Varicose veins and spider veins affect 25% of women and 15% of men. For the affected people, there is certainly a degree of insecurity with their appearance, but varicose veins can also potentially be a significant health risk. The veins may cause pain, swelling, or a heavy feeling in the legs in addition to the unsightly bulging appearance.

At New Beauty Center, we take the treatment of varicose veins seriously and use the latest state-of-the-art outpatient procedures to eliminate both the veins and the health risks that come with them. Because the treatment for varicose veins different for each person, below is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the veins and the procedures to correct them.

What are varicose veins and why do I have them?
Varicose veins are normally caused by a faulty valve in the affected vein. This valve allows the blood to back flow from the deeper higher pressure veins into the lower pressure surface veins. When this happens, the surface veins dilate and become visible. The first step with every person is to check the valves in your leg with an ultrasound to determine if you have this condition. If you do, then it is very important to amend this issue first to ensure the success of your treatment.

As the arteries carry blood away from the heart, the veins return blood to the heart. Veins are very thin-walled and consequently are prone to stretching and swelling. Furthermore, there are valves which support the blood on its journey back up to the heart. In varicose veins, these valves are defective which causes the swelling related with this condition. This swelling is what is known as varicosity. Because the veins have nerves linked with them, as they stretch, they can become painful.

Varicose veins tend to be hereditary so if your family members have them then your chance of having them is more likely. Otherwise, obesity, tall stature, pregnancy, repeated abdominal straining, as with heavy lifting, and excessive standing on hard surfaces can lead to varicose veins.

How can my veins treated?
Because everyone is unique and every vein is different, we offer a variety of services to meet the needs of our patients. For large varicose veins Endo Venous Laser Therapy (EVLT) is an exceptional treatment option. For smaller spider veins, laser therapy is a good option as is sclerotherapy or ambulatory phlebectomy. Your treatment will be decided after your first consultation.

What is EVLT® and how does EVLT® work?

Endo Venous Laser Therapy utilizes an IV placed in the diseased vein
to place a tiny laser fiber into the broken valve. When the laser is turned
on, the valve is closed and the varicose veins disappear.

EVLT® eliminates varicose veins using targeted laser energy to seal the faulty vein shut with no hospital stay, no scarring and no extended recovery or side effects. In less than an hour you can be free from bulging, twisted varicose veins and back to enjoying life. EVLT® is safe, fast, and effective.

What is Ambulatory Phlebectomy?

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a very effective method of removing small veins through a small needle hole that is made after numbing the skin.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is treatment for spider veins and involves injecting the veins with a small amount of a medicine that irritates the vein and therefore closes it. It is useful in small veins.

The benefits of EVLT® are:
Treatment in less than one hour.
Is performed in the doctor’s office.
Up to 98% success rate.
Immediate relief of symptoms.
Return to normal activity right away – with little or no pain.
No general anesthesia or hospitalization.
No scarring.

What can I expect during the EVLT® procedure?
The doctor uses ultrasound to examine your vein.
Local anesthetic is applied.
A thin laser fiber is inserted through a tiny entry point, usually near the knee.
Laser energy is delivered to seal the faulty vein.
Walking immediately after the procedure is suggested. Normal daily activity can be resumed, including returning to work; just avoid rigorous activities such as gym workouts. And, we advise that you wear tight compression stockings for 5 days after the procedure.
There may be minor soreness and bruising along the inner thigh, occasionally lasting up to two weeks. Also, some people experience a tightening in the thigh, but most patients express that it is not bothersome. Any discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter, non-aspirin pain relievers as needed.

Does EVLT® hurt?
There is a small amount of pain when the doctor injects the numbing medicine similar to the way a numbing injection might feel during a dental appointment.

Will my insurance cover EVLT®?
Most insurance companies do cover the procedure. However, we also offer financing and credit card options.