Common Questions Regarding Vein Treatment

Here are some common questions about vein treatment you can have answered during a Free Screening or Full Consult at Lakeshore Veins in the Northern Milwaukee suburbs. (We are a stone’s throw away from I 43, and only 10-15 minutes from I 45 via Mequon Road).

An estimated 27% of the adult population — nearly 25 million people —  in the United States has some degree of vein disease of the legs.  Only about 2 million people actually seek treatment.  Most people just suffer with the symptoms.  If you are considering vein treatment, below are answers to the most commonly asked questions about vein treatment.

What is venous reflux disease, and what is venous insufficiency?

Leg veins have one-way valves that are present intermittently from the ankles to the groins.  The valves prevent blood from flowing backwards as it moves up the legs.  Unlike the arteries which move blood from the pumping action of the heart,  blood in the veins moves only by the pumping action of your muscles and the transmitted  pressure changes of breathing.  Venous reflux, also known as venous insufficiency, occurs when vein valves leak and blood flows backward, pooling and causing distention or dilation of the vessels.

Healthy_vs_Diseased_Vein

Are varicose veins dangerous?

Varicose veins are not dangerous if your leg pain is treated early.  If left untreated, varicose veins can cause dilated, tortuous vessels, varicosities, and possibly spider veins.  Long-term, chronic venous disease can lead to skin changes that look like a pronounced sun tan (hyperpigmentation), flaky skin (stasis dermatitis) and ulceration.  The legs can become swollen and the tissue chronically damaged.  At that point, the offending  veins can be ablated (seared closed), but the chronic tissue damage is done.   Rarely, varicose veins can rupture and bleed.

How can I treat varicose veins or Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

After a complete examination and mapping with Lower Extremity Ultrasound by a member of our team at Lakeshore Veins and Wellness,  if venous insufficiency is found, you will be recommended for either Radiofrequency Ablation or Laser Ablation of the problem vein. Radiofrequency ablation uses energy to sear the lining of the problem vein so blood gets re-routed to other veins.   Laser Ablation (Endovenous Laser Ablation EVLT) sears the vein closed with heat generated by a laser.  Either form of thermal ablation is effective and will result in a short, comfortable recovery with a quick return to everyday activities.  At Lakeshore Veins  in Mequon, we help to choose the right therapy for you.

Is treatment painful, and will I have to be admitted to the hospital?

Treatment is an outpatient procedure, performed in about two hours in the office.  The procedures are performed using local numbing medication.  You will be able to return to normal activities the same day. Many patients return to work the next day.

Can restless legs result from venous reflux disease?

Yes. Venous reflux disease can cause restless legs,  and in some patients, restless leg syndrome.

How successful is Sclerotherapy?
After several treatments, most patients can expect at least 80 percent improvement. We strive to improve the appearance of your legs.

What medications cause leg swelling?”

Medications that cause leg edema include (but are not limited to): Calcium channel blockers, hydralazine, estrogen and progesterone, NSAIDs (ibuprofen), clonidine, minoxidil, cilostazol, gabapentin and glucocorticoids.

Can you do vein surgery on diabetics?

Yes.  With meticulous surgical technique, diabetics can receive vein surgery.   Doctors will review your current medications and decide if any changes can to be made prior to the procedure.  It is important that your blood sugars be well controlled prior to any procedure.

If you’re interested in learning more about varicose vein removal in Milwaukee or spider vein treatment in Milwaukee, make your appointment today with our expert leg pain specialists at Lakeshore Veins.

We use high-end laser treatment to stop leg pain and other vein diseases.  We use Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat venous insufficiency.  With varicose vein removal in Milwaukee, our specialists provide quick, comprehensive, painless solutions, in a spa-like atmosphere.

Don’t wait! Stop your leg pain today with varicose vein removal in Milwaukee by calling (262) 241-3999 or Contact Us Online to schedule your spider vein treatment in Milwaukee. Your leg pain relief may be a simple procedure away!

Have Questions? Feel free to contact us