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Treatment
Successful treatment of leg veins requires treatment of the underlying cause of the dilated vessels. In general, the underlying problem will determine what treatment is to be most effective. In fact, many patients will require more than one treatment method for the various kinds of abnormal veins they have.
Evaluation
Before undertaking treatment, every patient undergoes a thorough evaluation of the leg veins. This includes physical examination, doppler examination (which is a lot like listening to veins with a stethoscope), PPG study ( a non-invasive technique for measuring leg vein activity) and in some cases ultrasound evaluation. This gives an understanding of the problems we need to correct.
Treatment Methods
The full range of treatment methods is available at North Bay Dermatology because the causes of leg vein problems can be so varied. We can provide surgical treatment of certain veins, injection or sclerotherapy for others, and laser treatment for vessels where that may be indicated. We tailor the treatment to the needs of the patient rather than relying on any one favored procedure or piece of equipment.
Outcomes
No physician can guarantee the outcome of therapy. At North Bay Dermatology we are competent and highly trained professionals, who will work to give you the best possible results.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is the surgical removal of leg veins done in the office under local anesthesia. The procedure is virtually painless and there is little or no bleeding involved. The surgical incisions for phlebectomy are often no larger than a needle stick or a very tiny incision. In fact, most often the incisions are made with a needle rather than a scalpel. The veins are then removed through these tiny incisions by grasping them with a small instrument and gently pulling them through the incision. Because the procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia, patients are able to walk immediately after the procedure is performed.
Making the Decision
The decision to perform ambulatory phlebectomy is based upon the overall condition of the leg veins, which is determined by a comprehensive leg vein evaluation. Of course, there are many other techniques for the treatment of leg veins, which is fortunate, because the unique circumstances of each patient will determine what therapy is most appropriate. Most patients will have more than one type of treatment for the variety of sizes, locations and types of venous abnormalities. Most patients who have phlebectomies will have that procedure in conjunction with sclerotherapy to other vessels.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness is one of the important reasons for doing a phlebectomy, as one can well imagine. It is very unlikely that a vein will recur once it has been physically removed and is on the surgical tray. There is also usually a quicker healing time for these larger vessels and less likelihood of increased pigment along the course of the vein than with sclerotherapy.
Before Surgery
Before surgery, patients must have a thorough leg vein evaluation to determine appropriate therapy and to determine their health status. Patients also must be measured and fitted for appropriate support hose which must be worn after the procedure. Patients needing anti-coagulants cannot be treated with phlebectomy unless they can go off those drugs both in the pre-operative and in the post-operative period. Likewise, people who are taking drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, NSAID’s and others which interfere with coagulation must discontinue them for several days pre-op.
The Post-Op Period
In the post-operative period, patients are able to walk about and attend to their needs, however, most people should be off work for a minimum of 48 hours. During this time, they will have pressure dressings on the legs, and may have minor discomfort. Acetaminophen may be taken if needed. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise, aerobics, and standing on the feet for long time periods for a few days post-op. Support hose are mandatory. Patients needing vein procedures have unhealthy veins which need support.
North Bay Dermatology Knows
We here at North Bay Dermatology are familiar with the indications for ambulatory phlebectomy and have training and experience in the performance of the procedure. If it is indicated, after your leg vein evaluation, we will discuss the procedure in detail and tell you why we feel this is the procedure for your problem. Please do not be surprised if our recommendation for treatment may be quite different from what your friends and family may have had. Every patient is different, and only a qualified physician can advise you of the best option.
Do you have leg vein problems?
If you have leg vein problems, we hope you will allow us to evaluate them and to make appropriate recommendations.
Super Stylish Support Stockings
You are on your feet from morning till night, day after day. Your legs have a lot to do. They are worked to the limit and often overstrained. You should therefore do something for their health and well being every day. If you legs feel fine, you will feel fine. Support socks for men and support stockings for women will help you to achieve this. You will feel the benefit with every step.
You should wear support stockings if you have to be on your feet a lot and your legs are tired. They are also recommend in pregnancy, from the third month onwards. Support stockings provide excellent support, relieve the strain on the legs and give a soothing, massaging effect. They are elegant, fashionable, fit perfectly and keep your legs in shape. Think about the health of your legs and give yourself only the very best.
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