Varicose Veins are diseased blood vessels that have become permanently dilated (enlarged), and can no longer efficiently carry blood back to the heart.

• Occupation - prolonged standing or sitting increased blood pressure on the closed valves that leads to them weakening and susceptible to developing varicose veins.

• Gender - Female patients are more likely to develop varicose veins by a rate of 4 to 1 over male counterparts.  Increases in weight, progesterone levels, blood volume and pelvic vein pressure contribute to 70% of women developing various venous problems during pregnancy.  20% of all pregnant women will develop full-blown varicose veins due to hormonal changes and baby's increasing weight putting increased stress on your legs.  Hormonal changes in female patients during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, hormone replacement therapy and through birth control pills have been shown to contribute in the development of varicose veins.

• Heredity - Varicose Veins are likely to run in your family.  Defective vein walls and/or valves are the greatest contributing factors to developing Varicose Veins in nearly 70% of patients seen.  A review of your family history will determine if you are at greater risk to develop Varicose Veins

• Obesity - Increased pressure due to excess weight can contribute to the weakening of vein valves.

• Age - A progressive condition, the frequency and severity of Varicose Veins increases with age.  Tissue fibers deteriorate as we age which leads to the appearance of wrinkles, dilated and tortuous blood vessels and varicose veins.

Most definitely!  Left untreated, Varicose Veins can cause pain, swelling, inflammation (phlebitis), skin ulcers, and blood clots.  Protect your circulation.  Don't delay treatment.

Endovenous Laser Treatment is an effective method of treating large varicose veins in carefully selected patients and has been proven to be a great value.  The benefits of EVLT over traditionally surgical vein stripping are quite numerous.

• Performed under local anesthetic
• Return to normal activities immediately following the procedure
• Quick and simply procedure requiring less than an hour to complete
• Minimally invasive with little to no scarring
• Relatively painless procedure with reduce post-operative pain

The affected area is locally anesthetized and a small incision is made.  A narrow tube, which carries the laser fiber, is inserted in the diseased vein.  The laser fiber delivers energy in short pulses causing the vein to collapse and close, preventing blood flow.  By closing off this diseased vein, blood is thus diverted to other healthy veins.

Over the months after the procedure, the body naturally absorbs the vein remnant leaving virtually no sign of the vein in the treated area.

After your treatment is completed, your physician will ask you to wear compression stockings for a period of 7 days.  You may and should walk immediately after the procedure.  With the exception of vigorous activity or work-outs, you are free to resume to your normal daily activity.

Over 7 to 10 days, you may experience some bruising and soreness.  Symptoms are often relieved with an over-the-counter non-aspirin oral pain reliever.

Like any medical procedure, certain risks are involved in EVLT.  At the time of your consultation, your physician will explain to you any risk factors that may apply to you and your individual medical case.

Our skill and experience make the treatments virtually pain-free.  We use FDA approved medications.  Side effects are possible with any procedure and medication but, compared to traditional surgery for veins, serious side effects are rare with our advanced techniques.

During the procedure, the treatment area is locally anesthetized to relieve ease any discomfort you may experience.  After the procedure any pain should be relieved with an over-the-counter non-aspirin oral pain reliever.

Most insurance companies do cover, at least partially, costs associated with vein treatments based on medical necessity.  At the time of your initial consultation, our staff will discuss the prescribed treatment, associated costs and payment arrangements including your insurance coverage.  Prior to your appointment, check your policy and/or call your insurance provider to find out what their coverage includes.  For your convenience, SALVI accepts most major credit cards.