This page contains answers to frequently asked questions about the conditions we treat. For your convenience, you can click on any of the questions in the list below, and you will automatically be taken to the answer. Information is the most valuable thing a patient can have. We work hard to ensure that our patients make well educated decisions concerning their health.
 Millions of people have varicose veins of one type or another. The function of the veins of the legs are to return blood flow to the heart. In order to do this, veins of the legs have distinct features that enable them to perform this function. Firstly, there are "one way" valves in veins which help propel blood flow back to the heart. Secondly, there are muscle pumps in the forefoot and calf which, through muscular contractions, force blood forward. If muscular forces are inadequate, or if the valves are abnormal, then blood flow will reflux into the leg leading to enlarged and congested veins with symptoms of aching discomfort, throbbing, swelling, fatigue, "restless legs", burning, or itching sensations. These symptoms are worsened by prolonged standing or sitting.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins and spider veins, are visible, superficial veins which commonly occur in the legs. Often unsightly in appearance, varicose veins can also be the cause of aching, swelling, itching and even Eczema and skin ulcerations. Varicose veins are distened and engorged-looking but are located deeper than the spider veins which frequently accompany them. Spider veins, also known as "Telangiectasia," "sunbursts," or "broken capillaries" are the small red, blue or purple "Networks" which can be found anywhere on the body. They can be symptomatic or only represent a cosmetic nuisance.
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What causes varicose veins?
All leg veins contain one-way valves designed to direct the flow of blood to the heart. If these valves fail to function correctly or "leak," some blood is able to flow back down into the leg, in the wrong direction, and overfill branches of superficial veins under the skin. These malfunctioning valves within the venous system of the leg can occur at any site but the majority of them are located in the groin area or behind the knee, where there are major junctions between superficial and deep veins. The pressure of the blood from the valve malfunction causes the veins to become distended or bulge. At the same time, tiny capillary branches of the veins are also overfilled with blood, producing multiple spider veins and purple discoloration.
Who gets varicose veins?
Heredity, obesity, common hormonal fluctuations, aging, standing occupations, pregnancy and leg injury can all be contributing factors to the causes and severity of varicose and spider veins, with heredity being the most prevalent. Since hormonal factors including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and the use of birth control pills, and estrogen replacement play a role in this disease, up to 50% of American women are affected by varicose veins. As such, women are more likely to suffer from these abnormal leg veins than men. Pregnancy, for example, causes increases in hormone levels and blood volume and the enlarged uterus causes increased pressure on the veins. Varicose veins due to pregnancy, however, often resolve or improve within 3 months after delivery.
Is treatment necessary?
 Veins that cause aching, pain, throbbing or tenderness; those that present other medical complications such as Eczema, skin ulcerations, thrombophlebitis (clotting and inflammation) or bleeding; and those that are cosmetically unappealing are all good candidates for treatment. The decision for treatment is made on a case by case basis by the patient and the doctor and depends on a number of factors including the severity of the veins and their symptoms.
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How does the Laser Procedure work?
The laser energy damages the vein walls, shrinking them and thus closing the faulty veins so that blood can no longer flow through it. This eliminates vein bulging at its source.
Does the loss of a vein present a problem?
No. After treatment, the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to the normal veins in the legs. This abnormal vein can not be used as an arterial substitute
if left in place, due to their weakened wall.
What are the complications of this procedure?
The only minimal complications experienced with laser have been a small number of cases of numbness that pass quickly.
How successful is the treatment?
Answer: 97% of first time laser treatments are successful!
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