Varicose Veins in Hattiesburg and D'Iberville, MS
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Contact UsWhat Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that no longer function properly and appear on the surface of your skin, typically causing pain and potentially leading to other complications, like blood clots, inflammation, or venous ulcerations. These abnormal veins can form anywhere on the body but generally appear on the lower legs. Dr. J. Keith Thompson, a board-certified vein specialist at Vein Institute Hattiesburg and D'Iberville, offers a wide variety of nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatment options for varicose veins. To learn how you can put an end to these bulgy, damaged veins, contact our Hattiesburg and D'Iberville, MS, practice to schedule an appointment.
What Are the Benefits of Varicose Vein Treatment?
Varicose veins can cause discomfort, pain, and aesthetic distress, and treatment at Vein Institute Hattiesburg and D'Iberville offers multiple advantages for improved vascular health. Key benefits include:
- Enhanced circulation.
- Alleviated discomfort.
- Reduced pain and swelling.
- Improved appearance.
- Lower risk of complications.
- Enhanced overall leg health.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins occur when the tiny valves within your veins become weak or damaged. As blood pressure rises, the weakened veins produce a buildup of blood that causes the veins to stretch, twist, and enlarge. Blood can't move as effectively through the damaged veins, causing the appearance of varicose veins. Common reasons varicose veins may develop include:
- Standing for long periods of time
- Obesity
- Genetics
- Aging
- Hormones
- Pregnancy
What Are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins, commonly visible as twisted, enlarged veins near the skin's surface, often cause discomfort for our Hattiesburg and D'Iberville, MS patients. They are typically found in the legs and can lead to several symptoms, including:
- Aching or throbbing pain
- Heavy feeling in the legs
- Itching around the vein
- Swelling in the legs
- Skin discoloration near the affected veins
How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?
When diagnosing varicose veins at the Vein Institute Hattiesburg and D'Iberville, Dr. Thompson employs a comprehensive approach that combines cutting-edge technology with personalized care. Understanding that each patient's condition is unique, Dr. Thompson begins with a detailed medical history and a physical examination focusing on the legs. This initial assessment helps identify any visible signs of varicose veins, such as enlarged veins that are visible beneath the skin. Dr. Thompson may utilize ultrasound technology to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition. This noninvasive imaging technique allows for a detailed view of the veins, helping to pinpoint any malfunctioning valves and blood flow issues. By tailoring the diagnostic process to each individual's needs, Dr. Thompson ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning, setting the foundation for the successful management of varicose veins.
What Are the Risk Factors for Contracting Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are influenced by several risk factors, including genetic predisposition, which means if a family member has varicose veins, the likelihood of developing them increases. Age is another significant factor, as veins lose elasticity over time, causing them to stretch and valves within them to weaken. Gender also plays a role, with women being more prone to varicose veins due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, premenstruation, or menopause, which can relax vein walls. Prolonged standing or sitting, especially for those in occupations that require long periods of either, can lead to increased pressure in the veins of the legs. Obesity adds extra pressure on veins, and pregnancy increases blood volume in the body, which can enlarge veins. Lastly, a history of blood clots can damage vein valves and increase the risk of varicose veins.
How Are Varicose Veins Treated?
At Vein Institute of South Mississippi, our team can diagnose the issue by providing a venous duplex ultrasound during your consultation and will provide treatment options tailored to your specific situation and goals. Some of our treatments for varicose vein reduction or ablation include:
- Endovenous laser treatment: uses laser energy to close varicose veins, redirecting blood flow through healthier veins
- Radiofrequency ablation: seals varicose veins and accelerates the healing of venous ulcers
- VenaSeal™: applies medical adhesive to varicose veins through a catheter to close them off
- Varithena®: uses an injectable foam to collapse varicose veins and direct blood flow to healthier veins
- ClariVein®: combines the use of a medical catheter and an injectable solution to treat varicose veins
- Sclerotherapy: injects a solution into the veins, causing them to turn into scar tissue and fade away
- Microphlebectomy: removes varicose veins via small, minimally invasive incisions
What Should I Expect Following Varicose Vein Treatment?
Your experience after varicose vein treatment may depend on the specific procedure you received. Still, you may want to prepare for minor discomfort and bruising for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. You'll likely wear compression stockings for a week or two to aid healing. Most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for a couple of weeks. Noticeable improvements in the appearance and symptoms of your veins should be visible within a few weeks. Some people may experience temporary changes in skin color or small clusters of fine red vessels around the treated area. Follow-up appointments with Dr. Thompson will be necessary to monitor healing.
Vein Institute Reviews
Dr. Thompson and his staff are great. Dr. Thompson has a wonderful bedside manner and his staff goes out of their way to make you feel at ease and comfortable. They are also very helpful and informative with your insurance benefits. And most importantly, I am very pleased with the results of my endovenous laser treatments and sclerotherapy for my varicose veins.
I have had three treatments for varicose veins on my right leg and I have to say I am so amazed by the changes in my ankle and leg. I did not go in expecting cosmetic changes, I was solely worried about a bleeding vein on the front of my leg that landed me in the ER. Everyone at the VI are professional and compassionate. I’ve had multiple appointments and I’ve never had to wait. The ladies at the front desk helped me get everything cleared with my insurance and they called me with updates prior to my first appointment. If you are need of a vascular surgeon this is the place. Everything is done in the office with minimal pain.
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Total Reviews
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Get Rid of Varicose Veins
With advanced, minimally invasive treatments at Vein Institute Hattiesburg and D'Iberville, you don't have to put up with aching varicose veins any longer. Board-certified and full-time vein specialist Dr. J. Keith Thompson offers numerous non-surgical treatment options for varicose veins. To find out more about how you can treat your varicose veins, contact us.
Learn More About Vein Institute Hattiesburg & D'Iberville
About UsVaricose Veins FAQs
What are the risk factors for varicose veins?
Risk factors for developing varicose veins include:
- Advanced age
- Being a woman
- Pregnancy
- Genetic history
- Obesity
- Being sedentary or sitting for long periods
How much does treatment for varicose veins cost?
The cost of varicose vein treatment can differ from one patient to another due to a variety of factors, including which specific form of treatment is chosen. Our talented staff will listen to your goals and concerns during your initial consultation to customize a treatment plan that is completely catered to your unique needs. Once this plan has been created, we can provide a more accurate estimate of the total price.
Should I be worried about varicose veins?
In most cases, no. Varicose veins are usually not a sign of any serious condition and only affect the appearance of the vein itself.
Will varicose veins go away on their own?
Unfortunately, no. Varicose veins will not fade on their own, though they may become slightly less noticeable over time. On the other hand, some factors — like weight loss — could actually make the varicose veins more visible.
What varicose vein treatment will I need?
In general, varicose veins respond better to laser vein treatments, such as endovenous laser therapy, than to sclerotherapy. However, if the vein is large and bulging, surgery might be necessary. Our team at Vein Institute Hattiesburg and D'Iberville will help you determine the best treatment choice based on your needs and goals.
Does the varicose vein go away with a laser vein treatment?
A laser vein treatment will address the vein with a focused laser that heats up the vein and then destroys it. The laser system is precise and highly focused on the target area, so it won't damage the nearby skin. When the vein has collapsed, it may take about 4 – 6 weeks for it to be reabsorbed and disappear.