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You may be huddled up with a hot drink by the fire when you read this, but summer is coming. Your favorite warm-weather activities are weeks away and those sweaters and leggings we’re hiding extra holiday pounds and all sorts of things under will be coming off soon.

Unsightly spider or varicose veins don’t have to make winter your favorite time of year. You can shed those extra layers of clothing with confidence this year with quick and easy treatments by a premiere team of vascular surgeons at Atlanta Vascular Specialists, which includes Dr. John Dooley.

Dr. Dooley defines spider veins as small, hair-like veins usually found on the legs. In some cases, they may cause tingling, itching, or irritation but many patients seek treatment because they can be cosmetically unappealing.

Varicose veins are significantly larger which can be painful as well as unattractive. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, aching, heaviness and cramping in the legs. Bleeding in the varicose veins can occur in some individuals and can be a big problem, according to Dr. Dooley.

The cause of either of these conditions is difficult to confirm, but genetics play a role in many cases, Dr. Dooley says. Also, people who have jobs or activities in which they are standing for long periods of time also may be more prone to developing varicose veins.

Dr. Dooley and the team at Atlanta Vascular Specialists perform a procedure called sclerotherapy to get rid of spider veins. The treatments involves using a tiny needle to inject a sclerosant into the vein, which is essentially a chemical that causes it to close. Following the 20-minute procedure, the patient’s legs are wrapped in a little compression wrap which helps compress the veins for more thorough healing. Normal activities can usually be resumed quickly. Spider veins typically disappear over a six-week period.

“I often hear patients say ‘I can finally wear shorts again’ or ‘I can wear a dress again without feeling embarrassed,’” Dr. Dooley says. “Being able to go about your life normally without being self-conscious can be very important to people.”

Treatment for spider veins is considered cosmetic and is typically an out-of-pocket expense. Costs are around $250 per treatment. Since most people have multiple areas affected, a series of treatments may be needed. Atlanta Vascular Specialists offers discounts for multi-treatment packages.

Varicose veins can be treated in a couple of different ways, Dr. Dooley explains. One of those is radiofrequency ablation, in which a heating process and special IV work together to close off the vein. Some veins are treated best with a special foam material called Verithena. It accomplishes the same goal, which is to cause the vein to close.

Most insurance companies cover the cost of treatment for varicose veins. A formal medical visit including an ultrasound and review of a patient’s medical history is the beginning of this process. Atlanta Vascular Specialists works with your insurance company to determine eligibility. The approval process can take a month or so but the procedures themselves are also quick in-office procedures followed by short downtimes.

“Typically, we tell you to take it easy for a few days, but you can return to work the next day without any issue,” Dr. Dooley says. “Just no heavy lifting for several weeks after.

Often after years of dealing with leg pain and cramping, patients with varicose veins often find a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Dr. Dooley notes that many other doctors, from plastic surgeons to general surgeons, to ER doctors, cardiologists, and dermatologists, are offering vein procedures without appropriate credentials or training. Veins are very important to your overall health and should be trusted only to professionals who are certified in this specialty.

The American Board of Medical Specialities certifies almost every specialty. You can look up a doctor’s certifications by visiting abms.org/verify-certification/.

Dr. Dooley practices alongside Dr. James M. Combs and Dr. Eric Wellons, who are both also board-certified vascular surgeons, The trio has offices in Fayetteville, Sharpsburg, and Newnan for your convenience.

Winter months are the ideal season to address spider and varicose veins. Be ready for beachseason. Schedule a vein screening with Atlanta Vascular Specialists today. Call 404-524-0095 or visit vascularspecialistofga.com.