You write some stuff down on paper and you tell us what’s bothering you. A quick ultrasound evaluation of both legs will be done to determine what, if any, vein problems are invisible. Your questions will be answered. We will discuss with you what it is that you want to accomplish, and how you might achieve those goals.

All possible treatment options will be explained, not just the treatments that we provide. Should you elect a procedure that we do not perform, we will attempt to refer you to a reliable physician experienced in that procedure. You may elect to have no treatment. Whatever you decide is fine. We will never pressure you into treatment. Plan on being in the office about 60-90 minutes.

- Veins are veins. Can’t you just treat them all the same? -

We classify vein disease into large vein (saphenous vein) and small vein (reticular and spider veins).

Sometimes, patients with large vein disease do not see the large veins; they only see the smaller veins that have erupted because of underlying, invisible large veins.

Smaller veins are more easily treated, but types of treatment are limited. Large veins have been more challenging to treat. Multiple types of treatment for these large, saphenous veins are now available, including non-surgical treatments that are extremely effective and very safe.

- Why do you always talk about Ultrasound? -

Correct diagnosis is the key to effective treatment.

- Don't I need these big veins? -

About has much as you need a migraine! Varicose veins are diseased veins. Through them, dirty blood backwashes into the leg. You have countless other functioning veins. The venous system is more redundant than government agencies.

- I plan on having more babies. Shouldn’t I wait until I’m done having kids before I have vein treatment? -

Only if you want to be miserable! Isn’t pregnancy enough? Nothing stresses the veins like being pregnant! Vein strippings usually fall apart during pregnancy. Our treatment holds up extremely well throughout pregnancy.

- I hear that sclerotherapy doesn’t work and that the veins just come back. Is that true? -

No.

- Will laser treatment get rid of spider veins? -

Usually not.

- Does treatment hurt? -

It depends on which treatment. Ligation and stripping has been compared to “de-boning a fish”. Ouch!

About 10% of our patients have significant pain for about 1 week, 50% have “2 Advil pain”. 40% have “I didn’t take anything” pain. No one has pain anything like that reported with surgery.

- What if I don't have treatment? -

That depends on your diagnosis and genetic predisposition. Complications of vein disease include leg heaviness, aching, fatigue, restlessness, itching, muscle cramps, leg swelling, and rashes, thickening and hardening of the skin, enlargement of the calf, discoloration, leg ulcers, blood clots and death. Who knew?

- I have already had vein surgery and endovenous thermal ablation treatment and sclerotherapy and stab avulsion varicectomy and trans-illuminated powered phlebectomy and I am still miserable. What can you tell me? -

The reason for your misery, and exactly how we might help.

- I have more questions -

I have more answers!