Varicose Veins

Varicose veins aren’t always just a cosmetic concern, and you benefit from an evaluation and treatment plan to reduce the risk of complications. At Parto Heart & Vascular in Los Angeles and Newport Beach, California, interventional cardiologist Parham Parto, MD, MPH, FACC, offers comprehensive care for varicose veins. He can evaluate your damaged veins and provide any necessary treatment. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online. 

Why do I have varicose veins?

Varicose veins develop from damage to the walls or valves of your veins. Your veins push blood back to your heart and lungs. Tiny valves in your veins open to allow blood to flow through and close to prevent blood from flowing back.

When your valves are weak or damaged, they may not fully close or open, allowing the blood to flow backward and pool. The pooling blood causes the walls of the vein to stretch and enlarge. 

Varicose veins are enlarged superficial veins that affect the look and texture of your skin. They can affect any vein, but most often occur in the legs and feet. 

When should I have my varicose veins evaluated?

Varicose veins are a chronic and progressive circulation disorder, and you shouldn’t wait to schedule an evaluation. Though many view varicose veins as a cosmetic issue, the bulging veins are signs of a circulation problem.  

Early intervention may prevent complications like pain or life-threatening blood clots. Without proper treatment, varicose veins may affect quality of life. 

If you have varicose veins, now is the time to schedule an evaluation at Parto Heart & Vascular.

What happens during a consultation for varicose veins?

Dr. Parto specializes in diagnosing cardiovascular conditions and conducts a thorough exam when you come in for a varicose veins consultation. He reviews your medical and family histories, asks about symptoms and concerns, and performs a physical exam, looking at your legs for signs of swelling.

He also orders diagnostic tests, including a Doppler ultrasound and a venogram (X-ray with special dye) to check blood flow in your veins.

What treatments can improve my varicose veins?

Dr. Parto talks to you about your varicose veins and treatment options, which may include self-care, lifestyle changes, or procedures to close or remove the affected vein.

Varicose vein procedures include:

• Sclerotherapy: Injection to close the vein 
• Laser therapy: Using laser energy to coagulate small veins
• Photoderm therapy: Coagulate small veins using intense, pulsating light
• Endovenous ablation therapy: Catheter-based procedure that heats the vein
• Endoscopic vein surgery: Minimally invasive surgical removal 
• Ambulatory phlebectomy: Surgical removal of small veins

For severe varicose veins, Dr. Parto may recommend high ligation and vein stripping, which involves surgically tying off or removing the damaged vein.  

Call Parto Heart & Vascular today or schedule your consultation online.