Tired of aching, swollen legs or unsightly varicose veins? At DOCS Interventional Medicine, Dr. Gabriel Lipshutz and Dr. Jonathan Steinberger offer advanced, minimally invasive varicose vein treatments to relieve discomfort, improve circulation, and restore confidence. Whether you’re struggling with pain, heaviness, or visible veins, we help you move freely again.
Treat diseased veins and restore optimal blood flow
Varicose vein treatment focuses on eliminating diseased veins to improve circulation, relieve pain, and restore the natural appearance of your legs. Dr. Steinberger and Dr. Lipshutz use minimally invasive, image-guided procedures like endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and sclerotherapy to safely seal off faulty veins, allowing healthy veins to take over. This helps reduce swelling, discomfort, and visible veins with little to no downtime.
What do varicose vein treatments help with?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that form when weak or damaged valves allow blood to pool instead of flowing back to the heart. They commonly appear in the legs due to increased pressure from standing or sitting for long periods. Untreated varicose veins can worsen and lead to pain, swelling, skin discoloration, and even ulcers. In some cases, they may contribute to serious circulatory problems like chronic venous insufficiency or blood clots. You may need varicose vein treatments if you experience these symptoms:
- Aching, heavy, or tired legs
- Swelling in the lower legs or ankles
- Burning, throbbing, or cramping pain
- Restless legs, especially at night
- Itching or irritated skin over the veins
- Darkening or hardening of the skin
- Bulging, rope-like veins visible under the skin
- Development of painful sores or ulcers
How do varicose vein treatments work?
Varicose vein treatments close off or shrink diseased veins, allowing the body to reroute blood through healthier veins naturally. Dr. Steinberger and Dr. Lipshutz use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to improve circulation, reduce symptoms, and restore the appearance of your legs. These treatments are performed with image guidance to ensure precision, and most patients experience little to no downtime. Here’s how each method works:
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)
EVLA uses laser energy to heat and seal the problematic vein from the inside. A tiny fiber is inserted into the vein under ultrasound guidance, and the laser emits controlled heat, causing the vein walls to collapse and close. Once sealed, the body naturally reroutes blood through healthier veins, and the treated vein is gradually absorbed. This technique effectively reduces pain, swelling, and bulging veins while improving circulation.
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) also uses thermal energy to close off varicose veins, but instead of a laser, it uses radiofrequency. A thin catheter is inserted into the vein, and once activated, it delivers controlled heat that shrinks and seals the vein walls. This method is especially effective for larger varicose veins and is known for causing less discomfort. Since the treatment is performed under ultrasound guidance, only the diseased vein is targeted.
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a non-thermal, injection-based treatment for smaller varicose veins and spider veins. A medical solution is injected directly into the vein, causing it to collapse and seal shut. Over time, the body absorbs the treated vein, making it disappear. This method is particularly effective for surface-level veins that cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns. Depending on the size and number of veins being treated, multiple sessions may be needed.
Advantages of varicose vein treatments:
- Minimally invasive with no need for surgery
- Quick procedures, often completed in under an hour
- Little to no downtime, allowing a fast return to daily activities
- Relief from pain, swelling, and discomfort in the legs
- Improved circulation and overall vein health
- Reduction in visible, bulging veins for a smoother appearance
- Lower risk of complications like ulcers or blood clots
- Performed under image guidance for precise, effective results
- Safe, with minimal side effects and high success rates
- Long-lasting results with minimal risk of recurrence
What is recovery like after varicose vein treatment?
Recovery after varicose vein treatment is quick and easy, allowing you to return to your daily routine with minimal downtime. Most procedures are performed in under an hour, and you can walk immediately afterward. You may experience mild soreness or bruising, but this typically resolves within a few days. Wearing compression stockings may be recommended to support healing and improve circulation. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for a short period, but normal activities can resume the same day.
Schedule your consultation
DOCS Interventional Medicine is a leader in minimally invasive, image-guided treatments, providing cutting-edge care with expertise and compassion. Led by Dr. Lipshutz and Dr. Steinberger, our team of interventional radiologists specializes in advanced varicose vein treatments to relieve pain, improve circulation, and restore confidence in your legs. With over a decade of experience at Cedars-Sinai, we offer sophisticated yet comforting care tailored to your needs. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort or want to improve your vein health, we encourage you to schedule your consultation today.
