Frequently Asked Questions
What are varicose and spider veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that commonly mirror tangled rope. Varicose veins occur when valves within the vein close improperly causing blood to leak backwards.
Spider Veins are smaller in size than varicose veins and often resemble threads. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are close to the surface of the skin and commonly measure between .5 to 3mm in diameter.
How do they occur?
Varicose and spider veins are commonly caused by damaged or weakened valves in veins. Veins carry blood through the body and back to the heart using valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards. When a valve is damaged blood can often leak backwards causing the veins to weaken and fill with blood, enlarging the vein.
Varicose and spider veins are often hereditary however can occur in individuals that are aging, pregnant, experiencing hormone changes, are obese as well as individuals that have suffered leg injuries or participate in high impact activities. Spider veins may also appear in those with long sun exposure.
What are common symptoms of varicose and spider veins?
Common symptoms for varicose and spider veins include but are not limited to:
- Swelling in legs or ankles
- Pain and numbness in legs
- Heavy and restless feeling in lower extremities
- Burning or itching sensation of skin
- Skin discoloration and changes
- Discomfort when walking or standing for extended periods of time
- Ulcerations
- Rope or threadlike veins
How do I prevent varicose or spider veins?
Since varicose veins are often hereditary you cannot always prevent them from occurring, however there are things you can apply to your daily routine in order to enhance your overall health in aim to prevent severe and unnecessary complications. Common ways to prevent varicose and spider veins:
- Improve leg circulation through low impact exercises (swimming, cycling, walking)
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Protecting your face and neck while in the sun
- Standing or elevating legs if you sit for extended periods of time
What is radiofrequency ablation?
At the Coronado Vein Center, we specialize in endovenous radiofrequency ablation as the primary treatment option for patients suffering with venous insufficiency. Radiofrequency ablation works by inserting a catheter into the affected vein. This catheter is placed by ultrasound guidance to ensure proper placement in the vein. Once the catheter is in place it is heated using radiofrequency energy and removed, systematically closing the vein as it is moved.
What can I expect during my ablation procedure?
If radiofrequency ablation has been recommended to you by Dr. Coronado, you will be treated in our state-of-the-art outpatient procedure rooms. You will be prepared in a sterile fashion by our specially trained assisting staff. This process normally takes between 15-20 minutes. Dr. Coronado will then begin by mapping out the affected vein and introduce a sheath via ultrasound guidance. Once the sheath is in place, the catheter will be inserted into the target vein. You will experience mild to moderate discomfort as the local anesthetic is placed. While the catheter is delivering heat to close off the vein, you should not experience any pain. Once the procedure is complete, your leg will be bandaged and wrapped in a manner that will apply compression. The entire process generally takes 30-40 minutes. You will be able to immediately return to your everyday activities with only mild physical restrictions for two weeks. You will be able to drive yourself to and from your appointment.
What should I expect after my ablation procedure?
After your ablation, your leg will be wrapped in a compression bandage. The bandage will need to be worn for 72 hours straight. During this time, you will need to keep the bandage dry. After the first 72 hours, you may remove the bandage, but we recommend wearing compression stockings for two weeks after the procedure. During that time you will have a weight-bearing limit and will need to avoid soaking your leg. Many of our patients say their symptoms caused by venous insufficiency are relieved almost immediately; there may however be minimal discomfort associated with recovery.
What is microphlebectomy?
Microphlebectomy is often, but not always done in conjunction with other procedures such as sclerotherapy or ablation. Microphlebectomy is a procedure in which “micro-incisions” are made to extract varicose veins in small segments. The process of microphlebectomy sounds similar to vein stripping, but is only similar in that the varicose vein is removed from the leg. Vein stripping is an inpatient procedure done under general anesthesia, whereas microphlebectomy is sterile procedure done with nothing more than local anesthetic. The recovery time is very short and there is minimal discomfort associated with the procedure. Patients generally have minimal scarring, producing a nice aesthetic result.
What can I expect during my microphlebectomy procedure?
If microphlebectomy has been recommended to you by Dr. Coronado, you will be treated in our state-of-the-art outpatient procedure rooms. Dr. Coronado will use a combination of ultrasound and/or a special light to illuminate your skin to map out the affected vein. You will then be prepared in a sterile fashion by our specially trained assisting staff. You will experience mild to moderate discomfort as the local anesthetic is placed. Dr. Coronado will then make small incisions through which he will hook the veins and remove them. Once the procedure is complete, your leg will be bandaged and wrapped in a manner that will apply compression. The entire process generally takes 40-50 minutes. You will be able to immediately return to your everyday activities with only mild physical restrictions for two weeks. You will be able to drive yourself to and from your appointment.
What should I expect after my microphlebectomy procedure?
After your microphlebectomy, your leg will be wrapped in a compression bandage. The bandage will need to be worn for 72 hours straight. During this time, you will need to keep the bandage dry. After the first 72 hours, you may remove the bandage. We recommend wearing compression stockings for two weeks after the procedure and during this time you will have a weight-bearing limit and will need to avoid soaking your leg. Many of our patients say their symptoms caused by their varicose veins are relieved almost immediately; there may however be minimal discomfort associated with recovery.