Varicose Vein Treatment

In Connecticut, a world of options.

The Vein Center of Middletown offers comprehensive options for varicose vein removal, including minimally invasive procedures that have become the standard of care. We offer the latest techniques in vein care diagnosis and treatment without the need for surgery. At our two practices, we have the technology and the professional experts to achieve the long-term results you seek.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, raised veins which can be easily seen on the surface of the legs, particularly when standing for long periods of time. They can be very winding, ropelike, and often dramatically large. They are located deeper than the spider veins and are usually the result of insufficiency of the great or small saphenous veins, which are the larger veins inside of the leg. They are often associated with spectrum of symptoms including pain, heaviness, burning, or swelling but can also lead to skin changes, including ulcerations. These symptoms are exacerbated by prolonged standing and are often progressive throughout the day. Depending on the source of abnormal blood flow to the varicose veins, they can be treated with Endovenous Laser Therapy, Mini-Phlebectomy, or Sclerotherapy.

What are spider veins?

Otherwise known as telangiectasias, spider veins are tiny, superficial veins that are often red or blue and appear as arborizing webs or isolated threads on the surface of the skin. Spider veins are often caused by venous insufficiency, a situation whereby blood flows abnormally downward in the veins of the leg . However, spider veins can also be caused by hereditary factors, hormonal changes, and increasing age. They are more commonly seen in women. They pose no medical threat but can occasionally be associated with symptoms such as burning or aching pain. Microsclerotherapy is the best and most effective treatment for spider veins.

Our Equipment and Technologists

All of the Vein Center procedures are performed by Jeffrey Takahashi, M.D., and Dr. Takahashi sees all patients personally during initial consultation and follow-up appointments. Together with his team, he ensures that all Vein Center patients receive personalized, hands-on treatment. The Vein Center uses all cutting-edge equipment, including digital ultrasound machines and specialized tools, including some that Dr. Takahashi invented.

What To Expect

You will begin with a thorough physical examination and ultrasound study. This usually allows us to identify a hidden source of blood flow to your varicose veins. Without removing the underlying source of abnormal blood flow, varicose and "spider" veins can simply reappear in time, despite the best efforts to eradicate them. At the same time, we will assess the deeper veins in you leg to look for deeper problems, including blood clots and reversed flow. This imaging study is always performed as part of our initial evaluation of your legs in our office.

The entire evaluation, including a discussion of the proposed treatment plan takes no more than 45 minutes. You will leave our office with a clear understanding of what method of treatment is best for you:

Your Results

After endovenous laser therapy, you should be able to return to your normal daily activities right away. There is no reason to anticipate that you will miss any work time. Discomfort is generally controlled with Ibuprofen. You should refrain from strenuous exercise, particularly high impact activities such as aerobics for 2 weeks following the procedure. You should also avoid saunas and hot baths during this period. Excessive exposure to the sun should also be avoided for 1 month as well as prolonged airline travel. You will need to wear properly fitted compression stockings for 2 weeks (during the day only) to help ensure the treated vein remains closed. We stock all sizes of stockings in our office. You will be encouraged to go for daily walks following the procedure.

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns about your procedure, feel free to call us at 860-638-0050 or contact us online.