Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic concern - they're a sign that the valves in the leg veins aren't working properly. At MVM, we diagnose vein disease in the office, treat it with modern minimally invasive techniques, and get most patients back to normal the same day.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that bulge under the skin, most often in the legs. They form when the one-way valves inside the leg veins weaken or fail. Blood that should be pushed back toward the heart instead leaks downward and pools - stretching the vein wall over time.
This underlying problem is called chronic venous insufficiency. The visible bulging veins are the most obvious sign, but many patients also feel symptoms: aching, heaviness, throbbing, itching, or swelling that worsens as the day goes on.
Left untreated, vein disease tends to progress slowly. In advanced cases it can cause skin changes, dermatitis, and venous ulcers - wounds near the ankle that won't heal until the underlying vein problem is treated. Modern endovenous procedures have replaced traditional vein stripping for most patients and are typically performed as same-day outpatient treatments.
How MVM treats varicose veins.
Patients and referring physicians choose MVM for vein disease because we treat it as a vascular problem - not just an appearance issue - and offer the full pathway from diagnosis to definitive treatment under one roof.
- Same-week consults. New vein patients are typically seen within 5 business days.
- In-office venous ultrasound. A focused duplex ultrasound maps the leg veins and identifies refluxing valves at the first visit - no separate imaging appointment.
- Modern endovenous treatment. Radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, and medical adhesive closure performed in our office or at our Kendall Procedural Suite - outpatient, minimally invasive.
- Sclerotherapy and microphlebectomy for symptomatic tributary varicose veins tied to underlying venous insufficiency.
- Insurance-conscious workup. We help document conservative therapy and medical necessity for patients whose treatment is insurance-covered.
- One specialist, full continuum. The doctor who diagnoses you also performs the procedure and manages follow-up.
Schedule a vein consultation.
Most patients are seen within a week. Bring your medication list, any prior vein imaging, and a note about how long symptoms have been present.
Schedule a consultationSend us a vein referral.
Same-week consults for symptomatic vein disease, non-healing venous ulcers, or post-DVT chronic venous insufficiency. Closed-loop reporting back to your office within 48 hours.
Referral processCommon varicose vein symptoms.
Symptoms usually worsen as the day goes on, after prolonged standing, or in warm weather. Many patients describe relief when they elevate the legs.
- Visible, bulging or twisted veins on the legs
- Aching, heaviness, or throbbing in the legs
- Leg swelling, especially around the ankle
- Itching or burning near the affected veins
- Restless legs at night
- Cramping, particularly at night
- Skin discoloration or hardening around the lower leg and ankle
- Slow-healing wounds near the ankle in advanced cases
Who is most at risk.
- Family history of varicose veins or vein disease
- Age - risk rises steadily after 40
- Female sex and history of pregnancy
- Prolonged standing or sitting - common in healthcare, retail, and office work
- Obesity
- Prior deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Hormonal changes, including pregnancy and hormone therapy
- Sedentary lifestyle
How we diagnose vein disease at MVM.
Most patients leave their first visit with a clear diagnosis - and a treatment plan.
- Focused history and exam - including standing exam to evaluate the vein pattern
- Venous duplex ultrasound - performed in our office to map the leg veins and identify refluxing valves
- Photo documentation - for tracking change over time and supporting insurance authorization
- Skin assessment - to look for hyperpigmentation, dermatitis, or ulceration
- CEAP classification - a standardized grading system that guides treatment
Treatment options.
Vein disease is treatable at every stage, and the days of painful vein stripping are largely behind us. Modern endovenous techniques are minimally invasive, outpatient, and well-tolerated.
Conservative therapy
First-line care includes graduated compression stockings, leg elevation, regular walking, weight management, and avoiding long periods of standing without movement. Many patients with mild disease are well-managed with conservative therapy alone.
Minimally invasive procedures
When conservative therapy isn't enough - or when veins are causing pain, skin changes, or ulceration - outpatient endovenous options include:
- Radiofrequency ablation - closes the underlying refluxing saphenous vein with heat
- Endovenous laser ablation - closes the vein with laser energy
- Medical adhesive closure - seals the vein with a specialized adhesive, with minimal post-procedure compression needed
- Sclerotherapy - an injection that collapses symptomatic tributary varicose veins
- Microphlebectomy - removes prominent bulging veins through tiny incisions
These are performed under local anesthesia in our office or at our Kendall Procedural Suite. Most patients walk out the same day.
Recovery
Most patients return to normal walking and daily activities the same day. Heavy exercise and travel are typically held 1–2 weeks. We see you at the 2–4 week mark for a follow-up ultrasound to confirm the treated vein is closed, then again at 3 months.
When to see a vein specialist.
- Bulging veins that ache, throb, or swell
- Heaviness or fatigue in the legs that gets worse as the day goes on
- Skin discoloration, darkening, or hardening around the ankle
- A wound near the ankle that won't heal
- A prior DVT and ongoing leg symptoms
If a vein becomes warm, red, and tender - or if a leg suddenly becomes swollen - you may have superficial phlebitis or a deep vein thrombosis. Call our office promptly, or go to the nearest emergency room if symptoms are severe.
Varicose vein FAQs.
Are varicose veins only a cosmetic problem?
No. Varicose veins are a sign of underlying valve failure in the leg veins. Many patients have real symptoms - aching, swelling, restless legs - even when the cosmetic appearance is mild. Untreated vein disease can progress to skin damage and ulcers.
Is varicose vein treatment covered by insurance?
Endovenous treatment for symptomatic varicose veins and documented venous insufficiency is often covered when conservative therapy has been tried and ultrasound shows significant reflux. We help work through the documentation at the first visit.
How long is recovery after a vein procedure?
Most patients walk out the same day and return to normal daily activity the next day. Heavy exercise and long travel are typically held 1–2 weeks. Bruising and tenderness along the treated vein resolve over a few weeks.
Will my varicose veins come back after treatment?
Successfully treated veins generally stay closed. New veins can develop over time because the underlying tendency toward vein disease doesn't go away. Compression stockings, weight management, and periodic follow-up help keep things stable.
What is venous insufficiency, and how is it related to varicose veins?
Venous insufficiency is the underlying valve failure inside the leg veins. When valves stop working, blood pools instead of returning to the heart - and over time that pressure stretches the veins into the bulging, twisted pattern known as varicose veins. Treating the visible veins without addressing the underlying insufficiency doesn’t last, which is why we evaluate and treat both.
Schedule a vein consultation.
Most new patients are seen within a week. Bring the medication list, any prior vein imaging, and a note about how long symptoms have been present - we'll do the rest.