frequently asked questions

What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins close to the surface of the skin. Any vein may become varicose, but legs and feet are the most commonly affected areas. Varicose veins occur when gravity causes blood to pool in the leg veins. Visible varicose veins are a widespread condition in the United States, affecting more than 25% of adult women and over 15% of adult men. For many people, varicose veins and spider veins, a milder and less medically significant variation of varicose veins, are simply a cosmetic concern. However, for other people, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Left untreated, varicose veins may lead to more serious problems. Besides cosmetic problems, varicose veins can become painful, especially when standing or walking and make the legs feel heavy and tired. In some instances, leg swelling and ulceration can occur. . Varicose veins might also signal a higher risk of other circulatory system disorders such as deep venous thrombosis. In general, if you have varicose veins, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated. There are new laser based treatments for varicose veins which are not invasive or painful and do not require a long down time to recuperate. Best of all, you can feel comfortable in shorts again!

What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins occur when the blood flow from the legs to the heart decreases and blood begins to pool in the veins. Normally, valves within our veins help blood flow upward against gravity. But, when these valves malfunction, they allow blood to flow backwards and pool in the vein. This, coupled with an age-related loss in vein elasticity, results in stretching of the veins that give them a bulging, ropey appearance. There are several things that can cause this to happen. Some families have a predisposition to varicose veins. If one of your parents, a brother or sister has varicose veins you could have an increased risk of developing them. Or, they can be the result of certain lifestyles; jobs that require prolonged sitting or standing, sports or activities that may have caused injury to your legs, carrying excess weight that stresses your legs,

Varicose veins affect the superficial veins of the legs. They usually develop slowly, over several years, and, if left untreated can eventually cause symptoms of aching or burning pain or a sensation of heaviness or swelling in your legs. Varicose veins will not get better left untreated and there is no medication to improve varicose veins. So, if you want to know what your options are schedule your consultation and find out what we can do for you. Call Premier Vascular Center (770) 536-5733 for a preliminary evaluation.

How do varicose veins differ from spider veins?
Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins. They are fine clusters of veins which are blue or red, but are not raised. While varicose veins are usually found on your legs, spider veins may be found on other areas of your body including your face.

How will you treat my varicose veins or spider veins?
There are several methods for treating varicose veins and spider veins. After we complete your evaluation, we will recommend the least invasive treatment that will give you the best results. Here is an overview of the various procedures used to treat varicose and spider veins.

Compression Stockings
If your varicose or spider veins are mild and you simply want to arrest their development by decreasing the collection of blood in weakened veins, compression stockings may be the solution for you. Compression stockings can be custom fitted and require no clinical treatment and may be all that is required to stabilize your condition.

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
Laser treatments for varicose veins and spider veins are the preferred, state-of-art solution for treating your varicose veins. EVLT is performed in our office in about an hour. Using ultra-sound for guidance and local anesthetic, your doctor will insert an extremely fine catheter into malfunctioning vein. A fine laser fiber is inserted through the catheter which causes the failing vein to seal itself. Sealing failed veins causes blood flow to be rerouted to healthy veins which improves your circulation.

You will be encouraged to begin walking immediately and be able to return to normal activities, other than strenuous lifting, the very next day. EVLT is minimally invasive, leaves no scars and eliminates downtime.
The advantages of Endovenous Laser Treatment include:

• Typically a 45-minute to 1-hour procedure
  
• Uses only local anesthetic
  
• Extremely high success rate
  
• Low risk of scarring
  
• No hospitalization
  
• Low risk of complications
  
• Fast return to normal activities

Surgery (Ligation and Stripping)
Use of traditional surgery has dramatically decreased due to the effectiveness of minimally invasive procedures. However, a small number of patients, with severe vascular problems, may require surgical treatment. Our board certified surgeons are highly qualified to determine if surgical intervention is necessary and highly qualified vascular surgeons able to perform surgical interventions. Our highly skilled doctors will provide the highest level of vascular care. We strive to provide the least invasive and most effective treatments for our patients.

Is treatment covered by my insurance?
Varicose vein treatment, while a cosmetic issue for many patients, is also a health concern and is covered by most insurance companies. Premier Vascular Center participates in network with most insurance companies. We will work closely with you to determine your coverage and get your procedure pre-approved.

Why should I choose Premier Vascular Center?
There are several very important reasons to choose Premier Vascular over other clinics:

• The Premier Vascular Center is part of Northeast Georgia Surgical Associates at The Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.
• Your evaluation and procedure will be performed by an experienced surgeon in a state-of-the-art facility.
• Our physicians are leaders in their field and experienced in endovascular techniques and ultrasound guided procedures.
• A Premier Vascular Center participates with most major insurance networks.
• Our beautiful, new facility is conveniently located in the Northeast Georgia Medical Center Campus.