Vein and Laser of Virginia is a general surgery practice specializing in minimally invasive treatment of vein disease, laser and light therapy skin rejuvenation, and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.
We offer injection sclerotherapy, endovenous laser therapy, transcutaneous laser therapy, ambulatory phlebectomy and venous ulcer treatment. All procedures are performed in the office using local anesthesia and oral sedation.
We use the latest technology available, including a state-of-the-art Terason t3000 ultrasound, a Diomed 810nm laser, and Alma's Harmony multi-wavelength laser and light platform.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are large, visible, dilated veins that result from damaged valves. These veins no longer function to efficiently transport blood back to the heart. They cause pooling and stasis of blood which can lead to cramping, aching, burning, itching and restless leg syndrome. Typically, symptoms are worse at the end of the day and are relieved with walking.
Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to thrombophlebitis (clots in the veins), bleeding from veins, and chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency can ultimately lead to leg ulceration.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are smaller, but still visible, red to purple veins close to the skin. Although most patients present with complaints concerning the cosmetic appearance of these veins, they can also cause symptoms such as burning and aching and they can cause significant bleeding.
Treatment of Varicose Veins & Spider Veins
Our state-of-the-art doctors and treatment techniques can give you the look you want.
We offer minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins:
Endovenous laser treatment.
This process uses a combination of ultrasound imaging and laser energy to seal large varicose veins shut, shunting the blood into normal veins. It is performed in the office under local anesthesia with oral sedation. There is little to no down time and immediate ambulation is recommended after the procedure. This is usually covered by insurance. An excellent resource about varicose vein disease treatment is available HERE. A video demonstrating the technique of endovenous vein ablation is shown below.
Transcutaneous laser therapy.
Laser and light energy are used to target the hemoglobin in the blood of small spider veins causing them to permanently close. This is best when combined with injection sclerotherapy.
Injection sclerotherapy. In this procedure, smaller veins are treated with injection of detergent sclerosants that cause damage to the lining of the vein which leads to obliteration of the vein. No anesthesia is required and very small needles are utilized. We use sodium tetradecyl sulfate (Sotradecol), which is virtually painless and is the only FDA approved agent for vein treatment. Injection sclerotherapy is often considered cosmetic by insurance companies and therefore is not typically covered.
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. To treat larger, deeper varicosities not amenable to laser treatment, we use ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. In this procedure, a needle is introduced into the abnormal vein under ultrasound guidance. A sclerosant is then introduced, typically in a foamed form. This provides maximum accuracy and efficacy in treatment of deeper veins. Insurance often covers this procedure.
Ambulatory phlebectomy. This is a procedure that is typically performed in conjunction with endovenous laser treatment. The large bulky veins not amenable to the laser are removed through small puncture wounds. This is performed in the office under local anesthesia with oral sedation. Minimal scarring is achieved with this procedure. This is usually covered by insurance.
Treatment of venous leg ulcers. It has been clearly shown that some venous leg ulcers will heal with treatment of abnormal superficial veins, even if previous treatment was unsuccessful. We offer a complete evaluation for venous disease and can offer minimally invasive treatment, if indicated. This evaluation and treatment is covered by insurance.
Below are some before and after images of several patients who have received vein treatment from Vein and Laser of Virginia:
