Do varicose veins plague you? Have they become more than a cosmetic issue? Are they tender or itchy? Are you concerned that there may be something else going on that may negatively affect your overall health?

Whether you want to get rid of those varicose veins because they’re ruining your social life or because you worry that they are a health issue, you need a vein specialist.

What Exactly Is a Vein Specialist?

A medical doctor that specializes in venous insufficiency is a vein specialist. Venous insufficiency is the underlying cause of varicose veins, so not only can they treat the varicose veins, but they can treat the underlying cause. They can also take care of those creeping little spider veins too.

Generally speaking, your vein doctor will have completed formal training in endovenous procedures during their residency and fellowship training. Vein specialists are trained and are board-certified in vascular surgery, interventional cardiology, or interventional radiology.

Doctors trained in other specialties like pain management, family medicine, or internal medicine have no formalized training in surgical or minimally-invasive vein removal procedures.

When you are looking for a vein doctor, you will notice that there are three different kinds:

• Vascular Surgeon
• Vein Specialist
• Phlebologist

Vascular Surgeons

Vascular surgeons train in the management of vascular disease, both arterial and venous. In addition to going through medical school, they must also complete five years of general surgery training and two years of sub-specialty training for vascular medicine. During this time, vascular surgeons undergo rigorous training in diagnosing and managing surgical disease, including endovascular, minimally invasive techniques.

Because they are so closely related, cardiology and interventional radiology fellowships often collaborate with vascular surgery programs to provide in-depth training for trainees. Upon completion of training, vascular surgery fellows are tested for by the ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties) to get their board certification. The test certifies them as competent in managing venous and arterial disease, including diagnosis and treatment of varicose vein disease.

You Should Choose a Vascular Surgeon as They:

• Are board-certified vascular specialists who complete intensive residency and fellowship training for vascular medicine.
• Can manage both complex and straightforward vein disease conditions because they have a full array of training.
• Can provide all of your care for both pre and post-procedure management.
• Have hospital privileges for vascular medicine.

What You Should Consider Before Choosing a Vascular Surgeon:

• You may not need a vascular surgeon. Minimally invasive removal techniques have replaced vascular surgery as the primary means of varicose vein removal. Not everyone needs surgery. Check with the surgeon’s office to confirm that they treat vein disease with modern, non-surgical techniques when appropriate.

Phlebologists

Phlebologists come from a wide variety of backgrounds, including:

• General surgery
• Internal medicine
• Pain management
• Cardiology
• And vascular surgery

In 2007 The American Board of Phlebology was established with the goal of setting standards of vein practice. However, it is not ABMS recognized. The certification received by Phlebologists does not require the completion of any formalized training programs in vascular medicine.

“Board-certification” is granted upon passing a written test. As stated above, vascular training can only be formally obtained during a fellowship in vascular surgery, cardiology, or interventional radiology. A board certificated doctor in phlebology or ABVLM (American Board of Vascular and Lymphatic Medicine) may or may not have completed formal training in vascular medicine. Phlebologists without training in either vascular surgery, cardiology, or interventional radiology are not always vascular specialists.

Why You Would Choose a Phlebologist:

• If you are looking for a physician who has completed formalized training programs in either vascular surgery, interventional radiology, or invasive cardiology, then you would choose a phlebologist.

What You Need to Consider Before Choosing a Phlebologist:

• Does the phlebologist have a background in ABMS recognized specialties such as interventional cardiology or vascular surgery?
• They only have to pass a written exam to obtain ABVLM certification.

Vein Specialist

Vein doctors like phlebologists often seek out vein specialists to be part of their team. Specialists who are ABMS board-certified in one of three specialties: Invasive cardiology, vascular surgery, or interventional radiology demonstrate the highest level of competency in vascular disease management. Modern varicose vein treatment no longer requires surgery. Vein specialists are up to date on all of the minimally invasive procedures, perform them, and diagnose and manage varicose vein disease.

Why Choose a Vein Specialist?

• If board-certified in either vascular surgery, invasive cardiology, or interventional radiology, a vein specialist has all of the background and knowledge you need for minor or complex issues.
• They possess unique skills for minimally-invasive techniques that they learn during rigorous training programs.

Denver Vein Center

Our name says it all. We specialize in vein removal. Whether it’s varicose veins or spider veins, our vein specialists and other team members are here to give you the care you need. Also, if we think that there are any underlying conditions that you need to treat, we can refer you to specialists who excel in their fields.

What Can You Expect at Your First Varicose Vein Consultation?

1. An evaluation and ultrasound with Dr. Norton
2. Presentation of a diagnosis and treatment plan
3. Explanation of the procedures recommended
4. Insurance explanation – Most insurance companies have a policy for the treatment of varicose veins and require pre-authorization

What Types of Varicose Vein Treatments Do We Offer?

Each varicose vein treatment has a different method and provides different benefits to patients. Below is the list of the treatments we currently offer at Denver Vein Center. Click here to read a brief description of the procedure, the benefits it offers, and our before and after picture gallery.

Vein treatments currently offered by Denver Vein Centers:

• Endovenous Laser Ablation of the Saphenous Vein (ELAS)
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy
• Ultrasound-Guided Medical Sclerotherapy

Boost Your Confidence with Denver Vein Today! Schedule your consultation!

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