Varicose veins are the bulgy blue and purple veins that emerge near the surface of the skin. They usually appear because the veins become weak due to excessive stretching of the skin. This is common in older demographics, people who gain weight rapidly, or women after childbirth. Varicose veins may also appear as a result of genetics. While the appearance of varicose veins is usually harmless, there are more severe conditions that can affect cardiovascular health. For more serious cases, it is best to see a professional. They will be able to prescribe the necessary medications or perform any necessary treatments.

What is a Vein Doctor?

A vein doctor is a licensed medical profession who specializes in treating conditions associated with varicose veins or other vascular conditions. The doctor will examine the affected vein to check for any signs of poor circulation. If the vein is deceased, then the doctor will surgically remove the vein. The good news is that removing the vein possess very little risk because it is so close to the surface to the skin. Therefore, it is simple to remove and will not change circulation throughout the body.

Patients should see a vein doctor if they are experiencing symptoms that lowers their quality of life. The symptoms can fall under the guise of common cold-like symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness. This can make it slightly more difficult to know what the source of the symptoms is. More specific symptoms related to varicose veins include numbness in the affected body part due to poor circulation and heart problems. A well trained doctor can assess the severity of the conditions and offer an accurate diagnosis. Not all conditions require surgery. Moderate symptoms may only require medications or a change in lifestyle.

What is the Treatment Like?

There are several approaches to treating varicose veins. Almost all treatments allow patients to resume normal activity the following day. Usually, an ultrasound is performed to visualize circulation throughout the body. This helps the doctor which treatment is the best. Some doctors will use lasers as a less invasive approach. Short pulses of a laser are directed at the affected site. This causes the vein to collapse thereby allowing for improved circulation.

Another technique known as sclerotherapy requires an agent such as a detergent or emulsifier. This agent is agitated with air which causes it to foam. This foam is injected into the affected site. Blood cojagulates with the foam mixture to redirect blood flow away from the affected vein.

A doctor may also recommend ambulatory phlebectomy. This condition is more invasive and requires the doctor to extract the nerve. The benefit to this method is that it is one of the fastest and simplest procedures.

Minor varicose veins are reversible. If this is the case, a doctor may recommended leading a more active lifestyle as a natural treatment. Regular exercising improves the quality of blood circulation and increases the strength of veins. Maintaining a constant weight is important weight is important too. When the skin is stretched past its limits, the veins lose elasticity. A healthy diet will prevent rapid weight gain.

Who to Visit?

Dr. Gulshan Sethi is a vascular and endovascular surgeon located in The Bronx, New York. He has extensive experience in Carotid Surgery, Peripheral Arterial Interventions, and Endovenous Intervention. Dr. Gulshan Sethi received his medical training at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.

He has received several awards for his dedication and practice in the field including the “Excellence in Clinical Education” award. He was designated a member in several medical societies throughout his career.