Varicose veins are a very common problem, generally appearing as twisting, bulging rope-like cords on the legs. Spider veins are extremely common, small, red or purple veins closer to the skin surface. While many people have heard about varicose veins, very few truly understand their underlying cause, and the potential they have for developing into a serious medical issue. Fortunately, there are new and effective treatments for varicose veins.
Normally veins return blood from the legs back to the heart. One-way valves in the veins normally prevent blood from traveling in the opposite direction. Varicose veins are veins with poorly functioning valves. If these valves are not working, blood can back-up in the veins, causing the varicose vein to enlarge. Varicose veins can occur anywhere in the body, and are often found in the legs. While they are often unsightly, they can also cause pain, burning, aching, and other symptoms.
Heredity plays a large role in the development of varicose veins. Other factors include obesity, pregnancy, trauma, and occupations requiring standing for long periods of time, among other things.
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller. They are often red or blue and are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. They can look like tree branches or spider webs with short jagged lines. Spider veins can be found on the legs and face. They can cover a very small or very large area of skin.
Laser energy shrinks the vein walls, closing the faulty vein so that the blood cannot flow through it. This eliminates the vein bulging at its source. EVLT is a highly effective, FDA approved procedure.
No. After treatment, the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to the many other functioning veins in the leg.
Typically, only minimal complications have been experienced with EVLT.
No. Just as a precaution against accidental laser energy outside the body, you will be given a pair of special glasses to protect your eyes.
Published clinical studies show that EVLT has up to a 98% initial success rate.
Prior to founding Georgia Vein Specialists, Dr. Kerwin was on faculty of Emory University School of Medicine and Dr. Rao was on faculty at Harvard University School of Medicine. Both attended Emory University School of Medicine for their medical degrees and are both Board Certified in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases.
At Georgia Vein Specialists, only a physician will perform vein mapping. Other practices may use an ultrasound technologist to perform the exam. This could lead to a missed or incorrect diagnosis if one person performs the exam while another person interprets the study and treats the patient based on that exam.
Leading experts (such as Robert Min, MD of Cornell Vascular, one of the developers of laser vein treatment) advocate that the physician who performs the vein treatment also perform the vein mapping.
Our physicians, Drs. Kerwin and Rao, and our physician assistant perform the sclerotherapy procedures.
Drs. Kerwin and Rao perform all laser procedures themselves.
This is the most common treatment for both spider veins and varicose veins. The doctor injects a solution into the vein that causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut. This stops the flow of blood, and the vein is eventually absorbed. In a few weeks, the vein should fade. Occassionally, the same vein may need to be treated more than once. Sclerotherapy does not require anesthesia, and is performed in the medical office. Sclerotherapy treatments usually last 20 minutes.
There is usually no need to take time off of work.
There is no lab work or pre-op necessary for vein treatments.
An initial consult includes a clinical exam, and an ultrasound by one of our highly-trained physicians or physician assistant who will determine the best course of treatment.
No, you cannot have Sclerotherapy treatment during pregnancy. However, you can have a consultation and an ultrasound to determine your treatment plan after your pregnancy and how to make you make comfortable during your pregnancy.
Avoid direct sun exposure or tanning beds while there is bruising, brown streaks over the veins, or trapped blood in the veins (veins will feel firm and tender). If sun exposure is necessary, use sunscreen with SPF 25 or greater at all times.
If someone is prone to developing spider veins, regardless of the treatment they have received in the past, they may see new spider veins develop as they age.
Yes, you should wear 30-40 mmHg compression hose for at least seven days after the procedure.
Prior to forming Georgia Vein, Dr. Kerwin was on faculty of Emory University School of Medicine and Dr. Rao was on faculty at Harvard University School of Medicine. Both attended Emory University School of Medicine for their medical degrees and are both Board Certified in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases. Our physician assistant, Nancy Demester, is a medically trained, licensed healthcare provider. She obtained her MS of Medical Science, Physician Assistant degree from Emory University.
No, children are not allowed in the procedure room and cannot be left in the waiting room without a supervising adult.
Yes, vein treatments are eligible.
Yes, we offer a variety of payment plans.
Most insurance carriers provide coverage for EVLT and medically-necessary sclerotherapy.
790 Church Street, Suite 400, Marietta, GA 30060
(678) 239-0420
For Billing Questions, please call 1 (855) 871-1526
