The Unseen Dangers of Varicose Veins

The Unseen Dangers of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins often creep up on us seemingly overnight. You notice one little purplish vein and think “Was that there before?” Only in the coming days to notice that it might just be a little wider, longer, or even have spread and possibly spiderwebbed.

Most people look at varicose veins as a part of aging. Along with that, they assume that they are a cosmetic issue. The fact is that visible veins are not just a visual issue. They should be taken for what they are: a noticeable sign that something is medically wrong in the body.

The sooner you get checked by a Vein Specialist, the sooner you can get treatment and prevent the spread.

When varicose veins are left untreated chronic venous insufficiency only gets worse and more pronounced over time. The once-only cosmetic seeming issue can lead to discomfort and even pain.

Many avoid taking action to thwart their vein issues due to the fear either of the cost or pain associated.

The good news is vein treatment is virtually painless. The West Florida Vein Center offers several different treatment options of which our very own Dr. Mark Zuzga will recommend one that is right for your case. There is almost no downtime and all are performed on an outpatient basis.

Untreated vein issues are just asking for potential complications. Complications can include  DVT (deep vein thrombosis blood clots), skin ulcers, phlebitis, bleeding, dermatitis, itching, Restless Leg Syndrome, and festering wounds that may not heal.

Additional good news!

Insurance covers most procedures as varicose veins are a medical condition, not an elective treatment.

At The West Florida Vein Center of Tampa Bay | Safety Harbor we offer:

Microphlebectomy – Damaged veins are surgically removed through tiny punctures. On the day of the procedure, your leg will be marked on the areas to be corrected. A local anesthetic “tumescent” is injected into the area surrounding your vein. Tiny incisions about 2-3mm each – are made and a crochet-type hook is to get ahold of the vein and remove it. This interrupts the blood flow and causes any remaining portion of the vein to clot and gets rid of the bulging diseased vein area.

Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy helps via injection through a very fine needle. The injectable solution causes the veins to shrink, close off, and gradually dissolve. Each session lasts about15 minutes. Most tolerate the solution with no issues. Multiple sessions may be required. This will be decided after the initial consultation and evaluation.

Endovenous Ablation – This revolutionary new treatment for large varicose veins takes less than an hour and accomplishes the same outcome as surgical vein stripping. Using ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia, a thin laser fiber in a catheter is threaded up the vein. As the catheter is slowly withdrawn, the laser shrinks and seals the large vein that causes varicose veins in most patients. There is little or no visible scarring.

The Venefit Procedure – Formerly known as the VNUS Closure™ procedure, for the treatment of varicose veins and CVI. This is a minimally invasive procedure of segmental ablation that utilizes radio frequency (RF) energy to provide an even and uniform heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will re-route itself to other healthy veins.

Considering visiting a Vein Specialist? If you are in the Safety Harbor or Tampa Bay area of Florida we invite you to come in and see Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center. www.westfloridaveincenter.com. Just give us a call to schedule your appointment today! (727) 712-3233.