Know Which Specialist Doctor to Consult for Varicose Veins

Veins are part of the circulatory system that is crucial to transporting nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and other essential molecules all over the body. Disorders of the veins, such as varicose veins, can compromise circulation and may result in more serious problems.

A varicose vein specialist can help you by diagnosing and treating your specific problem. Doctors of several specialties offer treatment for venous disorders. 

Which Specialist Doctor to Consult for Varicose Veins?

If you’re wondering which physician to see to help you treat your varicose veins, we’ve outlined three types below:

• Vascular surgeons: They have the training and experience to treat varicose veins. Vascular surgeons also treat other disorders like deep vein thrombosis, aneurysms, blood vessel injuries, and peripheral artery disease. Varicose veins are only a small part of their workload and experience.
• Phlebologists: They are doctors with special training in the disorders of the veins and their treatment. They deal exclusively with venous conditions like varicose veins, spider veins, chronic venous insufficiency, superficial venous blood clots, and phlebitis. Their expertise is more focused on venous disorders, and they may be the right option if you have varicose veins.
• Interventional radiologist: Most radiologists provide diagnostic services only. However, Interventional radiologists have specialized training in treating vascular, brain, heart, nervous system, and other disorders. They are considered experts at endovenous laser ablation and other procedures to treat varicose veins and venous disease.¹

Varicose Vein Treatment Options

Before choosing the right vein specialist for you, it’s also important to know the different types of treatment methods.

Varicose veins are not considered a serious medical condition, although it could cause significant discomfort. Varicose veins associated with skin changes, sores, or blood clots need treatment.² You should also opt for treatment if you have aches, pain, swelling, burning, or cramping.³ You may also want to seek treatment for cosmetic considerations. 

Some treatment options involve only injecting chemicals or foam into the varicose veins. Other treatments use lasers or radiofrequency to destroy the veins. These methods often require multiple injections of local anesthetic along the path of the vein. Phlebectomy, also called stab avulsion, involves making several small cuts in the skin and removing the varicose veins.

Treatment selection by the vein specialist is largely dependent on the size and location of the varicose veins.

These minimally-invasive treatments do not require a hospital stay and you can return to work the same day. 

Choosing a Specialist for Yourself

Before deciding where to have treatment, it is best to consult more than one specialist and find out which types of treatment they have available. Not all specialists offer all the treatment types. A specialist with a fully-equipped clinic may provide you with all the types of vein treatments and guide you through choosing the one that is optimal for you. You can discuss your preferences at these consultations. 

Make sure that the specialist is board-certified and has experience treating varicose veins and that their clinic is equipped with the latest treatment technology. Ask also if your insurance covers the treatment they recommend.

Find a Vein Specialist Near You

My Vein Treatment offers authentic, physician-reviewed knowledge about venous disorders. Visit our website for comprehensive information about varicose vein treatment and the options available. My Vein Treatment also has a provider locator to aid you in finding a vein specialist close to you.

SOURCES:

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine: “What is Vascular and Interventional Radiology.“
2. American Academy of Dermatology Association: “Leg Veins: Why They Appear and How Dermatologists Treat Them.“
3. Medical News Today: “All you need to know about varicose vein pain.”