There are many symptoms associated with superficial venous insufficiency, which may include unsightly, large varicose veins that can be seen with the naked eye.  When they occur with symptoms, these will include pain or aching, swelling, leg cramps, foot/heel pain, itching or burning and restless legs where you feel like you can’t get settled.  In advanced cases, there can also be the presence of leg ulcers and skin discoloration.

Decatur Vein Clinic specializes in Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (USGS) and Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT). These non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures are the alternative to a vein stripping.  Because you sought help at Decatur Vein Clinic, you will avoid a surgery and thus avoid general anesthetic, time off from work, scarring, pain and numbness at the surgical incision sites, as well as eliminate the risks associated with anesthesia and hospitalization.

USGS involves injecting a sclerosing medication into the “bad” veins, which irritates the lining of the vein wall. Over the next few days, the vein begins to develop scar tissue inside, thereby closing off blood flow to the diseased vein. Your blood is then routed to healthier veins resulting in the decrease of your symptoms. Once treatment is complete, the body will dissolve the treated veins over a period of a few months to a year.

EVLT uses a laser fiber instead of a medication to sclerose the vein and is only used on the larger veins at this time, usually in the thigh or calf.  Other diseased veins that are identified during the diagnostic procedure are treated at the same time with USGS.

Treatments

It generally takes 6 visits, on average, to complete treatment.  Upon completion, patients are asked to return for 3 follow up visits over a period of time to ensure optimal results.  Plan to have treatment and return to work or your normal activities when you leave! 

We hope you’ll visit us soon, so that we can provide you with more detailed information and put you on the path to better feeling, better looking legs.

FREE Consultation