Are Varicose Veins More Than Just a Cosmetic Concern?

Varicose veins, those twisted, bulging lines that often appear on the legs, are commonly associated with cosmetic concerns. However, for many individuals, they represent more than just a superficial issue.

Understanding Varicose Veins: Causes and Symptoms

Varicose veins are a common vascular issue that affects millions of people worldwide. While often viewed as a cosmetic concern due to their unsightly discolored and rope-like appearance bulging from the surface of the skin, they can also pose serious risks to your vascular health.

These enlarged, twisted veins typically appear on the legs and feet. These veins may be blue or dark purple and are often visible just beneath the skin’s surface. Varicose veins occur when the valves within the veins weaken and no longer function correctly, meaning that they are not doing their job to bring blood back up to the heart. Healthy veins have valves that prevent blood from flowing backward, but when these valves malfunction, blood can pool in the veins, causing them to bulge and become varicose.

Several factors contribute to the development of varicose veins, including family history of vein disease, age, and gender — women are more likely to develop them than men. Pregnancy and obesity are also risk factors, due to excess pressure and weight putting a strain on the veins.

Varicose veins can lead to serious health concerns if left untreated over time. So don’t write them off as simply a cosmetic concern because of how they look. Pay attention to how you feel, especially whether you are experiencing any symptoms in the area of skin surrounding the damaged veins. Some of these symptoms include leg pain, aching, and discomfort in the legs and/or feet. In more severe cases, complications such as blood clots, ulcers, and skin discoloration can also occur.

Understanding the potential health risks is crucial in determining the appropriate course of action for treatment. Thankfully, several effective treatments are available for varicose veins.

Effective Treatment Options for Varicose Veins

One of the most effective treatments for varicose veins is Endovenous Laser Ablation, which has a success rate of 98-100%. This procedure involves inserting a very thin laser fiber through the affected vein through a tiny incision that typically doesn’t leave a scar or need sutures. Small pulses of laser energy are delivered as the fiber is pulled through the vein, gently heating it and causing it to collapse and seal shut. There is no downtime afterward, making it an ideal and preferred treatment route for patients and doctors.

Another option is Sclerotherapy. This involves injecting a solution into the veins, causing them to collapse and seal shut, allowing blood to reroute to other healthier veins. This is one of the least invasive, most comfortable, and safe treatments for vein removal. Sclerotherapy Miami is also used to treat spider veins, which are damaged blood vessels right under the surface of the skin that can look purple, blue, or red.

One of the things we always recommend to all of our vein patients is compression stockings, especially after going through treatment. These can improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms, decreasing the likelihood of the varicose veins returning or new varicose veins developing.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent and Manage Varicose Veins

In addition, you can help increase your chances of preventing varicose veins or reducing their recurrence by making a few simple lifestyle changes:

1. Engaging in regular exercise promotes healthy blood circulation.
2. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on the veins.
3. Keeping your legs elevated whenever possible helps blood flow back to the heart.
4. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing. If you have to sit or stand for long periods, take breaks to move and stretch.

While varicose veins may initially be viewed as a cosmetic concern, they can impact your vascular health. If you are concerned about your varicose veins or are experiencing varicose veins symptoms, it is important to see a vein doctor right away so your condition can be properly evaluated and a vein treatment plan can be put into place.

Consultation and Treatment with Fox Vein & Laser Experts

Schedule a consultation with Fox Vein & Laser Experts to explore personalized vein treatment options and take the first step towards healthier veins and pain-free legs. Your vascular health is a key component of your overall well-being, so don’t ignore your varicose veins and let them go untreated. Call our office at 954-627-1045 or use our easy online scheduling tool to book a consultation today.

Relief from Hemorrhoid Pain: What to Know About Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)

March 26, 2025

Hemorrhoids are one of those conditions no one really wants to talk about—but if you’ve experienced them, you know how disruptive and painful they can be. From itching and discomfort to bleeding and swelling, hemorrhoids can seriously impact your quality of life.

If traditional treatments like creams, sitz baths, or even surgery haven’t brought you lasting relief, there’s a newer, minimally invasive option worth knowing about: Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE).

What Is Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization?

Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization is a cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment performed by an interventional radiologist. The goal? To reduce blood flow to the hemorrhoidal tissue, which in turn shrinks the hemorrhoids and eases symptoms.

How is HAE Performed?

Using a tiny catheter inserted through a small incision (usually in the wrist or groin), the specialist navigates to the arteries supplying blood to the hemorrhoids. Once located, they inject microscopic particles that block the blood flow. The hemorrhoids begin to shrink, symptoms fade, and healing begins—without the need for stitches or a hospital stay.

Who Is a Candidate for HAE?

HAE is ideal for patients who:

Have persistent or recurring hemorrhoids
Have failed conservative treatments (like diet changes, topical treatments, or rubber band ligation)
Want to avoid traditional surgery and its longer recovery time
Are seeking a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure

Benefits of the HAE Procedure

✔️ Minimally invasive – no cutting or removal of tissue
✔️ Little to no downtime – many return to daily activities within a few days
✔️ Performed under local anesthesia
✔️ Less pain post-procedure compared to surgical options
✔️ Lower risk of complications like incontinence or anal stricture

What to Expect After the Procedure

Most patients experience noticeable relief within days to weeks. Some mild discomfort or cramping is normal initially, but it’s typically far less intense than surgical recovery. Follow-up imaging or visits may be scheduled to track progress, and many patients find they no longer need further treatment.

Is HAE Safe?

Yes. Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization has been proven to be safe and effective, especially when performed by a skilled interventional radiologist. Like any medical procedure, there are potential risks, but they are minimal and rare when done by a trained, experienced professional.

Why Choose Fox Vein & Laser Experts for Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization (HAE)?

Fox Vein & Laser Experts in Fort Lauderdale, FL, a division of Vivid Vascular, offers expert care from Dr. Gropper and his specialized team. They have extensive experience performing advanced procedures like hemorrhoid artery embolization with precision and compassion. Talking about hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable—but we’re here to make your treatment effective, and as stress-free as possible.

Ready to learn more?
Book a consultation today and find out if Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization is right for you.

Fox Vein & Laser Experts | A Division of Vivid Vascular

Call us at 305-957-7277
Visit us at www.foxveinexperts.com

Treatments

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): What You Need to Know

February 27, 2025

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects millions of people worldwide. As a division of Vivid Vascular, Fox Vein & Laser Experts provides advanced vascular care and education on conditions like PAD to help our patients take control of their vascular health.

What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

PAD is a circulatory condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most commonly affecting the legs. This reduced circulation can lead to pain, difficulty walking, and even serious complications if left untreated.

Signs & Symptoms of PAD

Many individuals with PAD don’t experience symptoms until the disease has progressed. However, common signs include: Leg pain or cramping while walking, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs or feet, slow-healing wounds or ulcers on the legs and feet, coldness in the lower leg or foot, skin discoloration or hair loss on the legs, weak or absent pulses in the legs

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek evaluation from a vascular specialist.

What Causes PAD?

PAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits build up in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. Common risk factors include:

Smoking Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Family history of vascular disease

Why PAD Awareness is Important

Left untreated, PAD can lead to severe complications, including non-healing wounds, infections, and even limb amputation. Furthermore, PAD is a warning sign of serious cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks and strokes. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing these life-threatening complications.

How is PAD Diagnosed?

At Fox Vein & Laser Experts, a division of Vivid Vascular, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect PAD, including:

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): A simple test comparing blood pressure in the arms and legs.
Ultrasound Imaging: Helps assess blood flow and locate blockages.

Treatment Options for PAD

The good news is that PAD is treatable! Treatment plans are tailored to the severity of the disease and may include:

Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, regular exercise, and a heart-healthy diet can improve circulation.
Medications: Blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and medications to improve blood flow.
Minimally Invasive Procedures:
- Atherectomy: Removes plaque buildup from the arteries.
- Angioplasty & Stenting: Uses a small balloon to widen the artery and a stent to keep it open.

Why Choose Fox Vein & Laser Experts for PAD Treatment?

As part of Vivid Vascular, our team offers expert vascular care with cutting-edge technology in a comfortable, boutique-style setting. Our minimally invasive treatments provide effective relief with quicker recovery times and minimal downtime.

Schedule Your PAD Consultation Today! If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of PAD, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications and improve your quality of life. Contact Fox Vein & Laser Experts today to schedule a comprehensive vascular screening and take control of your vascular health!

Fox Vein & Laser Experts | A Division of Vivid Vascular Call us at 305-957-7277

Visit us at www.foxveinexperts.com

Veins

Top Benefits of Choosing VeinGogh Treatment in Miami, FL

June 29, 2024

If you’re living in Miami and in search of a safe and effective solution for unsightly and uncomfortable spider veins, VeinGogh treatment may be just the right treatment you’ve been looking for.

This innovative procedure offers a variety of benefits, providing a quick, safe, and reliable way to eliminate small spider veins on your face, legs, feet, or anywhere else on the body they may be present.

VeinGogh vein treatment is a cutting-edge method used specifically to treat spider veins and small varicose veins. The procedure uses Ohmic Thermolysis technology, which delivers microbursts of high-frequency energy directly to the vein, causing the vessel walls to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body.

This revolutionary technology is able to target spider veins with such precision that it avoids damaging the surrounding tissue or leaving scars on the skin. This makes it a much more preferred choice compared to other traditional vein treatment methods.

VeinGogh is minimally invasive and typically performed in a medical office. First, you’ll come into the office for a consultation with a vein specialist who will evaluate your medical history, as well as the current state of your veins to determine if VeinGogh is the right option for you.

Remember, not all veins are treatable with VeinGogh. A patient who is suffering from larger varicose veins or feeder veins may not be a candidate for the procedure. This will all be discussed during the initial consultation.

On the day of the treatment, the targeted area will be cleaned, and a topical anesthetic may be applied to ensure your comfort. The procedure involves a frequency regulator called Microburst Technology, which is delivered to the affected veins. These bursts are incredibly short — only a fraction of a second. The veins will shrink and eventually disappear, and blood is then rerouted to healthy veins.

Because of how quick and precise the bursts of energy are, it is a more comfortable experience, safe for all skin types, and there is largely decreased risk for visible scars. The process only takes around 30 minutes, depending on the size and number of veins being treated.

After the treatment, you may experience minor redness or swelling in the treated area, but these side effects are usually temporary. There is no downtime, and you can return to your normal activities immediately.

VeinGogh Treatment is an excellent option for many individuals, but it’s particularly beneficial for those who have small, superficial veins; are looking for a minimally invasive solution; have tried other spider vein treatments without seeing any success, and are in generally good health. Patients who have certain significant underlying conditions could experience complications during the procedure.

Choosing this particular option for spider vein treatment has numerous advantages. Some of the benefits of VeinGogh include:

1. Precision and Control: VeinGogh allows for precise targeting of veins, ensuring effective treatment with minimal impact on surrounding tissues.

2. Quick and Convenient: The procedure is very quick, typically taking only around a half hour to an hour, depending on the size of the area. It requires no downtime, allowing you to resume your daily activities immediately.

3. Minimal Discomfort: The treatment is virtually painless, with most patients experiencing only minor discomfort during the procedure. It’s a much more comfortable procedure when compared to other traditional methods.

4. Effective Results: VeinGogh effectively eliminates spider veins and small varicose veins, providing visible results after just one session. It also provides flexibility to treat other types of skin imperfections such as rosacea cherry angiomas.

5. Safe for All Skin Types: Unlike some laser treatments, VeinGogh is safe for all skin types and tones, making it a versatile option for a diverse range of patients.

6. No Scarring: The precision of the VeinGogh system ensures that there is no scarring or significant skin damage, preserving the aesthetics of the treated area.

7. Long-Lasting Effects: Results from VeinGogh are long-lasting, especially when supplemented with a healthy lifestyle and proper vein care post-treatment. After treatment, patients continue to see improvement over time as the veins are absorbed and removed by the body.

VeinGogh is safe and effective when done on its own, but it can also be used in conjunction with Sclerotherapy for even better results. Sclerotherapy is another treatment used for spider vein removal that uses injections with medication in liquid or foam form. Just as with VeinGogh, it’s a very quick procedure that provides optimal results.

South Florida is home to top-notch medical facilities and specialists, so if you are looking for VeinGogh treatment in Miami, you have come to the right place. The expert team at Fox Vein & Laser Experts have several years of experience providing patients with successful VeinGogh procedures, as well as numerous other vein treatments.

If you are struggling with small spider veins and seeking a safe, effective solution, consider all of the benefits of VeinGogh treatment. With its precision and effectiveness, minimal discomfort, and long-lasting results, VeinGogh offers an ideal option for treating spider veins and small varicose veins. Contact our office at 954-627-1045 for a consultation or book an appointment online.