• What are varicose veins?
• What are spider veins?
• Can they be harmful?
• I don't see any red or purple vessels and I don't have any bumps. Could I still have a venous disorder?
• What causes spider and varicose veins? Can I do anything to prevent the development of spider and varicose veins, or to reduce their side effects?
• Can I be cured of my varicose veins?

• How will the blood in my veins get back to my heart after all of the abnormal veins are removed or destroyed?
• What is a skin ulcer?
• What are compression stockings and why would I need to wear them?
• Does Dr. Sunje perform Venous Ultrasound? Why is it important?
• What is Endovenous Laser Treatment?
• What is sclerotherapy?
• What is ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy and how is it different?

Please visit our Vein Disorders page for information.

Yes. Abnormal veins in the legs can cause pain (including fatigue, heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, itching, cramping and restlessness) and prevent proper skin nutrition, leading to eczema, inflammation, thrombosis, and ulceration.

Yes. Physical examination, often with the aid of specialized equipment such as ultrasound, by a professional can detect problems with blood vessels that aren't visible otherwise.

Please visit our Prevention and Causes page for information.

Varicose veins can be treated successfully, however, the actual disorder can't be permanently cured. The removal of affected blood vessels doesn't diminish or eliminate the patient's tendency to develop varicose veins. As a result, many patients return after their initial treatment for maintenance check-ups and additional treatment.

The inherent problem that causes varicose veins, the backward flow of blood, interferes with the normal venous return of blood to the heart. This is what causes the symptoms of fatigue and heaviness of the limb to be treated. The removal or sealing off of the affected vessels improves circulation of the blood in the treated limb. This happens due to the body naturally rerouting blood to the many other healthy veins in the leg, in effect bypassing the sealed vein. The loss of a diseased vein does not affect the rest of the circulatory system.

Untreated varicose veins can lead to ulceration. A skin ulcer is caused by a disorder called venous stasis ulcer. One of the warning signs that a venous stasis ulcer is about to occur is a darkening of the skin around the ankle. Over time, the skin may take on leathery or wax-like qualities. Eventually, the skin will breakdown completely if the problem isn't treated.

Compression stockings are generally the first method of treatment patients use before they undergo more intensive/invasive treatments. They are meant to be worn all day, applying permanent pressure to the blood vessels in the leg, which helps the blood flow back up to the heart more easily. Aside, from being used as preventative aid, compression stockings should also be worn after more intensive treatments. This ensures that the blood is redistributed to the remaining blood vessels quicker, as well as speed up recovery time. Properly fitted compression stockings can help temporarily reverse the effects of vein disease, as well as lessen discomfort and skin damage. Compression stockings are available in a variety of colors, styles and strengths.

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In general terms, ultrasound is a an imaging method that uses sound waves reflecting off of the tested area of the body to create an image. The created image provides important information to your doctor, and assists in diagnosis and treatment. The created images are captured in real time, and provide "video" of internal tissues and organs in their normal environment.

Dr. Sunje uses this test to look for blood clots in the lower circulatory system. This identifies any trouble areas, as well as information on the severity of the condition. Your initial visit, which includes a medical history exam and the venous ultrasound procedure, usually takes 1½ to 2 hours. The Ultrasound procedure istelf is usually less than 1 hour, and is generally painless. You will not hear or see the sound waves while the procedure is being performed, but you can follow along with the doctor on the monitors.

Benefits

• Ultrasound scanning provides clear and more concise images than x-rays or various other imaging methods.
• Venous ultrasound can detect blood clots in the veins, and thus can help prevent the onset of a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot that is dislodged and flows to the lungs), a much more serious condition that is treatable if caught early.
• Ultrasound scanning is an inexpensive and widely available method of imaging. The procedure is quick, pain-free, and the body is not exposed to any radiation. In addition, an ultrasound is completely non-invasive.
• The procedure may be repeated as often as is necessary without risking patient health.

Risks

• There are no known risks associated with ultrasound imaging - sonography has no harmful effect on humans.

Please visit Our Services page for more information on Endovenous Laser Treatment.

Please visit Our Services page for more information on ultrasound-guided schlerotherapy.