Varicose Veins

Heart and Vein Center

Rodolfo Farhy, MD, FACC, FAHA

Cardiologist & Vein Specialist located in Lathrup Village, MI

Over 60% of adults in the United States have some degree of varicose veins. These unsightly veins are more than embarrassing; they often cause pain and can increase your risk for medical problems. Dr. Rodolfo Farhy at the Heart and Vein Center has years of experience permanently eliminating varicose veins and spider veins using simple outpatient procedures. Don’t continue to put up with varicose veins. Schedule a consultation by calling his office in Lathrup Village, Michigan, or by booking an appointment online.

219-506-3186

Varicose Veins

varicose veins

Overview:

Varicose veins are easy to identify - they’re abnormally enlarged and gnarled, often resembling ropes that twist up and down your leg. They typically develop in leg veins, because they must work against gravity to transport blood back to your heart. Muscles in the vein wall and valves inside the veins that keep blood flowing in one direction (up the legs) can weaken or become damaged. When that happens, blood flows backward, accumulates in the vessels and causes varicose veins. Some people may never experience symptoms, but varicose often cause leg pain, cramps, ankle swelling, leg tiredness, and heavy legs. They may also increase your risk for blood clots, inflammation, cellulitis, and skin ulcers.

Varicose veins during pregnancy:

It’s estimated that as many as 40% of pregnant women develop varicose veins during their pregnancies, primarily due to hormone changes that make vein walls relax. You can alleviate or prevent varicose veins during pregnancy by exercising, elevating your legs when possible, and taking frequent breaks during periods of prolonged sitting or standing. If your pregnancy-related varicose veins don’t go away in three to six months after delivery, Dr. Farhy can safely and effectively treat them at the Heart and Vein Center.

Treatment:

Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy eliminates visible veins by injecting a medicated foam that irritates the vein walls and causes scarring that blocks blood flow. After the injection, the veins gradually collapse and disappear.
Endovenous laser treatment: EVLT uses lasers, under the guidance of ultrasound, to treat varicose veins. Under local anesthetic, a thin laser fiber is threaded through the tube, then the laser is turned on and its heat permanently closes the abnormal portion of your vein. Over time, the vein shrinks and disappears.
Ambulatory phlebectomy: Phlebectomies are the removal of bulging varicose veins. Small incisions are made, under local anesthetic, and the veins are removed.