Several types of doctors and specialists can diagnose and treat varicose veins, depending on the severity and specific needs of the patient. To help you understand what this entails and who you can expect to receive treatment from, we’ve put together an extensive list of the different types of doctors at our clinics who treat varicose and spider veins. You’ll also find helpful information about what each treatment involves.
Which is the Best Doctor for Varicose Veins?
The vein specialist who is right for you will depend on your unique requirements, with certain specialists being more recommended for your condition than others.
Vein Specialist
Specializing in treating vascular and venous conditions, this specialist is highly trained to help combat various diseases that occur in the vascular system.
They’re also qualified to diagnose a number of vascular conditions using non-invasive procedures like MRI scans and ultrasounds. With their unprecedented knowledge of conditions relating to the vascular system, like varicose veins, they can provide in-depth treatments that combat a range of diseases.
The type of treatment they may offer depends on the individual case. For example, they offer everything from endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) treatments that involves a precise insertion of a very thin (less than one millimeter) laser fiber into the diseased veins under real-time ultrasound guidance, followed by an application of laser energy to heat and close the malfunctioning vein, consequently closing the diseased veins.
Phlebologist
These doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating a number of venous disorders, and they tend to have a background in dermatology, vascular disorders, or hematology. To become a vein disorder specialist, they’ll often have to be approved by the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, which involves passing a written test.
Once qualified, phlebologists can treat spider veins and varicose veins in a number of different ways, but you’ll often find them specializing in minimally invasive procedures.
Vascular Surgeons
Vascular surgeons specialize in treating diseases of the vascular system, including veins and arteries. They are highly trained in surgical and minimally invasive techniques for treating varicose veins. Vascular surgeons often perform procedures such as vein stripping, endovenous ablation, and sclerotherapy.
Interventional Radiologists
Interventional radiologists use imaging techniques such as ultrasound to guide minimally invasive procedures to treat varicose veins. They perform procedures like endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), radiofrequency ablation, and sclerotherapy. Their expertise lies in using imaging to precisely target and treat affected veins.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Now we’ve got to grips with what kind of doctor treats varicose veins, let’s explore the various types of treatment options available for these and spider veins.
Sclerotherapy
First introduced in the 1930s, sclerotherapy is a popular treatment option for varicose veins. It involves inserting a specialist detergent (a sclerosant) or concentrated saline mixture into your vein. Over the following 3 to 6 weeks, this vein will start to disappear, and then it will reabsorb into the body.
More recently, foam sclerotherapy has been introduced, which also works on larger veins. Instead of the saline solution, a foam sclerosant is used as it coats readily to the inside of the vein, providing more effective treatment. Again, after several weeks, the vein will often fade, but sometimes, more than one treatment will be required.
Due to the minimally invasive nature of these procedures, they can be performed by most vein specialists in an outpatient setting. Equally, if the vein isn’t overly visible on the surface of the skin, a radiologist may use an ultrasound to guide the solution into deeper veins.
Endovenous Laser Treatment
This procedure uses a small laser fiber that delivers pulses of light when it’s inserted into your vein. As another less invasive treatment, it’s ideal for treating varicose veins in your legs as it causes the vein to collapse so other healthier veins are used instead. The laser tends to be inserted into the great saphenous vein, which runs inside your legs and is the body’s longest vein. However, if your veins aren’t symptomatic of another venous disease, this procedure might not be necessary.
It’s carried out under local anesthesia, often in an outpatient setting. The procedure typically takes 15 minutes and patients are able to resume normal activities as soon as they leave the clinic. The specialist might recommend several short sessions of EVLT treatment depending on the nature of the veins. EVLT is a virtually painless procedure that has been the gold standard of vein treatment since 2005.
Choosing the Best Doctor for You
When selecting a doctor for varicose vein treatment, consider the following factors:
- Expertise and Experience: Look for a doctor who specializes in vascular conditions or has extensive experience in treating varicose veins.
- Treatment Options: Ensure the doctor offers a range of treatment options, from conservative management to minimally invasive procedures and surgery, tailored to your specific needs.
- Patient-Centered Care: Seek a doctor who listens to your concerns, explains treatment options thoroughly, and involves you in decision-making about your care.
A vein consultation will determine what treatment is needed for your individual situation.
Our vein doctors not only take their time performing procedures, but they also empathize with their patients’ symptoms and concerns in order to create a comfortable, trusting atmosphere.
Whether it’s varicose veins, spider veins, or venous ulcers, our clinics treat a variety of vein disease conditions. Varicose treatments take between 15-30 minutes depending on the number of veins affected. If you believe you are suffering from vein disease, contact us at 888.768.3467 to learn more about which treatment would work best for you.
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