GET YOUR LEGS SUMMER READY

Simple Procedures Available

Varicose veins can be painful, unsightly, and decrease your quality of life. They occur because of damage to valves and veins called venous reflux, making it hard for blood to circulate out of the legs. Varicose veins tend to develop because of risk factors such as genetics, weight gain, and pregnancy. They can cause the legs to feel swollen or “heavy” and may result in skin discoloration, skin thickening, and hair loss.

“Varicose veins can be easily treated with minimally invasive [office based] procedures that remove varicose veins and stop them from recurring,” said David Allison, M.D., a vascular interventionalist at South Atlanta Vascular Institute. “Most patients return to work the next day, with minimal pain, and begin to see results right away. They will see even more improvement over the next few weeks and months.”

The physicians at South Atlanta Vascular Institute use three basic types of procedures: heat-based techniques, medicalgrade adhesive techniques, and foam-based techniques. Heat-based treatment uses lasers or radiofrequency devices to close off veins. Another treatment option is VenaSeal™, which uses medical-grade adhesives to close off veins. The last method is sclerotherapy, which uses medical-grade pharmaceuticals to close off smaller veins. These procedures are simple within the hands of South Atlanta Vascular Institute, and will have patients returning to normal function within a short time.

“One of the differences between the two procedures is that the heat-based procedures require numbing of the legs,” said vascular interventionalist David Penn, M.D. “Both procedures are quick, and can be done in the office, typically in 30 minutes or less.”

South Atlanta Vascular Institute performs procedures throughout the year, but appointments can fill up with the summer weather approaching. The physicians at South Atlanta Vascular Institute find that many patients want to get their legs “summer ready.” “Varicose veins won’t go away on their own,” said vascular surgeon Paul Jones, M.D. “But relief is only an office visit away.”

To schedule an appointment or find additional information, visit southatlantavascular.com or call 770-919-5238.