Vein Diseases - Overview

An estimated 60% of women and men suffer from vein disease.

Some of the signs and symptoms include leg pain, achy legs, burning in legs, numbness in legs, leg cramps, heaviness in legs, itching legs, restless legs, tired legs, swelling in ankles or leg calves. Left untreated, it may result in skin discoloration, bleeding veins, sores that heal poorly, and blood clots.

To understand vein disease, you must first understand the function of veins. Arteries are blood vessels responsible for delivering blood to all areas of the body, including the legs. Veins are responsible for collecting the same blood and bringing it back to the heart. Leg veins, located farthest from the heart, have to work extra hard to push blood upward against gravity toward the heart.

Studies have shown that a vast majority of people have genetically weak veins. Now, if you add more risk factors such as standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time, pregnancy, excess weight, and trauma, veins can start to fail. As veins begin to fail, blood starts to pool in the legs resulting in veins that are "varicose"—abnormally swollen or knotted.

Varicose Veins

What are varicose veins?

The term varicose comes from the Latin word "varix," meaning swollen or knotted.

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red or flesh-colored. They often look like cords and appear swollen, twisted, and bulging above the surface of the skin. Many people have varicose veins that don't show on the skin surface; rather, they experience some of the numerous other physical symptoms.

Who is at risk for varicose veins?

According to the American College of Phlebology, where much of the cutting-edge research on vein disease originates, it is estimated that over 80 million Americans suffer from varicose veins and associated venous insufficiency.

The biggest risk factor is heredity (genetically weak veins) even if there are no known family members with vein disease. Studies have shown that patients are 90 percent likely to have varicose veins if both parents have the condition, and 20 percent likely if neither parent has the disease.

Other risk factors include:

Are men at risk for varicose veins?

There is a common misconception that only women suffer from varicose veins. Studies have demonstrated no such difference by gender. In one study, although the rate of moderate disease (less severe varicose veins) was twice as high among women as men, the rate of severe disease (advanced varicose veins) was higher in men than women. This is likely because men tend to wait longer before seeking treatment, thus they have more advanced disease when diagnosed.

How are Varicose Veins Treated?

Alsara Clinic uses a non-surgical and minimally invasive varicose vein treatment called Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA). This varicose vein treatment is an effective alternative to painful vein stripping—an invasive surgical treatment for varicose veins.

Learn more about Alsara Clinic treatment options on our Varicose Vein Laser Treatments page.

Alsara Clinic specializes in varicose vein treatments.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

What is Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)?

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a medical condition in which the veins in the body are unable to pump oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart, often resulting in chronic swelling in the legs.

How is CVI related to Varicose Veins?

As varicose vein symptoms worsen, there is increased backflow (reflux) of blood, which causes swelling in the ankles, feet and legs. This is followed by discoloration around the ankles and feet. Left untreated, this may result in stasis dermatitis (dry, flaky rash), phlebitis (blood clots), and ulcers (skin sores).

Due to increased pressure of blood in legs, even a minor injury may result in profuse bleeding. Poor circulation may cause frequent skin infection and sores that do not heal.

Alsara Clinic offers venous insufficiency treatment.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within a deep vein, most commonly in leg veins. Deep vein thrombosis can be a complication of varicose veins and venous insufficiency. Three factors are important in the formation of a blood clot within a deep vein:

Approximately half of people with deep vein thrombosis are asymptomatic, however, common symptoms include pain and tenderness, swelling, warmth, redness or discoloration, and distention of surface veins. However, signs and symptoms are neither sufficiently sensitive nor specific to make a diagnosis. When taken together with the risk factors, they are useful in determining the likelihood of deep vein thrombosis.

Thrombosis

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) inside a blood vessel, which obstructs the flow of blood through the circulatory system. When a blood vessel is injured, or has faulty valves, blood thickens and begins to form a blood clot. When injury occurs, this is the body’s first step in repairing and preventing blood loss.

Embolus

Embolus occurs when a clot forms and then breaks free. These clots travel in the blood stream and can lodge in the brain causing a stroke, or in the lungs, which is known as pulmonary embolism or PE. These are true medical emergencies.

Spider Veins

What are Spider Veins?

Also known as Telangiectasia, these smaller versions of varicose veins usually appear on the skin's surface as small, red to purple blood vessels. These unsightly veins are more commonly referred to as "spider veins" since they resemble a spider's web.

Are Spider Veins Dangerous?

Spider veins by themselves rarely pose a medical problem, although they can cause localized pain, itching, and burning for many people. However, spider veins are frequently a sign of problems in the larger veins below the skin surface. Your Phlebologist may recommend a diagnostic ultrasound scan to test for underlying problems. The treatment of spider veins is much more successful if the underlying varicose veins are corrected first.

Spider Vein Treatment

Alsara Clinic offers the Next Generation of Spider Vein Treatments

Learn more about our Spider Vein Treatments and watch spider vein treatment videos.

Why We're Different:

• Board Certified Providers
• Evidence-based treatments that are effective and long lasting
• New technology allows treatments of veins at their source and reduce or eliminate unsightly veins
• We treat veins all day, every day

Alsara Clinic specializes in spider vein treatments.

Signs and Symptoms

During the intial stages of varicose veins, patients usually have mild symptoms, which are experienced more toward the end of the day. The onset of symptoms is often very subtle, so much so that many people forget how their legs felt before they had problems. As the condition worsens,  symptoms become more noticeable.

The intial signs and symptoms may include:

• Aching
• Burning or numbness
• Cramping or 'Charlie horse'
• Heaviness
• Itching
• Leg pain
• Restlessness in legs
• Tiredness
• Swelling in feet ankles and calves

Left untreated, may result in skin discoloration, bleeding veins, sores that heal poorly, and blood clots.

Over time, the symptoms will worsen and could result in skin discoloration, sores, blood clots, frequent skin infections, and bleeding.

Screening and Diagnosis

Your Alsara Clinic Phlebologist (vein specialist) will do a detailed examination of your legs and make a diagnosis. A visual examination of your legs while you're standing, along with a detailed evaluation of your symptoms, can be important information in determining whether an ultrasound is necessary.

Ultrasound scanning is done in the office, is totally pain-free, and results are available immediately. Your Phlebologist will then discuss the best treatment options for you. Treatment is designed for each patient based on the results of the examination and ultrasound scan. Everyone is different, so individual tailoring of treatment is essential.

Vein Treatment - Overview

Early varicose vein treatment often prevents your symptoms from worsening and, of course, removes the unsightly appearance. In fact, the earlier you receive specialized treatment, the better the long-term clinical and cosmetic results. A combination of non-invasive treatments is usually recommended in order to ensure immediate and long-term results.

Our board certified specialists have successfully performed over 35,000 combined Endovenous Laser Ablations to treat varicose veins. Alsara Clinic offers the latest technology in equipment, staff support, and technique to ensure the safest and most optimal outcome for your varicose vein treatment.

Alsara Clinic Vein Treatment Options

Laser Treatment of Varicose Veins

Varicose Vein Treatments

Innovative ThermaLite 1470 nm Laser System

Alsara Clinic exclusively uses the leading edge EVLA technology (1470 nm laser system), which decreases discomfort and bruising, while maintaining the unparalleled efficacy and safety of laser technology. Studies have shown that Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is more effective in treating varicose veins than Radiofrequency Ablation (VNUS Closure). Traditional laser machines have utilized lower frequencies (810 nm or 980 nm) and target blood (hemoglobin) within the veins. However there was more, although temporary, bruising and soreness noted with these laser frequencies than with radiofrequency ablation. The new ThermaLite 1470 nm laser machines target water in the vein wall instead of hemoglobin, which results in much less discomfort, practically no bruising, and fast return to normal activities. This is particularly important for people living active lifestyles who want to resume their activities right away and would like to wear shorts or skirts. The new 1470nm offers the best of both worlds. Alsara Clinic has treated numerous patients using the new 1470 nm Laser with almost no discomfort or any bruising after the procedure. Our patients cannot be happier with the results.

How do I get started with this Varicose Vein Treatment Process?

To determine whether or not the Laser Treatment procedure we offer is right for you, please schedule a free consultation

During this free consultation you will meet with one of our board certified vein specialists to assess your symptoms and discuss treatment options appropriate for you.

Sclerotherapy

What is Sclerotherapy?

Injection sclerotherapy, also known as Echosclerotherapy, this method of treating varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency uses medication that is injected into a vein, causing it to close. Healthy veins then take over to correct blood flow back to the heart, resulting in symptom improvement. Using ultrasound guidance is essential in achieving long-term results and ensures the most complete treatment to all diseased veins.

How Does This Vein Treatment Process Work?

When the injectable agent comes in contact with the inside lining of the vein, the treated vein collapses and is soon replaced by a thin cord of fibrous tissue. The vein is now permanently closed. This process is called sclerosis, hence the term sclerotherapy. The treated vein is then slowly absorbed by your body and eventually disappears.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy is a highly versatile treatment and useful to treat any residual varicose veins that may persist after Endovenous Laser Ablation varicose vein treatments. This ensures comprehensive treatment of the entire diseased network of veins for long-term benefit.

Spider Vein Treatments

Introducing Next Generation Spider Vein Treatments

Enjoy the best possible outcomes that are long lasting in the fewest visits possible

Alsara Clinic offers state-of-the-art spider vein treatments. The most effective treatment options currently available are injection sclerotherapy (the gold standard), ultrasound guided sclerotherapy (used to seal the deeper "feeder veins"), ohmic thermolysis (the revolutionary VeinGogh), and surface laser. We have all of these and some other options available. Typically we use a combination of treatment modalities to help you enjoy the best possible outcomes that are long lasting in the fewest visits possible. Spider vein treatment imaging is performed using Ultrasound, Veinlite^® and AccuVein^®. Combined with Alsara Clinic's expertise, years of experience and obsession for outstanding results, you can get the results you always desired. Schedule a Free Consultation today.

• Board Certified Providers
• We use ultrasound guidance to rid unsightly spider veins at their source
• Alsara Clinic uses the latest technology to provide the most effect, safest, and longest lasting result
• Many patients come to us after failed treatments elsewhere
• We treat veins all day, every day; more importantly, we love what we do

Our spider vein treatments featured on Twin Cities Live

Next Generation Spider Vein Treatments

What is Injection Sclerotherapy?

Injection sclerotherapy is the quality standard for spider veins treatment. Using a special light, the vein is isolated and a small amout of medication (sclerosant) is injected inside the vein. The medication "closes" the vein and stops the flow of blood.

Although the appearance of treated spider veins improves (diminishes) immediately, the spider veins are slowly absorbed by the body over a course of several weeks or months. Typically, several veins can be treated in one session and more than one session may be required depending on the extent of your spider veins. It is also possible that repeat injections in a single vein may be necessary since some spider veins are more "stubborn" than others.

What is VeinGogh?

VeinGogh is a breakthrough treatment technology for spider veins that allows us to treat even the smallest and most curvy vein where sclerotherapy may not be an option. An extremely tiny needle focuses energy (ohmic thermolysis) directly onto the spider vein, and closes it immediately.

Spider Vein BrochureThis VeinGogh spider vein treatment is not dependent on skin type, like lasers and other light-based therapies, and provides a superior solution for sealing vessels that have shown resistance to other treatment options. The tissue on the skin surface is rarely affected and many patients report minimal, if any, discomfort compared to laser or intense pulse light therapies used elsewhere to remove spider veins. As with sclerotherapy, over time the body absorbs the "closed" veins.

Generally, patients will require sclerotherapy treatment first, as it is still the first option in treating spider veins. VeinGogh treatment is then recommended for any spider veins remaining that meet the criteria in size. Rest assured, Alsara Clinic uses the most sophisticated technology available and highly skilled staff to meet your needs for spider vein removal treatments.

Are Alsara Clinic's Spider Vein Treatments Right for Me?

We offer Free Consultations to allow you to meet with our Board Certified Vein Specialists. We'll provide you with a detailed screening examination and a discussion of the best treatment options for your spider veins. Everyone is different, so it is critical you schedule a consultation with one of our vein specialists.

It is important when scheduling your spider vein treatment to consider the timing in which treatments are performed in relation to sun exposure. We recommend avoiding sun exposure (including tanning beds, etc.) 1-2 weeks after a treatment is performed. In addition, we recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater for 3 months post treatment.

The recipe for beautiful legs is here. We have a collection of the most effective spider vein treatment options available anywhere. Combined with our expertise and obsession for outstanding results, you can get the legs you always desired but never thought possible. Schedule a free consultatio

Microphlebectomy

History of Microphlebectomy

HippocratesIn 400 BC, Hippocrates was the first to conceptualize phlebectomy. He made several punctures along the course of varicose veins to get rid of the “bad blood” that fed an ulcer. Dr. Muller, a physician from Switzerland, reinvented and refined the technique that we now know as ambulatory phlebectomy. Disappointed by his results with large vein sclerotherapy, Muller began using small hooks (made from broken hemostats) to remove varicosities through small holes. By 1956, he had perfected this treatment, which he presented in 1967 to the French Society of Phlebology and in 1968 to the International Congress of Phlebology. These presentations were poorly received by most of the audience. However, some physicians visited Muller to learn his treatment method, which then spread slowly throughout the world. Not until recently was ambulatory phlebectomy adopted in the United States as the “gold standard” to remove segments of varicose or reticular veins of certain sizes. Ambulatory phlebectomy, stab avulsion, microphlebectomy, and microextraction are synonymous terms that define this local anesthetic, ambulatory, and outpatient technique.

Modern Microphlebectomy

Modern diagnostic technology, laser, ultra-fine procedure tools, and advancements in local anesthesia (including tumescent anesthesia) have revolutionized this procedure. Microphlebectomy is now performed on an outpatient basis in the office setting. A local anesthetic is used to numb the leg and create a relatively pain-free experience. The Vein Specialist then carefully removes the undesired varicose veins through incisions that are as small as a needle tip. Patients are then able to return to normal activity upon leaving the office. Cosmetic improvement is immediate and even noticeable upon leaving the office. There is minimal bruising that resolves in a few days. There are ways to help prevent or reduce bruising that may allow your legs to be “beach ready” even sooner.

Microphlebectomy Treatments

Introducing next generation microphlebectomy to safely and permanently remove unsightly varicose veins with no downtime and minimal pain or risk of scarring

Alsara Clinic believes in the comprehensive treatment of venous disorders. Our goal is to offer long lasting results. We do not believe in band-aid treatments. Prior to performing microphlebectomy, we will examine the larger deeper veins in the legs using ultrasound. If there are problems with the deeper (feeder) veins, those must be addressed first, otherwise the chances of the veins returning or new varicose veins developing in the area are significantly higher. The deeper saphenous veins are typically sealed using a laser (endovenous laser ablation or EVLA). When microphlebectomy is coupled with EVLA, both procedures may be performed on the same day or scheduled a few weeks apart. A study using 76 patients demonstrated that 58.2% of legs treated with EVLA alone did not require further treatment with microphlebectomy.In most cases, EVLA allowed the varicosities to decrease in size or disappear altogether.

Microphlebectomy is a permanent fix for the varicose vein. The vein cannot come back. Other veins may develop and even appear in the same location, but those that have been removed are gone for good. If new veins should develop, they can easily be eliminated with sclerotherapy injections or microphlebectomy.

The procedure itself typically takes less than one hour to perform and requires no downtime. Further, microphlebectomy may be covered by medical insurance if you are experiencing symptoms such as aching, burning, itching or swelling in legs caused by varicose veins. There may also be some incidence of blood clots or bleeding. If symptoms are not present, the procedure will be considered cosmetic hence insurance coverage would be unavailable.

Patients are amazed at how easy the microphlebectomy procedure is and how quickly they can see positive results. Patients often comment on how sorry they are that they waited so long to get rid of their unsightly varicose veins that are also a health hazard. Call us now at 1-844-425-7272 to schedule a free consultation with our vein specialist.

Schedule a free consultation

Treatment Process

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)

When you arrive, you will be asked to change into a pair of comfortable shorts that we provide you. If you choose, you may bring your own loose-fitting shorts.

Next, our vein specialist or our ultrasound technologist may perform a brief ultrasound scan and mark areas of interest on your leg. You are now are ready for our unique 4-step numbing process.

4-Step Numbing Process

Needle-free Numbing System

If you are uncomfortable with needles, Alsara Clinic offers a breakthrough needle-free numbing system. Instead of a needle, a pressurized numbing medication is injected through the skin pores using gas pressure. This system replaces Steps 2 & 3 indicated above.

Laser Time

After numbing, the next step is the actual use of the laser. This is a quick and painless procedure. As a bonus, we give you a very cool pair of glasses to wear (to protect your eyes from the laser) and a lollipop of your choice (to help alleviate a peculiar metallic taste that is sometimes experienced during the procedure).

Before You Go Home (or Shopping!)

As soon as your laser treatment is complete, we will obtain some ultrasound images to ensure the target vein was treated successfully (yes, the effect is that fast) and help you with dressing and stockings. You are now good to go back to work (or shopping!)

Home Instructions

We will go over the easy-to-follow instructions before you leave our office.

You are welcome to resume normal activities immediately, including walking, low-impact activities, standing, or lifting moderate weights. In fact, staying active is crucial in keeping your calf muscles (leg pump) working. Now that we have shut down some of the bad veins in your superficial venous system, the good veins in your deep venous system will take over and rely on the pumping mechanism of your calf muscles more than ever before.

Although you are not quite ready for a marathon or heavyweight championship (or our Hot Leg Competition!), you will likely notice improvement as early as the night of the procedure. So go ahead and enjoy your legs!

In case you forgot to ask us something or have any concerns, there is no need to worry. We will call you the day after your procedure to check and see how you are doing and answer any additional questions.

Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (USGS) or Spider Treatment

We will offer you a pair of comfortable shorts or you can bring your own loose-fitting shorts. Ultrasound and/or Vein Lite is typically used to identify and mark the areas needing treatment. One or more numbing tools may be used to reduce all possible discomfort. These procedures require less time and preparation than Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA). Our vein specialist will treat you and determine a follow-up plan. All instructions are provided before you leave the office.

You will receive a follow-up phone call the day after the procedure to check on you and answer any additional questions.