Summer-Ready Legs: Modern Solutions for Varicose and Spider Veins

If you’re reading this, chances are it is a hot July day.  Temperatures are likely in the nineties or possibly over 100 degrees.   I actually love the heat.  We get to wear less clothing and get to spend time at the pool (under a shaded umbrella).  However, through the years I have learned that many people dread this time of year because we are wearing less clothing.   This is troubling to some people because they feel that many of their perceived imperfections are on display.  Many people have sought our care because they have varicose and spider veins on their legs.   For those I have some great news.  Firstly, most people are so caught up in themselves and their own lives that they don’t notice and don’t care about your leg veins.  The second piece of great news is that effective and safe treatment is available.

Modern Leg Vein Solutions: Beyond the Summer Insecurity

At our practice we are fortunate to have Dr. Monica Brar who’s practice is limited to the diagnosis and treatment of leg veins.  Many people knew Dr. Brar when she practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology and delivered many of your babies.  I am also lucky to be married to her.  The reality of family life and incredible demands of being a solo practicing Obstetrician and Gynecologist led Dr. Brar to retrain in phlebology (the specialty of treating leg veins).  She has been specializing in this area for 14 years.  Many of the advancements in the treatment of leg veins stem from the use of the Duplex Ultrasound Machine to visualize the veins underneath the skin.  This was a natural transition for Dr. Brar as using diagnostic ultrasound was part of her daily Obstetrics Practice.  She has studied this art and because of her expertise has been an invited speaker at national leg vein conferences.

Some people only have small spider veins that we can easily treat with injection sclerotherapy.  However, a diagnostic ultrasound is usually performed to make sure that there is not a larger vein under the skin feeding the superficial veins.  If there is a deeper vein feeding the superficial one, and you only inject the superficial veins, treatment in unlikely to succeed.  A common myth is that injection sclerotherapy hurts and stings.  Newer FDA approved solutions do not sting and burn the way hypertonic saline did in the old days.  If a larger vein is identified feeding the smaller ones that vein would be treated first.

Advanced Techniques: How Today's Vein Treatments Differ from the Past

Some of the greatest advances have come in the treatment in varicose veins.  In the late nineties techniques were pioneered that have all but replaced vein stripping.  Vein stripping was often accompanied by a great deal of pain and downtime.  The biggest advancement in treating varicose veins came with today’s endovenous techniques where a laser fiber or radiofrequency catheter is inserted into a vein to destroy it.  These techniques have all but replaced stripping.  This is a procedure that is routinely performed in our fully accredited operatories with local anesthesia.  There is no need to be put under and you can expect a rapid recovery.  Most people are back to work the next day and the results can be incredible.

If you have leg veins ranging from large varicose veins that are symptomatic to small spider veins that are a cosmetic nuisance Dr. Brar is happy to help you.  You are welcome to find out more about the current state of the art treatment available by scheduling a complimentary leg vein consultation.  

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