UF Vein Center
University of Florida health-care providers offer advanced medical treatments to address both cosmetic and medical concerns associated with varicose veins.
Not only do varicose veins present cosmetic issues, they also can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Specifically, the presence of varicose veins means your body could be experiencing what’s known as “venous insufficiency” or “leaky valves.”
Led by UF vascular surgeon Robert Feezor, M.D., specialists at the UF Comprehensive Vein Center in Gainesville, who work closely with health care providers at UF’s Florida Center for Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, provide a complete range of diagnostic and treatment solutions for the underlying causes of varicose veins.
If the presence of varicose veins, or the smaller “spider” veins, are more of a cosmetic concern rather than a medical one, non-invasive treatments can help you address these issues. Treatments include:
- Sclerotherapy – direct injection of a sclerosing solution into the vein that causes them to contract and collapse.
If the varicose veins present more of a medical and quality of life issue for you, the first steps are evaluation and diagnosis. Specialists at the UF Vein Center first use non-invasive, duplex ultrasound diagnostic imaging to determine the extent of your problem. Next, they conduct a thorough evaluation of your body’s venous system, including deep veins and perforators.
For treatment, compression stockings are first used to try and resolve your ‘leaky valves.’ But if it’s determined more extensive treatment is required, UF vascular surgeons and health-care providers will employ one of the following nonsurgical or surgical treatments, based on your individual situation.
- VNUS Closure System – a new, minimally invasive option that uses radiofrequency to close off abnormal veins.
- Sclerotherapy – direct injection of a sclerosing solution into the vein that causes them to contract and collapse.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy – outpatient procedure where small, slit-like incisions are cut and the affected veins removed.
- Open Surgical Vein Ligation and Stripping – the most conventional procedure for dealing with the underlying causes of varicose veins.
Not addressing the underlying causes of your varicose veins can lead to dramatic consequences for your life. Pain, fatigue, swelling and even skin ulcers can occur if varicose veins are left untreated.
Visit UF’s Comprehensive Vein Center in Gainesville today for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of your condition.