Vein Treatment
About
Varicose veins and spider veins affect millions of men and women.
Statistics show that nearly 70% of all women and 30% of all men will develop some form of venous disease during their lifetime due to insufficient blood circulation.
At The Oregon Clinic, our Surgeons pride themselves on providing the latest, high quality treatment and management in venous disease. Our goal is to make your experience with our center positive and safe.
We offer safe, precise, effective and minimally invasive treatment options to treat your specific needs. Our services are performed safely in our office, by your surgeon and under local anesthesia, avoiding surgery and hospital stays. Usually, you can return to normal activity the next day.
The Oregon Clinic offers a complete package for varicose and spider vein treatment. We have the ability to treat your entire venous needs.
- Varicose veins
- Spider veins
- Reticular veins
- High pressured small vein disease
- Small-branching varices
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Venous ulcers
We are specialists in the following procedures to treat vein conditions and diseases:
- Minimally invasive Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
- Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
- Compression Stocking
- Sclerotherapy
- Phlebectomy
We are currently welcoming new patients. Please see our list of office locations to the right to find the location closest to you.
Once selecting a location, you can either call to schedule an appointment or click on a provider of your choice and request an appointment online.
Log into your online portal, MyHealth Connection, to request an appointment online, retrieve your medical records, request prescription refills, and communicate with your office.
If you don't have a log in, you can click on your office location to the right, and call or click on your provider to request an appointment.
To expedite your check-in process, please print and complete any applicable forms from our patient portal, MyHealthConnection (no login required).
To refer a patient to our practice, please visit the Office Location page of your choice to conveniently submit your referral online or call us at the number listed.
Team
For over 20 years, the surgeons at The Oregon Clinic have treated varicose veins, venous stasis ulcers, and DVT. All of our surgeons are board certified by the American College of Surgeons and American College of Phlebology, and currently have an active practice in the Portland area. Our team of surgeons specializes in correcting and diminishing varicose and spider veins.
Utilizing the best in minimally invasive practices, we perform corrective procedures in a comfortable office environment. Make an appointment today to learn about our treatment options and solutions to improve both your looks and health.
Meet Our Providers:
Conditions & Procedures
Venous disease is a complex medical condition.
Nearly 50% of the adult population suffers from undesirable, sometimes painful vein diseases. Many times, a patient will initially ask to have the spider vein treated, often believing that it can happen with a single treatment.
At The Oregon Clinic, we believe in treating the entire condition, not just the symptom. Our surgeons will examine your legs and feet and will provide a comprehensive exam prior to making suggestions for treatment. In some cases, spider veins may be related to an underlying medical problem known as venous insufficiency or reflux, with symptoms ranging from itching or a dull ache to a throbbing pain and bleeding. An ultrasound may be necessary to determine if you have underlying problems in your veins (reflux) that need to be treated in order for the vein condition to be completely resolved.
Conditions:
Procedures:
- Compression Stocking
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Screening
- Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (EVRFA)
- Sclerotherapy
- Minimally Invasive Endovenous Laser Treatment
- Ligation
- Phlebectomy
- Stripping
- Varicose Vein Screening
Procedure Instructions
FAQ
Does vein disease affect women and men equally?
Women account for approximately 85-90% of varicose vein cases that are treated each year, mainly because of the unique additional risk factors for females, including estrogen levels and pregnancy. Women are particularly afflicted with reticular veins. These light blue veins usually appear in a lattice framework, giving a marbled appearance to the skin. They are harmless looking veins, but may be symptomatic. Reticular veins can be associated with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) in women. When these veins are effectively treated, the discomfort may diminish.
In men, the pathophysiology is similar, but instead of reticular veins, the culprits are multiple, small-branching varices and “high pressured small vein disease” (hpsvd). The varices, unfortunately, are often mistaken for “cosmetic” telangiectasia (spider veins). The difference is important because the treatment is different. The association between RLS and vein disease has been overlooked, most likely because of the innocent appearance of the reticular veins.
What should I look for in a physician?
Varicose vein disease can be very complex and each patient is unique. Therefore, it’s important to find a physician experienced in treating the entire spectrum of vein disease from spider veins, to large ropey varicose veins to leg ulcers. At Pacific Northwest Vein Center, our physicians are board certified general surgeons. They are experienced in treating all aspect of venous disease. They are dedicated to providing individualized treatment plans for each patient that meet your individual needs. They will thoroughly evaluate your health and medical condition, discuss the details of your situation so you feel comfortable and present you with a course of action that works best for you. We recognize that each person and their treatment needs are different.
What is the difference between endovenous lasers and surface lasers?
An endovenous laser is used to treat large veins beneath the surface of the skin. Surface lasers treat the lighter, more delicate spider veins that appear close to the skin's surface.
How will my blood circulate if I eliminate my varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a burden on your circulation. Because the blood inside them is refluxing (going backwards), correcting the flow can only improve your circulation. In treating varicose veins, we eliminate only the bad veins and safeguard the healthy veins for normal circulation. Ultrasound helps to ensure that treatment is highly selective.
Just how serious a problem is recurrence – will they come back?
If you have a chronic vein problem, your chances of recurrence are affected by several factors, the most important of which is the thoroughness of your treatment. Unfortunately, many patients quit treatment too early – usually, once they believe their legs look “good enough.” In fact, remnants of the veins left in the leg can quickly grow into more veins.
Is it okay to postpone treatment?
As you probably know, postponing any type of treatment can have its drawbacks. Varicose vein disease is a progressive disease that, if left untreated, will only get worse. When making a decision about your varicose veins, keep in mind that the sooner you get your veins treated, the easier they are to treat and control.
Will I need to be hospitalized or take time off from work?
Your entire course of treatment will be at our center which will save you time and money, avoiding a hospital stay. Usually, you can resume most activities shortly after each session. Prior to your treatment, you will receive detailed post operative instructions.
How are the doctors at The Oregon Clinic trained?
All our physicians are board certified general surgeons who have extensive experience in all areas of venous disease.
What happens during a physician consultation?
When you come to us, you will complete a patient medical history form that will help the surgeons understand your medical history and current concerns. It is possible that they will require some diagnostic studies, such as an ultra sound to help diagnose the extent of your venous disease. Once your doctor understands your medical needs, they will discuss and develop a plan of care specific to you. You will meet with our support staff that will assist you with insurance questions, financing and scheduling of your treatment.
Will I have to undergo any testing before treatment?
Our surgeons may recommend a diagnostic test called Duplex Ultrasound. This state-of-the-art technology provides painless and non-invasive testing, and is performed in the physician's office. Again, this will help us diagnosis and treatment your medical condition.
Will my insurance pay for this?
In many cases, depending on your coverage and benefits, your insurance company will pay for the procedure. Many insurance companies first require 3-6 months of conservative therapy (use of compression stockings, weight loss, exercise and anti-inflammatory treatment). If the conservative method does not work for you, then your insurance company may pay for surgical therapy.You should also make sure to have a referral from your family doctor for your initial consultation, as it will allow us to bill your insurance for this visit.
How long does the procedure take?
That will depend on your individual treatment plan, but a general guideline is about an hour.
What if I just want treatment for some small spider veins?
We have special packages available for spider treatment only. Since you are still having a medical procedure, we do require a consultation prior to start of treatment. We do not bill insurance companies for this type of treatment since it is considered cosmetic in nature. On average, you will need about 3 sessions.
If I am pregnant will you treat my veins?
No. Most pregnancy related varicose veins will resolve on their own within 6- 8 weeks after you deliver. We would suggest waiting until you are at least two months post-partum. If you still have varicose veins, make an appointment to see one of our surgeons.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors of Venous Disease
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The most common form of venous disease are spider and varicose veins.
Spider Veins are small blue or red vessels visible within the skin, usually on the leg, face, neck and chest. Spider veins are caused when small blood vessels just below the surface of the skin become damaged. They can form webs of blue, purple, or red veins. These 'spider veins' rarely cause serious symptoms on their own, but can be an indication of a more serious underlying issue. Treatment for spider veins can range from laser treatments and Sclerotherapy. The number of sessions will vary depending on the degree and complexity.
Varicose Veins are dilated and ropey appearing blue vessels visible under the skin, often 1/4 inch or larger in diameter. Varicose veins are caused when a damaged vein causes blood to flow in the wrong direction. When the vein does not function properly, blood pools, pressure builds up, and the veins become weakened, enlarged, and twisted. This is called venous insufficiency. The most common site of varicose veins is in the leg.
- Some people may be more likely than others to develop varicose veins because of inherited characteristics (genetics) and the aging process. Varicose veins may also result from conditions that increase pressure on the leg veins, such as being overweight or pregnant, or having an occupation that requires standing for long periods of time.
- People with varicose veins often may or may not have symptoms. If you have varicose veins, your legs may feel heavy, tired, achy, and painful. Symptoms may worsen after standing or sitting for long periods of time. Varicose veins can also cause skin color changes (stasis pigmentation), dry, thinned skin, skin inflammation, open sores (ulcerations), or bleeding after a minor injury.
- Superficial thrombophlebitis is when a blood clot and inflammation develop in a small vein near the surface of the skin and can develop in varicose veins.
- In some cases, varicose veins can signal a blockage in the deeper veins. This condition, called deep vein thrombosis, requires evaluation and possibly treatment.