Summit Vein Institute is Located at our... Our NJ Office
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If you have varicose veins or spider veins then you have come to the right place. We can help relieve your symptoms and improve your appearance. If you take action to treat your varicose veins, you will not only feel and look better but you will help prevent further complications (such as dermatitis, venostasis disease, or thrombophlebitis).
Description: Varicose veins are swollen often-twisted bulging veins and can appear purplish in color. They commonly occur in legs but can also develop in other areas of the body. Hemorrhoids are also a type of varicose vein. However, you may have symptoms before visible signs surface (see list below).
Veins carry blood from organs and tissues back to the heart. All blood flows in one direction and there are one-way valves to help facilitate this flow. Our blood flow pushes the valves open (similar to a one way door) and then if gravity or muscular contractions try to reverse the flow, the valves close shut. When these valves do not work properly, as in varicose veins, the blood flows backwards causing the veins to fill and enlarge. It is when these valves weaken, get damaged or just don’t work properly that varicose veins develop.
The underlying root cause of varicose veins is of multiple origins. There are theories that hereditary factors cause vein walls to become weak and lose their elasticity. As the veins start to deteriorate, the valves also start to separate. Other factors that can cause an increased risk to varicose veins include: occupations which require standing for long periods of time, obesity, hormonal fluctuations such as in pregnancies or menopause, traumas (e.g., post surgery) and normal aging.
Very Common: Varicose veins affect about 50% of individuals over age 50 and are more common in women than men. It is estimated that 80 million people have varicose veins and by the age of 70, approximately 70% of women are affected. Your chances of developing varicose veins increases as you age.
Signs & Symptoms: The most common symptoms and signs include: • Swollen and enlarged veins • Blue or purplish veins near the skin surface • Leg heaviness and tire easily • Swelling in legs, ankles and/or feet • Numbness • Painful or achy legs • Skin Ulcers • Blood Clots • Leg cramps at night • Skin darkness or discoloring • Itching and/or rash • No Pain - not everyone has pain
Treatments: We offer several treatment plans depending on the severity of your situation. Also, even if you are not experiencing symptoms, you may still want to improve your cosmetic appearance. Our medical and surgical procedures for varicose veins involve removing or closing the veins. The doctor will discuss the various treatment options for your situation, recovery periods and possible side effects during your appointment. Our doctor is trained and experienced in performing the following procedures:
Sclerotherapy - This is the most common treatment therapy and involves injecting a solution into the vein. This method is primarily used for smaller varicose veins or spider veins. This solution (usually thromboject) causes the walls of the vein to stick together and seal them shut. Stopping the blood flow will cause the vein tissue to scar. Then in a few weeks, the vein should naturally fade away. Sometimes several treatments are necessary (every 4 to 6 weeks). Improvement success rates run from 50% to 90%. This is a very simple procedure and does not require anesthesia. Most individuals return to their normal activity immediately following the procedure.
Laser Surgery - This latest and new technology offers laser surgery for smaller varicose veins. Laser surgery involves the use of strong bursts of light energy to cause the vein to fade away. The advantage of this technique is that there are no incisions or injections and it is very direct and accurate. Laser treatments take about 15 to 20 minutes and additional treatments may be necessary (depending on the severity of the situation). Most individuals return to their normal activity immediately following this procedure as well.
Radiofrequency Ablation - This procedure is necessary for deeper or larger varicose veins but is still considered a minimally invasive surgical technique. The technique uses laser or radiowave energy to heat and close the vein. A small incision is made in order to insert a small tube into your vein. On the tip of the tube is a small device that heats up and causes the vein to shrink and close. Using local anesthesia, the doctor will numb the area where the tube will be inserted. You will be awake during the procedure and you can usually go home the same day.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy - This surgery is typically for varicose veins that are close to the surface of the skin. Small incisions are made in order to remove the vein from the leg. Usually the vein can be removed in one visit. This procedure can be used for very large varicose veins and leaves only small tiny scars. Most individuals return to their normal activity the day following the procedure.
During your physical exam, we will cover the treatment options available for your condition. We will also explain the positives and negatives of each option. You will be able to make an informed decision and one that is best for you.
Preparation Procedures for a Laser Treatment: We need you to avoid sunlight at least four weeks before your treatment, and also during and after your treatment. We cannot treat skin that has been recently exposed to lots of sunlight and you should not use any tanning or skin darkening lotions at least six weeks before the procedure and for several weeks after the treatment. After the treatment, we recommend that you use at least a SPF 30 on your treated areas.
Note: although our treatment plans will help reduce or eliminate current varicose veins, there are no procedures or treatment plans to prevent new varicose veins from developing. Following the below action items may help reduce your chances though.
How to Ease Symptoms: (before your visit) • Wear Loose Clothing (do not constrict waist, groin – upper thighs or legs) • Wear Support Stockings • Avoid Standing or Sitting for Long Periods • Elevate Your Legs When at Rest • When Sitting - Do Not Cross Legs • Exercise to Work Legs (walking) • Lose Weight (if overweight)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Medical Disclaimer The information on this web-site or by any links to or from this site is strictly presented for educational purposes only. This information is not a recommendation for a specific treatment plan, product, or course of action or medical or healthcare provider. In addition, this information may become out of date over time. It is important that you see a healthcare professional for detailed information about medical conditions and treatments. This information is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________