Do I Need that Vein in the Future?

By Dr. Edward Mackay

December 2, 2020


Are veins that are treated necessary in the future? The majority of the time, the answer is "no" you do not need the superficial vein in the future.

In order to fully understand the answer to this question, it is first important to understand more about how veins function, what happens when they malfunction, and how they are treated. 

"Most diseased veins are not needed in the future and circulation can actually be improved once they are removed. " - Dr. Edward Mackay
To learn more about sclerotherapy, contact Dr. Mackay at (727) 527-2888 or fill out an appointment request form.

Vein Procedure Recovery

Important facts about vein procedure recovery to help understand how the veins heal and if they are needed again.

  • Veins are thin tube-like structures that are found throughout the body and transport blood back to the heart. 
  • They vary in size from very small, called venules, to large veins, such as the vena cava, that empties blood directly into the heart.
  • Veins are located deep in the body or superficial, just below the skin. Each vein contains a series of valves that keeps blood flowing  in the right direction.
  • This coupled with the contraction of the muscles, squeezes blood through the veins. 

Why do Veins Fail and Need to Be Removed?

For one reason or another, the valves may malfunction, which means they are unable to close properly. Instead of pushing blood in the right direction, the faulty valves then cause pooling of blood in the veins, with eventual vein swelling and high pressure in the veins. Malfunctioning of valves causes varicose veins and spider veins. Spider veins tend to be in smaller veins that are closer to the skin surface and varicose veins usually affect larger veins.

Treatments for Spider & Varicose Veins

The common treatments that are used to treat varicose veins and spider veins (sclerotherapy) utilize techniques that permanently close the vein, such as with heat and chemicals. Overtime, the veins scar and the body then absorbs this vein. Even though a couple of veins may be treated, there are still multiple other veins that are able to drain areas of the leg.

Which Veins are Not Needed for the Future

The spider veins and varicose veins that are treated are part of the superficial vein circulation. The deep veins drain most of the blood from the legs and therefore, it is appropriate to treat some of the superficial veins, since most of the blood is drained by the deep veins and there are other superficial vein pathways for the movement of blood. The diseased veins are not needed in the future and circulation can actually be improved once they are removed.

Video: Understanding Treatment Options

Dr. Mackay describes the options for varicose vein surgery.

To learn more about vascular surgery, contact Dr. Mackay at (727) 527-2888 or fill out an appointment request form.

Video: Meet Dr. Mackay

Meet one of Tampa Bay's most trusted vascular surgeons. Dr. Edward Mackay has been helping clients prevent and treat vascular diseases. Click here to learn more about this board certified vascular surgeon.

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The Trusted Vein Expert in Tampa