At VeinSolutions in Austin, Georgetown and Kyle, our team of vein specialists and board-certified vascular surgeons treat all forms and stages of venous insufficiency, or vein disease. 

Venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in the lower extremities fail to properly circulate blood back up to the heart. This happens because the tiny valves within the vein walls become weak or damaged and stop functioning, so blood stagnates and pools in the leg veins.

Venous insufficiency and subsequent vein disorders, the most common one being varicose veins, typically develop gradually and in stages over time.  

More than 35% of Americans suffer from varicose veins, or some type of venous disorder, according to the Society for Vascular Surgery.

What are the stages of vein disease? 

Stage 1:  Spider Veins

Spider veins are thin and wisp-like, first appearing just beneath the skin’s surface. They are usually faint blue or purple in color and pop up on the legs or sometimes the face also. 

Stage 2: Varicose Veins 

Varicose veins are thick, ropey structures that are bulging and more profound than spider veins. They can cause considerable discomfort with chronic aching and often swelling and a sense of heaviness and fatigue in the legs. 

Stage 3: Edema

Edema is the swelling that occurs in the legs and ankles alongside varicose veins. It sets in after you’ve been sitting or standing for long periods of time and fluid builds up and has a hard time circulating back up into the body. 

Stage 4: Skin Discoloration

The edema then often leads to gradual changes in skin color and texture. It can start to appear brownish or dark purple and feel thin, flakey, or leather-like. Skin may also become more itchy or sensitive to the touch. 

Stage 5: Foot and Leg Ulcers 

Once your skin grows thinner and more sensitive, ulcers or sores are likely to develop. They can be painful and slow to heal, and in severe cases, become infected and require medical attention to clear dead tissue before gangrene sets in and amputation becomes a possibility.  

If you notice signs of any of these stages on your legs or feet, VeinSolutions can help with treatment. We not only treat vein disease therapeutically to address the medical issue, but we can help improve the cosmetic look of your legs while doing so as well. 

Treatments that we offer to to tackle vein disease include:

• Sclerotherapy: non-invasive injections to close off small veins such as spider veins 
• Endovenous ablation: non-surgical procedure using heat to eliminate larger, more stubborn veins
• Minimally invasive vein surgery (phlebectomy): reserved for the most severe cases of varicose veins, this surgical procedure permanently removes the damaged veins via small incisions

To best diagnose your venous insufficiency and gauge what stage you are experiencing, VeinSolutions offers venous duplex imaging to pinpoint what groups of veins are affected and help map out the best plan for your personalized treatment. 

Contact VeinSolutions for Your Consultation Today 

Our board-certified vascular surgeons and vein specialists are skilled in both cosmetic and therapeutic treatments for varicose veins while dedicated to enhancing your overall circulatory health. 

To schedule an appointment with a vein specialist in Austin, please contact us here or call 512.452.VEIN (8346), or 512.501.4287 for our clinic in Georgetown, and 512.651.8420 for Kyle.

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