It is estimated that more than 20% of American adults develop bulging varicose veins at some point in their lives. When the visible veins are flat and don’t bulge, they are called spider veins when very thin, and reticular veins when they are wider – and more than 80% of adults are estimated to have one or more of these three venous conditions.
This vein condition is often precipitated by pregnancy, aging, heredity, or prolonged standing or sitting. The good news is that it can usually be treated without the need for surgery, through a simple in-office injection procedure.
Let’s talk about how varicose veins can be treated, and where you can go in Tampa to see a world-class vein specialist who can make your skin look clearer and feel great again.
Why Visit a Medical Center that Treats Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins and spider veins are all due to venous insufficiency. This is when the microscopic valves throughout the vein do not properly push the “used” blood back to the heart, so the blood can pool in the vein.
If the vein is close to the surface of the skin, these enlarged veins are visible and not very attractive. They can also cause the following symptoms in the area:
- Aches and pains in the area
- Swelling
- Itching
- Fatigue
Varicose veins can cause issues that are beyond just minor aches and superficial unsightliness, such as:
- Dangerous blood clots can travel to the heart and lungs, potentially causing a pulmonary embolism
- Phlebitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels
- Lymphedema, or the leakage of fluid into the surrounding tissues
- Ulceration (if the vein pushes up and through the skin, causing an open sore)
- Infections, such as cellulitis
What Treatments Does a Vein Center Offer?
After performing a medical evaluation and possibly one or two types of tests to evaluate your circulation and your vein health, your vein doctor can recommend a treatment plan. This may include one or more of the following:
- Sclerotherapy – Injection of a chemical irritant into the vein that seals it off and makes it fade away, as the body absorbs and eliminates it naturally
- Radiofrequency ablation– Insertion of a catheter and electrical source into the vein in order to heat and close the vein
- EVLT (endovenous laser treatment)– Using a laser to seal the vein so it fades away
- Phlebectomy– Surgery to physically remove more serious, large varicose veins
- Vitamin and supplement treatment– This may be recommended to promote healthy veins and foster circulation
Varicose Vein Center in Tampa, FL
Board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Edward Mackay leads our three Tampa-area vein clinics. If you feel that your varicose veins need treatment, come and see what Dr. Mackay can do for you.
We have convenient locations in Largo, St. Petersburg, and Palm Harbor. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mackay, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (727) 781-5652 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!
