What is a Phlebologist, and What Do They Do?

Vein problems can affect your blood flow and may result in serious health conditions. If you have vein issues, some symptoms may require immediate medical attention. But it is important that you visit the right kind of specialist for the best treatment outcome. Your primary care doctor may ask you to see a phlebologist or vein specialist to relieve painful symptoms and treat your vein problems. 

Here are the answers to some pressing questions you may have, like what is phlebology and what does a phlebologist do.

What Is Phlebology?

 In Greek, the word “phlebos” means “blood vessel.” Phlebology is the study, detection, and treatment of vein problems.  

What Is a Phlebologist?

A phlebologist is a vein doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of venous problems or disorders. 

Any physician who has a background in phlebology can be considered a phlebologist. They can treat the following vein problems: ‌

• Varicose veins
• Spider veins
• Blood clots in veins‌
• Venous disease
• Venous ulcers
• Vascular birthmarks

What Does a Phlebologist Do?

Phlebologists are qualified to perform interventions to improve your vein health and restore healthy blood circulation. They check your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and diagnose your condition using imaging techniques like vascular ultrasound. Once they identify the problem, they select the ideal therapy to treat your condition. 

When Should You See a Phlebologist?

If you have the following symptoms, you may need to make an appointment with a phlebologist: ‌

1. Bulging, twisted, bluish-colored veins or varicose veins 
2. Tiny, web-like veins appearing red, blue, or purple, known as spider veins
3. Inflammation from a non-threatening superficial blood clot 
4. Pain, discomfort, or heaviness in the legs or feet
5. Swelling or inflammation in the legs or feet
6. Wounds in the legs or venous ulcers 

‌You may wish to get rid of spider veins or varicose veins for cosmetic reasons. But if you experience painful symptoms, you must seek immediate treatment to avoid complications like DVT and venous ulcers.  

What Are the Treatments Phlebologists Can Offer?‌

If you have a vein problem such as varicose veins, your phlebologist may prescribe gradient compression stockings to relieve your symptoms. This is a temporary solution to reduce the pressure on your legs and improve your blood flow. If your condition is more serious, the phlebologist may suggest the following treatments to seal your affected vein.

1. Endovenous Laser Ablation: This minimally invasive technique uses laser energy to close the affected vein and redirects blood flow into healthy veins.  
2. Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation: This procedure seals off the damaged vein using radiofrequency energy.  
3. Microfoam Injection: This therapy involves the injection of a chemical solution or sclerosant microfoam that chemically destroys a problematic vein from the inside and collapses it. 
4. Cyanoacrylate: In this therapy, cyanoacrylate (a surgical-grade adhesive) is injected into the affected vein, causing it to seal, and direct blood flow into healthier veins. 
5. Endovenous Mechanochemical Ablation: This technique requires a special rotating catheter that is directed into the vein and a chemical or sclerosant that is injected through the catheter to seal the vein. 
6. Phlebectomy: This minimally-invasive surgical treatment involves the removal of superficial damaged veins using a scalpel or needle.  
7. Laser Therapy: This noninvasive treatment uses laser energy to destroy spider or reticular veins near the skin surface. 
8. Ohmic Thermolysis: This treatment uses radiofrequency energy to treat spider veins.  
9. Sclerotherapy: This treatment involves the injection of sclerosant to seal spider veins. 

These procedures are simple and can be done in the vein specialist’s office. Your phlebologist may prescribe medication to help your condition heal faster. 

Your phlebologist may refer you to a vascular surgeon if you need complex surgery to remove a diseased vein.

How Are Phlebologists Different From Vascular Surgeons?

A phlebologist mainly treats vein problems in the legs. They are qualified to perform treatments for superficial or cosmetic vein problems like varicose veins or spider veins. Any physician who can treat superficial venous disease can be considered a phlebologist. Even a vascular surgeon qualifies as a phlebologist. 

Vascular surgeons undergo extensive surgical training and are qualified to treat venous and arterial diseases like DVT using invasive and non-invasive surgeries. They can perform surgical procedures like vein harvesting, arterial bypass, vascular grafting, angioplasty, and stenting. 

‌What Are Other Specialists Who Treat Veins?

Many physicians in other specialities can be experts in vein treatment. Specialists like cardiologists, dermatologists, and radiologists are qualified to treat vein problems and can be phlebologists. For these certifications, doctors undergo examinations and extensive training through residency programs in their fields of expertise. 

How Do I Find a Phlebologist Near Me? 

If you are concerned about varicose veins or spider veins for medical or cosmetic reasons, seek the advice of a vein specialist and get them treated. Finding a certified phlebologist near you just got easier with My Vein Treatment’s bespoke vein specialist locator tool. With this tool, you can visit a qualified phlebologist in your locality and consult them for the best treatment options for your vein condition.