Comprehensive Treatment of Varicose Veins:

Partnering with Columbia Laser Skin Center, Dr. Maccabee offers state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for patients with varicose veins, including cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of varicose veins, in office therapy, and surgical procedures to close or remove diseased veins. An in office and hospital based ultrasound evaluation will help determine the severity of the varicose veins, whether the patient is at risk for other medical problems, and options for treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment programs are tailored to each individual and will depend on various factors. Treatment options include sclerotherapy in the office, laser vein ablation, minimally invasive catheter-assisted procedures (VNUS Closurefast procedure), surgical vein stripping, and ambulatory microphlebectomy. Many patients receive a combination of treatments.

About Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are common, primarily affecting women. More than 20 percent of women develop some form of varicose veins, either during pregnancy or later. Many athletes and physically active men also are affected. For many people, varicose veins are a cosmetic concern. For other people, varicose veins can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes the condition leads to more serious problems including skin ulcers and hyperpigmentation of the skin, leg swelling, and constant discomfort or itching, usually worse after prolonged standing. Varicose veins appear as snarled, bluish-purple lines, usually forming on the legs. The condition is caused when the veins weaken and blood flows backwards towards the foot instead of returning towards the heart. The small valves in the vein lose the ability to push blood back up to the heart. As a result, the blood pools and the vein expands and becomes torturous and visible under the skin.