Q:  I want to inject some minor veins/spiders, they are branches of a great sph. vein that is now closed; but doctor won’t inject ANY veins before closing sph. vein on the calf first,but I prefer not to touch it as it’s not symptomatic. Any 2nd opinions?

A: You certainly can have spider vein injections without closing your saphenous vein, even if it is leaking. We treat many patients with spider veins this way, and in the absence of varicose (bulging) veins, the treatment works well as an initial therapy for cosmetic improvement. However, varicose veins should not be treated with sclerotherapy as they will leave you with hardened lumps that can take months to resolve.

Click here to see what upcoming events and specials we have at our medical spa for the month of March. Specials include: VaserShape Cellulite Reuction, Laser Hair Removal and Tight ‘n’ Bright Treatments.

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Q: I have severe reflux on both saphenous veins and Femoral vein. Doctor says surgery on saphenous veins is going to help but I don’t see how since I still have valve problem on femoral vein, and blood is still going to leak down. Please help me understand.

A: The majority of your symptoms are coming from the superficial veins and can easily be dealt with ablation. Taking care of the majority of the problem will be better than not addressing any of it and we have seen cases where after the superficial vein is closed, the deep vein reflux lessens or is eliminated.

Call to schedule your free vein consultation and allow me to assess your venous disorders and help you to choose what treatment avenue is best for you!

North Shore Vein Center Office
Dr. Mark Schwartz
Tuesday, March 27th: 5-7m
Appointment required!
Call us today: 516-869-VEIN (8346)

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Q: I had some phlebectomy’s 5 weeks ago (2 at the ankle, 1 over the knee, 1 medial superior calf). I have burning pain & tenderness over some of the remaining posterior veins in the calf. DVT was ruled out. How long does phlebitis last? is this normal?

A: This may not be phlebitis, but in the absence of infection or DVT, you can safely wait it out, and your symptoms will most likely improve over the next 4-6 weeks.

Learn the types, symptoms and cure with free vein screening!

It is estimated that 70% of women are affected by varicose veins and 50% by spider veins. Factors such as heredity, pregnancy, prolonged standing or sitting, trauma and hormonal changes all contribute to the development of these veins. If these veins are left untreated, problems such as painful, bulging varicose veins, skin discoloration, edema or ulcerations can occur. Continue reading →

Q: I had EVLT greater saphenous vein on right leg in mid May 2011 and two phlebectomys on the ankle. I have A LOT of spider veins on the anterior dorsum of the ankle and it still aches daily. Why does wearing 15-20mmHG hose make it hurt worse? Is this normal?

A: Treating the spider veins with sclerotherapy will be a more direct approach to treating this problem than wearing compression stockings.

Q: I had 3 sclera sessions over 5 weeks. After the 3rd one, the saph vein in the lower leg was accidentially blocked. Now I am getting a large indentation, just above the ankle where the sock is. Why the swelling? Should saph vein be treated?

A: The saphenous is a large vein and when it is sclerosed it can leave a hardened cord that will resolve over time. Touch base with your doctor to have a follow-up ultrasound to make sure that all is stable.

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What is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?
RLS affects 10-15% of Americans. It is an irresistible urge to move one’s legs to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations.

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What are varicose veins?
The blue, ropy veins that are enlarged and have lost their ability to effectively transport blood back to the heart due to venous insufficiency.

What is their relationship?
Venous insufficiency can lead to a buildup of pressure in the legs, which can cause aching, throbbing, cramping, fatigue and symptoms of RLS.

What treatments are available?
Currently RLS is treated with medication. However, recent studies have shown that venous insufficiency should be ruled out using diagnostic imaging. If unhealthy veins are found, varicose vein therapy should be administered:

• Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) — Using the CoolTouch CTEV™ Laser System, a laser fiber is inserted into the vein, sealing it shut. The procedure typically takes 45 minutes and offers the most comfortable laser treatment available with rapid relief of symptoms.

• Ambulatory Phlebectomy — This is a micro-extraction of bulging veins through very small incisions with no stitches and no scarring. This is performed in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia.

• Sclerotherapy — A chemical is injected into the veins, which irritates and scars them. These abnormal veins will close and circulation will be rerouted to healthier veins. Your body eventually absorbs the injected veins.

Studies have shown that RLS patients have seen a dramatic drop or elimination of symptoms with vein therapy.

To schedule a Free Vein Screening, call 516-869-VEIN (8346) or click here to read more about RLS.