The staff at Vein Specialists of the Carolinas has the lowdown on what you can expect at your vein evaluation with us.
You may think the diagnosis of varicose veins is as easy as looking at your legs and seeing those bulging, twisting vessels. However, diagnosis of vein disorders that lead to the formation of spider and varicose veins is actually more complex than a simple visual examination. Today, we have a host of technology at our fingertips that help us to truly see what is going on inside of your swollen vessels.
The Ultrasound Examination
Ultrasound is technology that uses sound waves to create images inside the body without invasive procedures. This tool has been used diagnosing and assisting in the treatment of various medical conditions for many years. Today, ultrasound has proven invaluable in vein assessments as it allows us to see inside the affected vessels to determine blood flow and the level of damage the vessel may have suffered.
Digital Photos Document Vein Troubles
Digital photography is also used during your vein assessment to document the current condition of your vessels. Through these photos, we can determine how well your vein treatment works by comparing those initial pictures to post-procedural images. We can also use your digital photos to determine the best method of treatment and where the procedure should be administered to provide the greatest benefit.
Fitting for Compression Garments
Compression therapy is nearly always a component in vein treatment, whether it is used to minimize uncomfortable symptoms before a procedure or promote healing after your procedure. Compression stockings offer gradient pressure that is tighter at the foot and looser as the sock moves up the leg. These stockings make it easier for those lower leg veins to move blood back up the body to the heart, relieving some of the strain on those hard-working vessels.
Your Consultation with Dr. Draughn During Your Vein Evaluation
In addition to your examination and assessment, you will meet one-on-one with Dr. Draughn to discuss your specific concerns and symptoms. Dr. Draughn will also take a full medical history, including vein disorders your parents may have. Venous disorders are hereditary, which means if your parents had varicose veins, you are more likely to do so as well. Dr. Draughn will also want to know about lifestyle factors that could influence the outcome of your vein treatment, such as whether you are a smoker or tend to be physically inactive much of the time.
Learning about Your Treatment Options At Your Vein Evaluation
Once Dr. Draughn has made a comprehensive assessment of your vein condition, he can provide recommendations for the best treatment options for your specific situation. At Vein Specialists of the Carolinas, we offer a variety of minimally-invasive vein treatments that effectively eliminate spider and varicose veins with minimal discomfort and downtime. The procedures can be performed in our office on an outpatient basis and patients are often able to return to daily activities as soon as their procedure is completed.
Two of our most popular vein treatments include VNUS Closure, also known as Venefit, and sclerotherapy. Venefit uses radiofrequency energy, delivered directly into the affected vein, to seal the vessel closed so it can be reabsorbed by the body. Sclerotherapy is a proven injectable treatment that delivers a special solution into the vessel that seals it closed so it can be reabsorbed. Both of these procedures offer a high success and patient satisfaction rate.