Approximately 30-60% of the general population is affected with some type of vein problem. Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging veins in the lower extremities that develop when valves within the vein stop functioning correctly. In a normal functioning vein, valves help move the blood back towards the heart. When the valves malfunction, blood pools in the veins cause swelling, this in turn causes pain.
Symptoms of varicose veins include the following:
Pain, heaviness or tiredness in legs
Swelling in the lower legs and / or ankles
Bulging, “rope-like” veins under the skin’s surface
Skin discoloration and dryness around the ankles
Varicose veins are generally not linked to any serious health conditions, but left untreated they can cause pain, permanent skin discoloration and ulcerations. Wearing compression stockings and elevating the legs will help alleviate some of the symptoms, but will not cure the underlying problem causing the varicose veins.
Endovenous Laser Therapy
Endovenous Laser Therapy
Fortunately, Great Lakes Surgical Associates has a solution for individuals afflicted with varicose veins! The treatment of varicose veins has advanced considerably in recent years. Formerly, most large varicose veins were treated through an in-hospital operative procedure commonly known as “vein stripping” This procedure removes the veins and alleviates the underlying condition, but postoperative recovery is painful and long.
Great Lakes Surgical Associates can now remove patients’ varicose veins through an office-based procedure known as Endovenous Laser Ablation. The laser does not actually remove the affected vein but actually seals it closed, preventing blood from pooling in it.
The Endovenous Laser procedure is an extremely effective and safe out-patient procedure. The recovery is typically uneventful with patients experiencing minimal pain and discomfort, bruising and swelling. Patients are able to return to their normal daily activities within several days. Call to see how Dr. Cudjoe and Dr. Smith can help alleviate your varicose vein problems today!
They’ll Look at Your Legs for a Whole New Reason!
Microphlebectomy
If you suffer from unsightly and painful varicose veins, now is the time to do something about it! Minor varicose veins can be eliminated through a procedure called Microplemebectomy. During Microphlebectomy, a tiny incision is made in the skin and the varicose vein is actually removed. The procedure is done with local anesthesia and no stitches are needed. Patients are required to wear compression stockings for a few days after the procedure. Microphlebectomy can cause minimal discomfort and good results are almost immediate. Say hello to beautiful legs and goodbye to unsightly veins, with the help of Great Lakes Surgical Associates Vascular Treatment.
Sclerotherapy
Unlike many other vein treatment centers, Great Lakes Surgical Associates Microphlebectomy is performed immediately following the endovenous laser procedure, which eliminates the need for return visits and procedures.
Performed since the 1960’s, Sclerotherapy is the standard of care for the treatment of small varicose and spider veins. Sclerotherapy entails the injection of a “sclerosing” solution into the affected vessel. The solution causes an inflammation in the lining of the vessel, which swells and eventually closes the vein. Sotradecol is the only medication currently approved by the FDA for treating spider veins and is the only medication we use at Great Lakes Surgical Associates. This outpatient procedure is done in-office and requires no anesthesia. Patients report a very modest amount of, if any, discomfort or pain. After treatment, the treated legs should be elevated for a few hours and compression stockings worn for the following days. There is hardly any interruption of daily routines and activities following sclerotherapy.
The response to Sclerotherapy varies from patient to patient and is dependent on the severity of the spider veins or varicose veins. Our professionals at Great Lakes Surgical Associates recommend several sessions of Sclerotherapy to alleviate the problem veins, and results are not immediate. Generally, it takes 4-8 weeks for the veins to disappear with optimal results appearing in 4-6 months. They’ll look at your legs for a whole new reason after treatment received at Great Lakes Surgical Associates!
Spider Veins
Spider veins are tiny purple or red blood vessels located in the skin of the leg near the surface. They appear as tiny branching lines and many times bear resemblance to a spider’s web. Spider veins are not varicose veins and one is not the cause of the other.
Individuals who are prone to developing spider veins are those who stand for many hours, those who have a genetic history of spider veins and women who have been pregnant. While spider veins do not represent a significant health problem, most patients report that they are cosmetically displeasing. Spider veins usually do not cause physical symptoms; though, some people experience an aching or burning sensation around the veins, especially with prolonged sitting or standing. At Great Lakes Surgical Associates, we have solutions, treatments and procedures available to our patients that can eliminate unattractive spider veins, with minimal recovery or down time, helping you regain youthful, beautiful legs, without missing a step! Call us today.
