How Doctors Can Help You Remove Varicose Veins

How Doctors Can Help You Remove Varicose Veins

Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic concern. They can cause discomfort, swelling, and more serious complications if left untreated. At California Vein & Vascular Centers, our team of board-certified vascular specialists in Los Gatos and Salinas are dedicated to diagnosing and treating varicose veins using the latest minimally invasive techniques. Whether your goal is symptom relief, improved venous health, or aesthetic enhancement, our personalized approach ensures the best outcomes and long-term vein wellness. We serve the greater San Jose area, including Campbell and Saratoga, plus the Monterey County areas of California including Hollister, Pacific Grove, and Monterey.

Understanding Varicose Veins: Symptoms, Causes & Risks

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted superficial veins, typically in the legs, that are formed when one-way valves malfunction, allowing blood to pool and strain the vessel walls. What causes varicose veins? Risk factors include genetics, aging, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged standing, and hormone fluctuations. If untreated, varicose veins may lead to bleeding, superficial thrombophlebitis, or even skin ulcers. Common varicose veins symptoms include:

• Visible, bulging veins that are deep purple or blue
• Heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, or cramps in the legs
• Swelling, itching, and skin discoloration around the veins

Consultation & Diagnosis: What to Expect

At California Vein & Vascular Centers, your initial consultation focuses on understanding your medical history, symptoms, and type of varicose veins. We conduct a thorough physical exam to evaluate swelling and venous patterns. Our advanced diagnostic tools include duplex venous ultrasounds to assess blood flow and valve function and detect blood clots, and we may use additional imaging, such as CT or MRI, to rule out deeper or structural vascular issues. Based on these findings, our vein specialists craft a personalized treatment plan, blending medical and cosmetic considerations.

Minimally Invasive Varicose Veins Treatment

We specialize in state-of-the-art, minimally invasive therapies designed to close or remove problematic veins while preserving healthy circulation. Here’s what’s available:

• Sclerotherapy – Ideal for small varicose and spider veins. Our doctors inject a solution or foam that causes the vein to scar, collapse, and fade over weeks. Typically quick, with minimal recovery time, but multiple sessions may be needed.
• Radiofrequency Ablation – Recommended for larger varicose veins. A thin catheter is placed into the affected vein, and heat is used to seal it shut. The vein is then naturally absorbed, redirecting blood to healthy vessels. The procedure lasts about 1–2 hours under local anesthesia, usually outpatient.
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy – Perfect for removing surface veins and bulging clusters through tiny incisions. Under local anesthesia, veins are gently extracted. Recovery is swift, with minimal scarring and immediate return to daily activities.
• Combination and Advanced Therapies – At California Vein & Vascular Centers, we customize treatment, combining techniques like sclerotherapy and thermal ablation for optimal outcomes. Additional options, such as foam sclerotherapy and innovative adhesives, are also available, depending on your case.

How Long Do Medical Varicose Vein Treatments Take?

Your consultation and diagnostic visit will typically last 30–60 minutes. Your procedure can range from just a few minutes to several hours, depending on the type of treatment your doctor prescribes, and some treatments may require follow-up appointments. Most patients can resume normal activity the same or the next day. Compression stockings are worn for 1–3 weeks to help with healing. Expect full results in several weeks to months.

Why Professional Vein Specialists Matter

Choosing California Vein & Vascular Centers ensures safe, effective, and lasting results. Our offices in Los Gatos and Salinas offer the following benefits:

• Precision – We use high-resolution duplex ultrasound to identify reflux and plan treatments accurately.
• Minimized Risks – Treatment complications are rare. Ultrasound-guided care limits bruising, nerve injury, or thrombosis.
• Comprehensive Care – Our physicians collaborate with vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, and dermatologists to address both functional and cosmetic needs.
• Avoid Relapse – Generalist providers may miss underlying conditions. Our approach targets both superficial and deeper venous insufficiencies, reducing recurrence.

Contact California Vein & Vascular Centers for a Consultation

If you’re experiencing aching, swelling, or heaviness, or just want to address visible veins, California Vein & Vascular Centers are here to help. We are proud to offer expert evaluation and personalized, minimally invasive vein treatments in the greater San Jose and Monterey County areas. We want you to feel supported through every step of your procedure. Ready for healthy, pain-free legs? Contact us today to schedule your consultation.