Frequently Asked Questions

For the men and women seeking vein treatments in Orange County for varicose veins or spider veins, there is a lot of confusing and sometimes conflicting information to be found about these conditions. It can be difficult to determine which information is current and accurate when it comes to vein problems and treatment options. The best source of information is a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon who specializes in the treatment of a variety of vein disorders. Our surgeons will take the time to thoroughly evaluate your condition and address any and all questions and concerns.

Click here to request a consultation with one of our vascular disease specialists in Orange County. For your convenience, we have provided answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions about vein treatments in Orange County.

What are varicose veins?

A varicose vein is a failed vein, one in which blood has accumulated, causing it to engorge and distort. The blood in healthy leg veins is pumped upward, against gravity, toward the heart. When the one-way valves in the veins deteriorate or are damaged, the blood is allowed to flow backward and accumulate in the vein. These veins appear bluish, and are generally bulging and rope-like.

What is the connection between varicose veins and pregnancy?

Pregnancy can aggravate pre-existing varicose veins, or contribute to their development, due to several factors. First, there are high levels of female hormones, which relax the smooth muscles of the vein walls. Additionally, there is an increase in overall blood volume, and increased abdominal pressure. All of these can contribute to reflux in the blood vessels of the legs, ultimately resulting in varicose veins.

What are spider veins?

Spider veins are tiny, clustered, purplish veins that are distinctly visible through the skin. Although spider veins are not usually symptomatic, they are often "fed" by a deeper reticular vein which may cause discomfort. Treatment of the reticular vein is key to eliminating spider veins.

What is sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a microinjection procedure for the elimination of spider veins, reticular veins, and some smaller varicose veins. Abnormal veins are destroyed by injecting a solution called a sclerosant, which irritates the vein wall, causing it to collapse and seal shut. The procedure requires no anesthesia or incisions, allowing the patient to resume activity immediately.

How will my blood circulate after the varicose veins are eliminated?

Eliminating varicose veins can only improve your circulation, as varicose veins are doing a poor job of helping blood get back to the heart. When the diseased veins are gone, the circulation is re-routed to the healthy veins, and normal circulation is restored. Ultrasound technology is used to ensure that only the diseased veins are treated.

Are lasers effective in treating vein disorders?

Lasers have proven to be somewhat appropriate for the treatment of tiny spider veins, especially on the face. However, due to the amount of heat generated, there is some controversy as to whether or not lasers are appropriate for endoscopic vein treatments. The main concern is that the excessive energy needed to obliterate larger veins may result in damage to the skin and other surrounding tissues, causing scarring, excessive pigmentation, and other undesirable side effects. At Orange County Laser and Vein Rejuvenation Specialists, we perform Closure® for varicose veins utilizing radiofrequency (RF) energy.

Can I treat my vein problems with vitamins or supplements?

There is no scientific evidence to support claims that herbal supplements or vitamin creams can relieve symptoms of venous disease. Two of the most highly touted remedies are Vitamin K cream and various derivatives of horse chestnut. Neither of these has been proven to have any measurable effect on symptoms of spider veins, varicose veins, or other venous disorders.

Will I need to be hospitalized or take time off from work for treatment?

All of our procedures are performed in our well-appointed Orange County facilities on an outpatient basis. You should be able to resume most normal activities almost immediately or within a day of your procedure.

To find out more about vein rejuvenation, click here to request a consultation with one of the vascular surgeons at our Orange County offices. Or, you can phone our office at 714-954-0270 to schedule an appointment.