupations, including teachers, nurses, retail workers, hairstylists and factory workers, are associated with increased risk due to constant pressure on leg veins without adequate muscle pump activation.

Prolonged sitting jobs, particularly those involving travel or desk work, reduce calf muscle activity that usually helps pump blood back to the heart.

Lack of exercise weakens the calf muscle pump mechanism and reduces overall cardiovascular fitness, which is vital for healthy venous circulation.

Obesity increases pressure on leg veins, while excess weight makes it more difficult for the calf muscles to effectively pump blood upward against gravity.

4

Age-related Changes

Aging naturally affects vein health in several ways. Vein walls lose elasticity over time, while valves may become less effective at preventing backward blood flow. Additionally, the calf muscles that help pump blood back to the heart may weaken with age, particularly in sedentary individuals.

Most people begin developing varicose veins in their 30s and 40s, with symptoms typically worsening over time without treatment. Early intervention can prevent progression and reduce the risk of complications.

Early Varicose Vein Intervention

Preventing Progression

Varicose veins are a progressive condition that typically worsens over time without treatment. What may start as small cosmetic spider veins can develop into large, uncomfortable varicose veins with serious complications.

Early treatment when veins are smaller and symptoms are mild typically results in the following:

  • Better treatment outcomes
  • Fewer required procedures
  • Lower treatment costs
  • Reduced risk of complications
  • Faster recovery times

Symptom Relief

Even when varicose veins appear to be primarily a cosmetic concern, many patients experience symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life.

Early treatment provides relief from:

  • Daily leg pain and aching
  • Nighttime leg cramps and restless legs
  • Swelling that worsens throughout the day
  • Fatigue and heaviness in the legs
  • Skin irritation and itching

Maintaining an Active Lifestyle

Untreated varicose veins often limit physical activity as symptoms worsen. Due to leg discomfort, patients may avoid exercise, recreational activities or even routine daily tasks. Professional treatment allows patients to maintain their active lifestyle and participate fully in activities they enjoy.

Modern Diagnosis of Varicose Veins

Venous Ultrasound

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective varicose vein treatment. At Vein Specialists of the South, we use advanced duplex ultrasound technology to create a detailed map of your venous system.

This noninvasive evaluation allows us to:

  • Identify all sources of venous reflux
  • Measure the diameter and depth of affected veins
  • Assess blood flow patterns and valve function
  • Plan the most effective treatment approach
  • Monitor treatment success over time
  • And evaluate the deep veins for reflux,
  • Diagnose acute blood clots or scarring from previous blood clots

Our accredited vascular lab and experienced registered vascular technologists ensure accurate, reliable results that guide your customized treatment plan.

Physical Exam

A thorough physical examination reveals essential information about your varicose veins and overall vascular health.

Our vein specialists evaluate:

  • The size, location and pattern of visible varicose veins
  • Skin changes, including discoloration or texture changes
  • Signs of chronic venous insufficiency
  • Areas of tenderness or inflammation
  • Pulse assessment and overall circulation

Medical History

Understanding your complete medical history helps identify risk factors and potential complications.

We review:

  • Family history of vein disease
  • Previous pregnancies and hormonal influences
  • Occupational and lifestyle factors
  • Previous injuries or surgeries
  • Current medications and medical conditions
  • Symptom severity and impact on daily activities

Varicose Vein Prevention

Genetic Factors

While genetic factors play a significant role in varicose vein development, certain lifestyle modifications can help prevent new varicose veins and reduce symptoms.

Stay active

Stay active with regular exercise, particularly activities that work the calf muscles, like walking, swimming or cycling. Physical activity improves circulation and strengthens the muscle pump that helps return blood to the heart.

Maintain a healthy weight

Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your leg veins. Excess weight puts additional strain on the venous system, contributing to valve dysfunction.

Elevate your legs

Elevate your legs when resting, particularly at the end of the day. Raising your legs above heart level helps gravity assist blood flow back to the heart.

Wear compression stockings

Wear compression stockings if recommended by your physician. Medical Grade Graduated compression helps support vein function and can prevent the progression of existing varicose veins.

Avoid sitting or standing

Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for too long. If your job requires long periods in one position, take frequent breaks to move around and flex your calf muscles.

Choose appropriate footwear

Choose appropriate footwear with good support. High heels worn regularly can contribute to calf muscle weakness and poor circulation.

Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments at Vein Specialists of the South

We offer the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins, allowing patients to return to normal activities quickly with excellent results.

1

Endovenous Thermal Ablation

Endovenous thermal ablation uses targeted heat energy to seal larger varicose veins, particularly the great saphenous vein or small saphenous vein. During this procedure, a thin catheter is inserted into the affected vein under ultrasound guidance. Heat energy is then applied to close the vein permanently, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins.

Benefits of endovenous thermal ablation:

  • Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
  • No general anesthesia is required
  • 95-98% success rate
  • Immediate return to normal activities
  • Covered by most insurance plans
  • No visible scars
2

VenaSeal

The VenaSeal procedure uses medical-grade adhesive to permanently seal affected veins. This innovative treatment requires no heat or multiple needle sticks, making it highly comfortable for patients. The adhesive is delivered through a small catheter, closing the problematic vein and allowing blood to reroute through healthy veins.

Advantages of VenaSeal:

  • No activity restrictions after treatment
  • Single injection site
  • Excellent patient comfort
  • Rapid recovery
  • Safer to treat the saphenous vein between the knee and ankle.
3

Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a specialized solution directly into varicose veins, causing them to collapse and eventually be reabsorbed by the body. We use advanced foam sclerotherapy techniques and ultrasound guidance for optimal results.

For larger varicose veins, we often use foam sclerotherapy, which involves mixing the sclerosing agent with air to create a foam that displaces blood within the vein. This allows the solution to remain in contact with the vein wall longer, increasing effectiveness for more prominent veins. A series of sclerotherapy sessions may be recommended when needed.

Benefits of sclerotherapy:

  • Highly effective for various vein sizes
  • Quick 30-45 minute sessions
  • Minimal downtime
  • Cost-effective treatment option
  • Can treat multiple veins per session
4

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy allows for the removal of bulging varicose veins through tiny micro-incisions. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and leaves virtually no scarring while providing immediate cosmetic improvement.

Ambulatory phlebectomy advantages:

  • Immediate visible results
  • Local anesthesia only
  • Minimal scarring
  • Same-day procedure
  • Excellent for large, bulging veins

VSS Protocol for Comprehensive Vein Care

It is based on providing the right treatment for the right patient at the right time.
Often, the most effective treatment plan involves combining multiple procedures. For example, we might use endovenous thermal ablation to treat the main refluxing saphenous vein, followed by sclerotherapy or phlebectomy to address remaining branch veins and finishing up with cosmetic sclerotherapy for the WOW factor.

Are embarrassing Varicose Veins keeping you from wearing shorts?

  • Understand the underlying cause of varicose veins.
  • Determine if your unsightly varicose veins could be more than a cosmetic concern.
  • Learn what to expect at your vein evaluation.
  • Choose the best treatment options to meet your needs.
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Take The First Step Toward Healthier Legs Today!

Don’t let varicose veins hold you back from the activities you love or make you self-conscious about your appearance. The experienced team at Vein Specialists of the South is here to help you achieve healthier, more comfortable and beautiful legs.

Our comprehensive approach to varicose vein treatment combines the latest minimally invasive techniques with over 25 years of experience, ensuring you receive the best care. From your initial consultation through your complete recovery, we’re committed to providing the excellence in vein care that has made us Georgia’s trusted choice for varicose vein treatment.

Call (478) 743-2472 today to schedule your consultation with Vein Specialists of the South and discover how our advanced varicose vein treatments can help you achieve Better Veins for Life®!

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Two Convenient Georgia Locations

Macon

556 3rd Street, Suite A
Macon, Georgia 31201
(478) 743-2472

Warner Robins

151 South Houston Lake Rd
Warner Robins, Georgia 31088
(478) 743-2472
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