Vein Treatments

Treatment options for venous insufficiency, varicose & spider veins include minimally invasive Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT), foam Sclerotherapy and Compression. It is best to consult with an experienced varicose vein doctor, who can recommend the best treatment option depending on the condition of your veins.

 

Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)

Laser treatment for varicose veins or EVLT, uses an ultra-fine fiber placed with an IV into the greater saphenous vein. Computerized laser energy is used to denature the veins inner cell layer and cause the vein to collapse and close. This particular laser treatment for varicose veins eliminates the “reflux” flow and thus the cause of the problem.



Foam Sclerotherapy

Typically used on smaller, more superficial varicose veins, this method employs a sclerosing agent that is injected directly into the vein and chemically denatures the inner vein lining. This too causes the vein to collapse and seal shut.

Compression Therapy

Compression therapy represents your first line of defense against worsening or new vein issues. This non-invasive treatment holds in bulging veins and promotes proper blood flow—decreasing the ache and fullness. Available in a variety of styles, pressure grades and lengths, you can wear compression stockings as often as needed. Continuous compression therapy may eliminate or delay your need for further varicose vein treatments.


Both EVLT and Sclerotherapy, typically takes less than an hour and there is little to no recovery time.

However, it is then recommend that compression stockings be worn for several days following treatment. It’s that easy! Best of all, laser treatment for varicose veins and sclerotherapy are covered by most insurance providers.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of varicose vein treatments are that the legs look worse before they look better. Side effects of the procedure are rare; however, they may include, but are not limited to:
  • Temporary bruising, swelling, scabs and discoloration
  • Temporary pigmentation called hemosiderin (iron)
  • Only partial response




Am I a candidate for Treatment?

If you can answer yes to any of the symptoms below, you may be a candidate for varicose vein treatment.
  • Fatigue
  • Numbness
  • Itching
  • Burning
  • Restless legs
  • Heavy feeling
  • Skin discoloration
  • Pain in the legs
  • Cramps worse at night
  • Legs are swollen, red or warm to the touch
  • Large bulging veins or small spider veins
  • Ulcers or sores in the leg usually close to the ankle

Conditions that exclude the use of sclerotherapy include pregnancy, breast-feeding or being bed-ridden amongst others.

Frequently Asked Questions about Treatment Procedures

How can I prepare for Sclerotherapy treatment?

No particular preparations are required. Varicose vein treatment requires that you shave your legs, do not use lotion prior to treatment, wear loose-fit clothing and eat normally.
What does the Sclerotherapy procedure feel like?
The injections feel like small stings, similar to mosquito bites, and are not especially painful.
Will I be able to walk after these minimally invasive treatments?
Patients can walk immediately after vein treatment.
Will I have a scar?
There will be no scars or stitches. EVLT and thermal ablation might leave a tiny nick in the skin about the size of a pencil tip.

Specialized care for venous insufficiency, varicose & spider veins

Dr. Henry Childers is a board certified cardio-thoracic surgeon with nearly two decades of experience in vein disease and vein treatment. Because of his past surgical experience, Dr. Childers is intimately familiar with the saphenous vein — the vein most likely to be involved in your vein treatment procedure.

Contact Us

  • :
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.