I Have Varicose Veins and Am Concerned–Are They Safe and How Are They Treated?


Your veins have the major task of carrying blood back and forth from your heart. When individuals have unhealthy veins, it is a serious matter. Certain conditions can impact how our veins function. If they become weakened or dysfunctional, it can lead to painful swelling and discomfort while at the same time, is also a cosmetic issue. Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic issue for women and some men but in some cases if left untreated, can become a serious medical issue.

To ensure your vein-related issues or concerns are properly addressed, it is important to find a reputable vein treatment center like the Mountcastle Vein Clinic in Ashburn, VA, founded by Dr. Timothy Mountcastle who is the medical director and a double board-certified plastic surgeon as well as a vascular specialist. He has helped thousands of patients in the Northern Virginia area get the right treatments for their varicose veins so they can improve their health plus like what they see.

Veins that are visible

Varicose veins are essentially damaged veins. When the one-way valve inside a vein weakens it interrupts proper blood flow. In healthy veins, these valves work to push blood in one direction back and forth to the heart but when they become weak then some blood will flow backward accumulating in the vein. This excess blood begins to build up putting pressure on the walls of the vein eventually causing it to bulge. Over a period of time, this build up appears as a spider vein and in more severe cases a varicose vein.

Common causes of varicose veins

Certain individuals are at more risk of developing vein issues. In some cases, it is driven by genetics. If prior family members struggled with varicose veins it more than likely puts other relatives at higher risk. Another factor that puts individuals at risk is having an occupation that requires sitting or standing for long periods of time. Pregnancy and the natural process of aging are also other contributing factors to why individuals develop varicose veins.

Dangerous if left untreated

Varicose veins are usually seen as an unsightly cosmetic issue for most individuals dealing with them. Unfortunately, if left untreated, varicose veins can pose serious medical problems. Along with painful swelling and discomfort, here are some other medical concerns:

  • Varicose veins can cause potential blood clot issues.

  • Varicose veins can rupture causing spontaneous bleeding to occur.

  • Varicose veins can lead to leg ulcers which if left untreated can lead to more discomfort.

  • Hyperpigmentation can occur when excess blood from the varicose vein leaks into surrounding leg tissue. This causes painful inflammation and swelling leaving the skin discolored.

  • Lipodermatosclerosis can occur when leg tissue is inflamed for long periods of time leaving the area to harden and become heavy.

  • Varicose veins can lead to thrombosis type conditions. Superficial thrombophlebitis is when the veins become inflamed due to decreased blood flow which increases leg tenderness, skin irritation, and painful swelling. Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, is a more serious condition that causes severe nerve pain in the legs which can stem from a blood clot. If a blood clot travels from the legs further into the body, it can be life-threatening.

Fixing Varicose problems

Finding a vein treatment center in Northern Virginia with a board-certified vascular surgeon onboard, like Dr. Mountcastle, is the first step to fixing troublesome and painful varicose veins. During a consultation and evaluation, the doctor can determine the severity of a patient’s varicose vein issue and decide the best course of action. In most cases, if the vein is severely damaged it will be removed. Some common vein treatment methods are:

  • Microphlebectomy. A surgical solution to remove larger varicose veins through tiny incisions to which the affected vein is extracted. This outpatient procedure is done with a local anesthetic and patients usually experience minimal discomfort. A compression garment will be worn afterward for a short period of time.

  • Sclerotherapy. A cosmetic solution to treat small varicose veins by using a tiny needle to

inject a solution directly into the vein. The solution causes the vein to essentially dissolve that the body will then absorb. This outpatient procedure usually takes more than one treatment in order to give patients the best results.

  • The VNUS? Closure. A newer technique similar to “vein stripping”. This outpatient procedure has been perfected with a closing mechanism using radiofrequency energy (RF) delivered through a catheter type device that enables heat to shrink then seal off the varicose vein. Once the problem vein is closed off, blood will reroute to healthier veins. A bandage is put over the incision site and compression garments will be worn for a short period of time.

Varicose veins are a common issue, especially for women. In most instances, varicose veins are just an unsightly nuisance but if left untreated they can worsen and become more painful. Finding a vein treatment center is the best option to get medical and cosmetic help with these types of vascular issues. There are treatment options available and the Mountcastle Vein Clinic will consult with you on the most up-to-date procedures to provide some much-needed relief while getting you back to loving how your legs look once more.

Mountcastle Vein Clinic in Ashburn, VA helps women and men get relief from their varicose vein issues. Dual board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Timothy Mountcastle, is a leading vein specialist in Northern Virginia. He understands the cosmetic and medical need for his patients who want to get rid of their varicose veins so they can feel more comfortable and confident with their legs again. If you have varicose veins and are looking for viable treatment options, call or schedule a consultation with Dr. Mountcastle at our vein treatment center today.
