Q&A from our Doctors
This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your personal medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns. Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.
My feet always feel cold. What could be causing this?
If you have a significant reduction of blood flow to your feet, this can cause your feet to feel cold. However many people with normal blood flow have the cold feet. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition caused by nerve injury which can result in the sensation of cold feet (even if the feet are not [...]My father died of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Should I be screened?
The short answer is yes. The major risk factors for the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm are male gender, age over 65, and a history of smoking. A history of a first-degree relative (such as your father) with an abdominal aortic aneurysm also elevates a man’s risk, and there is a possibility this is [...]I have visible veins on my legs. They seem to be getting worse over time. I remember my grandmother lost her leg due to “poor circulation”. Do the veins on my legs mean that I am developing poor circulation as well?
This is a very common question. The answer is no, the presence of veins on the legs is not reflective of poor circulation. Approximately 50% of adults develop some degree of visible varicosities by the time they reach age fifty. This is strongly genetic and enhanced by lifestyles that keep us standing or sitting for [...]My nephrologist (kidney doctor) thinks I will need to start dialysis within the next year. He has recommended I come to your office to be evaluated for a fistula. What exactly is a fistula and why do I have to be evaluated for one prior to starting dialysis?
This is an excellent question. Hemodialysis involves using a machine to remove the blood from the body, cleanse it of waste products/excess water (as the kidneys would normally do), and return it back to the body. Normal veins are much to small to tolerate this large transfer of blood. Therefore, a fistula must be created. [...]Do varicose veins come back after treatment?
Most patients, who undergo varicose vein treatment that removes or closes the vein, should not have a reoccurrence of the vein. That particular vein cannot “come back”. However, the body is constantly changing and previously small and unseen veins can enlarge and become visible over time. Nothing prevents the body from making these new veins. [...]What will my sclerotherapy session be like?
Overall, people tend to find sclerotherapy sessions here relaxing and enjoyable! This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your personal medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care [...]What can I do to prepare for my sclerotherapy session?
You can consider purchasing Arnica gel and begin applying it to the areas you wish to have treated beginning three days prior to your session. This is a natural anti-inflammatory and may help to decrease any irritation associated with the sclerotherapy injections. Also it is recommended you not apply any type of lotion, cream, or [...]Can spider veins on parts of the body other than the legs be injected?
Yes. Sclerotherapy is not recommended for the face or feet. However, if you have a bothersome vein on another part of the body, feel free to come in for a consultation to determine if it is likely to respond well to sclerotherapy. This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply [...]Do I have to wear compression stockings after Sclerotherapy?
It is strongly encouraged you wear a prescription strength (at least 15-20mmhg) compression stocking over the treated areas virtually continuously for 72 hours after the procedure and then during the day for the next 2-3 weeks. This is not absolutely required; however it has been shown to enhance the cosmetic result. Stockings are available for [...]What will my restrictions be after sclerotherapy procedure?
You will be given a detailed list of restrictions during your consultation, however in general the post-procedure restrictions are minimal. You will be asked to refrain from very strenuous, high intensity exercise for a couple of days after the procedure. You will also be encouraged to keep chemicals such as chlorine and self-tanner off of [...]Will I bruise after sclerotherapy procedure?
This varies. Some people have a moderate amount of bruising and some people barely have any. It is practical, however to assume you will have some bruising and not schedule your sclerotherapy session right before an event during which you would like show your legs. This information is for general educational uses only. It [...]Does sclerotherapy hurt?
Patients always say “it did not hurt nearly as much as I expected it to!!”. The needle is very fine. The sensation is probably best compared to an ant bite. This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your personal medical needs. This information should not be [...]Will all the veins go away with one session of sclerotherapy?
While some people are very happy with the results of one session, it generally takes an average of 2-4 sessions to achieve the desired results. Veins often need to be injected more than once to completely fade. This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your personal [...]How quickly do the veins go away after sclerotherapy?
As soon as a vein is injected, it will disappear. However, the vein will quickly become visible again and then go through a fading process that lasts about 4 weeks. This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your personal medical needs. This information should not be [...]Blame it on your parents: are varicose veins hereditary?
This week in clinic, one of my patients asked me this question. It dawned on me that this is one of the most common questions I get regarding varicose veins. The answer is yes, venous diseases and varicosities can be hereditary. But also, varicose veins are very common. Up to 50% of Americans will develop [...]What are the five treatments of varicose veins?
Often, patients with varicose veins don’t realize that they actually have options with regard to treatment. Because nonvascular specialists also perform varicose vein procedures, patients might be steered into one particular method of vein treatment, depending on the physician’s abilities. Board certified vascular surgeons are the only physicians credentialed to perform all aspects of vein [...]What do those stockings do anyway?
In Florida we have to balance two difficulties when it comes to compression stockings for varicose veins: 1. We live in a hot climate and stockings that can be uncomfortable. 2. Because we live in a hot climate and are active, we often wear shorts for the world to see our stockings. Most insurers require [...]
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