Dogged by unsightly or achy veins and looking for an effective solution? Consider consulting a vein doctor, who can recommend the best treatment option for you based on their comprehensive assessment.
However, as with visiting any other type of medical professional, knowing the right questions to ask your vein doctor not only helps you make the most out of your appointment but also ensures you come out of the office very well informed. Being an informed patient means that you are capable of making the wisest decisions about your care.
Here are five questions you may find worth asking your vein doctor during your appointment.
Q: Will I Develop Health Problems If I Leave My Varicose Veins Untreated?
While mostly a cosmetic nuisance, varicose veins, particularly the severe ones, can lead to serious health problems, such as ulcers and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
DVT is a potentially life-threatening medical condition in which blood clot forms in the deep vein/s in the body, usually in the legs. Symptoms of DVT include swelling, skin discoloration, warmth, and pain in the affected leg that often starts in the calf and feels like soreness or cramping.
Q: What Are My Treatment Options?
The treatment you need will depend on your particular vein problem as well as the size and severity thereof. The following are some of the treatment options available for vein disorders. Your doctor may recommend any of these:
- Conservative intervention (use of compression stockings, etc.) – This is ideal if your vein problem is causing you little to no pain
- Cosmetic sclerotherapy
- Chemical sclerotherapy
- Endovenous ablation procedure (utilizes either laser or radiofrequency energy)
- Iliac vein stenting
Q: What Risks Are Involved with these Procedures?
Just like any other medical procedure, vein treatment does come with risks, albeit very rare. The procedures mentioned above are minimally invasive. Your vein doctor will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions and take all necessary measures to minimize your risk of developing complications as well as ensure your comfort and the overall success of your procedure.
Q: How Long Does Recovery Take for Vein Treatment?
Recovery from vein treatment will depend on a number of factors, including the specific procedure performed, how many veins are treated or removed, your overall health, and the severity of your vein problem.
For instance, with sclerotherapy— which is a relatively simple procedure—you can return to your normal routine on the same day, but it is recommended that you avoid strenuous physical activity for two weeks thereafter.
Q: How Many Treatment Sessions Do I Need?
That will also depend on the severity of your vein problem and the procedure performed. Your vein doctor may recommend more than one treatment to achieve the best results.
Vein Doctor in Boca Raton, FL
If you’re in search of a reliable vein doctor within the Boca Raton area in Florida, visit us here at Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute. Our highly credentialed vein doctors—Dr. Eli S. Levine or Dr. Michael A. Schechter—have established a solid reputation for not only their expertise but also for their dedication to providing the best patient outcomes for the entire range of vein problems, from simple ones like spider veins to complex and rare conditions like May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS).
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eli S. Levine or Dr. Michael A. Schechter, contact us at (561) 235-5621. You may also use our secure online appointment request form
