pic

Varicose Veins Specialist

misc image

Varicose Veins services offered in Macon and Warner Robins, GA


Varicose veins are common, affecting more than 40 million people in the United States. Though not usually harmful to your health, varicose veins can cause discomfort and affect your appearance. Nnaemeka Umerah, MD, and the team at the Women's Health Institute have helped over 10,000 legs look and feel better. To find out how the team can help treat your varicose veins, call the office in Macon or Warner Robins, Georgia, or schedule an appointment online today.

Varicose Veins Q&A

What are varicose veins? 

Varicose veins are the enlarged blue or purple veins mostly on the legs and feet. Your veins are lined with valves that open and close, helping push blood back to your heart and lungs. The veins in your feet and legs have to fight against gravity, increasing pressure on the valves. 

Over time, the valves may weaken, allowing the blood to flow backward and pool, stretching the walls of the blood vessel and creating the bulging vein.

What types of problems do varicose veins cause?

Though often viewed as more of a cosmetic concern, varicose veins can cause pain and discomfort. Your enlarged veins may also be a symptom of an underlying circulation problem — chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). 

With CVI, you have poor circulation throughout the legs, and the blood pools under the skin at the ankles, causing swelling and discoloration. The poor circulation and swelling may lead to leg ulcers. 

When should I seek help for my varicose veins?

Because varicose veins are sometimes a symptom of an underlying circulation problem, it’s important to evaluate them. Even if your varicose veins don’t cause discomfort, you should seek medical care when they appear so you can potentially prevent more serious problems. 

The team at Women's Health Institute can examine your legs, veins, and circulation. If you have small varicose veins that cause no problems, they recommend making lifestyle changes to prevent them from worsening, such as taking breaks when standing or sitting for a long period, and getting regular exercise. They may also recommend compression stockings.

Lifestyle changes may not improve the varicose veins you have right now, but it may prevent them from getting worse.

What treatments can eliminate varicose veins?

The team at Women's Health Institute offers many treatments to eliminate varicose veins, relieving pain and improving appearance. Varicose vein treatments include:

Leg vein ablation

Leg vein ablation uses laser or radiofrequency energy to heat the vein, causing it to collapse.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an injection that irritates the walls of the vein, making them stick together. Over time, it develops into scar tissue, which your body will reabsorb and fade the varicose veins.

Phlebectomy

Phlebectomy is the surgical removal of the vein. The team at Women's Health Institute uses advanced tools when surgically removing veins to improve outcomes.

Vein ligation

Vein ligation is a surgical procedure that ties off the vein, stopping the flow of blood. 

To discuss treatment options for varicose veins, call the Women's Health Institute or schedule an appointment online today.