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Varicose Veins
Houston Varicose Vein Doctor
Dr. Bardwil has been helping Texans get relief from unsightly varicose veins for many years. He is an expert at relieving the discomfort and reducing the visibility of varicose veins with surgical methods that are non-invasive and effective. He can also meet with you to discuss your treatment options and answer all of your questions. Some of the most commonly asked questions about varicose veins are as follows:
Varicose veins are veins that can be seen on the surface of the skin. They usually appear twisted and enlarged. Varicose veins develop when valves in the veins become faulty and the vein walls become dilated. When veins are functioning properly, one-way valves keep blood flowing against gravity up to the heart. When veins are not functioning properly, these one-way valves become two-way valves. Blood pools in the leg veins and pressure builds up. The veins become weaker, larger, and misshapen. This process is called venous insufficiency. Varicose veins most commonly appear on the legs and ankles, but can appear in other places. Having varicose veins may make the legs feel achy, heavy, tired, and painful.
There are many factors that contribute to the formation of getting varicose veins. Genetics and the aging process are the two risk factors. These risk factors may be expressed more with weight gain or having a job that requires standing for significant periods of time. Women's hormones can also contribute to vein problems. That is why vein symptoms are often related to the menstrual cycle and worsen with pregnancy.
In addition to self care methods, such as wearing special socks, keeping the legs elevated, and getting regular exercise to reduce the pain of varicose veins, there are surgical solutions. The only way to reduce the visibility of varicose veins is to schedule an endovenous laser or radiofrequency treatment. If you are suffering from varicose veins, Dr. Bardwil and Texas Vein and Cosmetic Specialists can help. We can meet with you and discuss the best treatment options for your varicose veins. You don't have to live with the pain and discomfort of varicose veins. Texas Vein and Cosmetic Specialists is here to help you look and feel your best.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
Endovenous Laser (ELAS), and Endovenous Radio Frequency (Closure®) are both methods to eliminate the abnormal saphenous vein from circulation without stripping. Assisted by ultrasound guidance, (1) a special thin catheter is placed inside the saphenous vein. (2) The energy applied heats the inside of the vein to destroy the lining. (3) The vein contracts forming a fibrous tissue which ultimately dissolves. Blood flow diverts spontaneously to the deep veins where the valves are almost always normal. Although we have both devices, Dr. Bardwil prefers the use of Laser over the VNUS Closure device. The laser is more versatile, has a lower reported risk of complications, and better long term results. The new 1470 Wavelength Laser allows us to close the saphenous vein with minimal post procedure pain.
Sclerotherapy: Solutions are injected into the veins creating inflammation. This is a process that results in the eventual shrinking and closing of the treated veins. Sclerotherapy is a very effective method of treating medium-sized and smaller veins.
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy: Utilizing ultrasound the varicose vein is visualized on a screen so Dr. Bardwil can precisely guide the placement of a needle directly into the diseased vein. A sclerosing agent is injected into the veins. This causes an inflammation to the inner lining of the vein, resulting in closure of the vein. The injections are done along the course of the vessel, as needed. The number of treatments varies.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy: After initial consultation with ultrasound to evaluate leg veins, we determine if the saphenous vein needs to be treated. If the saphenous vein is normal, the varicose veins can be addressed. We remove the varicose veins by making small (2-3mm) incisions. This is done utilizing local anesthesia in an office setting. If the saphenous vein requires treatment, residual veins may be treated in a similar manner after treating the abnormal the saphenous vein.
Compression Hose have a place in the treatment in the treatment of varicose veins. Although there is no convincing evidence that support hose improve or prevent progression of varicose veins, they are usually used as an adjunct to treatment. They will also help to reduce swelling and other symptoms in those patients who are not candidates for procedures. The line of hose we carry is called MEDI. These are a top-of-the-line prescription strength support hose.
