According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, about 35% of Americans struggle with large, bulging, gnarly varicose veins. If you rarely wear clothes that show your legs or you’re self-conscious when you do, turn to Saleem Saiyad, MD, FACC, and our experienced team at Premier Vein & Vascular in Tampa and Largo, Florida. We treat a number of vein and vascular conditions.
While varicose veins may seem like just a cosmetic issue, they can indicate a more serious health concern. When you meet with our board-certified interventional cardiologist, he conducts a physical exam and talks with you about your health and medical history in order to customize a treatment plan for you.
Most health insurance plans cover treatments for the removal of varicose and spider veins deemed “medically necessary.”
Dr. Saiyad always makes sure you understand all of your treatment options, which include:
Venous ablation
Ablation is the method we use to get rid of a vein that’s causing you trouble, and your body routes your blood through other veins. We offer several types of ablation services:
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Targeted radiofrequency heat damages the vein and generates scar tissue that closes off the vein
- Endovascular laser ablation (EVLA): Laser heat energy forces the vein to seal off and stop functioning; your body reabsorbs it over time
- VenaSeal™ closure system: A special medical glue seals the problematic vein
Ablation can also be performed in traditional surgery, such as “stripping” the vein, but advances in technology have made minimally invasive ablation procedures the go-to choice for treating varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy uses a medicinal solution that aggravates your unsightly veins and causes them to cave in. Again, your body reroutes your blood to healthy veins. Sclerotherapy is a nonsurgical procedure that Dr. Saiyad performs right in the office.
This procedure works best on veins that are closer to the surface. Depending on the severity of your varicose veins, you may require a series of sclerotherapy treatments.
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy
For varicose veins that are deeper in your body, ultrasound technology makes it possible to precisely locate and treat them. We use the latest equipment that helps our team map the problematic veins and pinpoint the needle injection.
Microphlebectomy
During this in-office minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Saiyad uses a small tool that resembles a crochet hook to remove sections of your bulgy veins through ultra-tiny cuts he makes in your skin. These small incisions don’t require stitches and heal quickly on their own.
Each of these procedures requires minimal downtime. In most cases, we ask you to limit your high-impact activities for a day or two following treatment, and then you can return to your normal routine.
Varicose veins aren’t just unsightly; they may indicate an underlying vascular condition that can lead to more serious health problems. The good news is they’re treatable. To get started with your vein consultation, call the office closest to you, or request an appointment online.
