Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that most commonly appear on the legs due to weakened or damaged vein valves. These veins can cause pain, swelling, and skin changes — and while often seen as cosmetic, they can also signal underlying venous reflux or chronic venous disease.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our vascular surgeons provide both medical and aesthetic treatments for varicose veins using ultrasound-guided diagnosis and minimally invasive therapies such as endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy, and microphlebectomy.

Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation

Varicose veins develop gradually when vein valves weaken and allow blood to pool, most often in the legs. Symptoms may start mildly and worsen over time, especially with prolonged standing or sitting.

Common signs include:

• Visible, bulging veins on the legs or feet
• Leg heaviness, aching, or burning sensations that worsen by day’s end
• Swelling around the ankles or calves after long periods of standing
• Itching, dryness, or skin discoloration near affected veins

During your first visit, your vascular surgeon will review your symptoms, family history, and occupational or lifestyle factors that increase risk. A duplex ultrasound is usually performed to assess venous function, check for venous reflux, and rule out deeper circulation issues such as blood clots.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of varicose veins involves a combination of a physical exam and imaging studies to understand how well your veins are functioning.

• Clinical Evaluation: Identifies visible varicose veins, swelling, or skin changes such as discoloration or ulceration.
• Duplex Ultrasound: Confirms valve dysfunction or reflux within the veins and measures blood flow.
• Venous Mapping: Used when planning minimally invasive procedures like ablation or phlebectomy.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, all vascular imaging is performed on-site for your convenience, allowing same-day results and faster treatment planning.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on relieving discomfort, improving circulation, and enhancing appearance while preventing long-term complications such as leg ulcers or thrombophlebitis.

Conservative & Noninvasive Management

For mild or early-stage disease, lifestyle changes and compression therapy may effectively reduce symptoms:¹

• Compression stockings: Support venous return and reduce leg swelling.
• Lifestyle adjustments: Elevate your legs when resting, walk regularly, and maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: Take breaks to move and stretch to encourage blood flow.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

When symptoms persist or veins become more pronounced, office-based procedures can safely close or remove affected veins with minimal downtime:

• Endovenous Ablation (Laser or Radiofrequency): Uses heat energy to seal faulty veins from the inside.
• Sclerotherapy: Injects a medical solution to close smaller varicose or spider veins.
• Microphlebectomy: Removes larger surface veins through tiny, nearly invisible incisions.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, these outpatient procedures are performed with minimal discomfort and rapid recovery, allowing most patients to return to normal activities within a few days.

1. Fayyaz, Faris, et al. “Advancements in Varicose Vein Treatment: Anatomy, Pathophysiology, Minimally Invasive Techniques, Sclerotherapy, Patient Satisfaction, and Future Directions.” Cureus, 10 Jan. 2024.

Ongoing Management & Long-Term Prevention

Varicose veins may recur if lifestyle factors and circulation health are not addressed. Long-term management includes:

• Wearing compression stockings during travel or long work shifts.
• Regular exercise to strengthen leg muscles and improve venous return.
• Avoiding high heels or tight clothing that restricts blood flow.
• Scheduling routine follow-up ultrasounds to monitor vein health.
• Promptly addressing new symptoms of swelling, redness, or pain.

The vascular team at The Medical Group of New Jersey offers continuous monitoring and support to maintain leg health and reduce recurrence risk.