Vein Treatments
The Long Island Vein Center, located within our Patchogue office offers minimally invasive in-office treatment of embarrassing, uncomfortable common vein problems, including varicose and spider veins. Our physicians will work with you to evaluate your vein problems and choose the best treatment or combination of to achieve your optimal outcome.
Vein problems affect approximately 50-55% of women and 40-45% of men in the United States. Varicose vein treatment is often covered by insurance, and non-covered treatments can be surprisingly affordable.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but smaller. They appear towards the surface of the skin, are usually red or blue in color, and look like tree branches or spider webs.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are bulging, twisted veins that are caused by weak or damaged valves in the vein. They can be painful and uncomfortable. Varicose veins can also cause other health problems including sores or skin ulcers, bleeding, superficial thrombophlebitis (a blood clot just below the skin surface), and deep vein thrombosis (a potentially fatal, deeper blood clot).
In the past, vein stripping was performed on large varicose veins, requiring either general or spinal anesthesia, which led many patients to choose to live with their vein problems. Advances in technology now allow for minimally invasive, highly effective treatment of varicose veins using local anesthetic, performed in-office, carrying significantly reduced risk, discomfort and recovery time.
Treatments Offered
Sclerotherapy
Used for spider veins and smaller varicose veins, this is a highly-effective treatment that involves injecting a chemical into the damaged vein to seal it shut then turn to scar tissue and fade within a few weeks. Several treatments may be needed to achieve the desired results. This is an in-office, no-anesthesia procedure that has no down time – you can resume normal activity immediately afterwards.
In-between treatments, your physician may prescribe compression stockings. Some minor pain, stinging and bruising around the injection site may occur, as well as spotting around the treated vein and/or inflammation.
Transdermal Laser Therapy
Used for spider veins and smaller varicose veins just below the skin surface, this is a non-surgical, in-office treatment that uses laser energy to destroy the damaged vein.
Transdermal laser therapy takes approximately 30-45 minutes, and generally 2-5 treatments are needed to achieve optimal results. Some mild discomfort during the procedure is expected, and some minor discoloration and bruising may occur. You can return to normal activity immediately following treatment.
EndoVenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
EVLT treatment is an in-office, minimally invasive, no scar procedure used for large varicose veins. After mapping your vein through ultrasound, the physician will apply a topical anesthetic and insert a laser fiber through a small incision. The damaged vein is then sealed using laser energy.
EVLT usually takes less than an hour, and you can return to most normal daily activity immediately following the procedure (excluding vigorous activity, i.e.: gym, running). Some minor soreness and bruising may occur, which can be treated with non-aspirin, over-the-counter pain relievers as directed by your physician.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy/Microphlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is an in-office procedure for varicose veins. The physician will apply a topical anesthetic and make small incisions in the skin and use hooks to remove the damaged vein. The incisions do not require sutures, and leave only very small scars. Generally treatment can be completed in one session, and you can return to your normal activities the following day. Some soreness, bruising and temporary numbness may occur with this procedure.