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Welcome to South Austin Vein Center. Led by Dr. Michael Di Iorio, one of the first American physicians certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, our practice offers advanced, minimally invasive care for vein disease with minimal downtime. Recognized as a Top Doctor for Austin by Castle Connolly, we proudly serve as Austin’s experts in varicose and spider vein care.

Vein Disease Treatment Austin TX

What is Vein Disease?

If you suffer from problems related to varicose and spider veins, you are not alone! Venous insufficiency also known as venous reflux diease, is the most common cause of varicose veins and affects nearly 30 million adults in the United States.

Vein Anatomy

Vein Disease Austin TX

Although veins and arteries are both part of the cardiovascular system, they have very different functions. For the most part, arteries transport oxygen rich blood away from the heart and veins return oxygen depleted blood back to the heart. In a person’s leg there are two sets of veins, the deep veins that are under the muscle sheath and the superficial veins that are outside of the muscle compartment closer to the skin. There are also veins called perforators that act like bridges connecting the two sets of veins.

What is Venous Insufficiency (Venous Reflux Disease)?

Blood flow in the veins of the leg has to work against the pull of gravty and when standing depends on leg muscle contraction to push the blood. One-way valves in the veins act to direct blood in the right direction, towards the heart, and prevent it from flowing backwards. Venous insufficiency occurs when the valves in veins begin to leak and allow blood to flow backwards (reflux) and pool. This increases the pressure inside the veins and the veins begin to stretch and become enlarged. Enlarged veins are known as varicose veins. This increased pressure can also be transmitted to other connecting veins causing them to reflux and become varicose veins.

Vein Disease Treatment Bee Cave TX

Symptoms of Venous Insufficiency:

  • Bulging varicose veins or spider veins
  • Leg pain/ aching, particularly at day’s end
  • Heaviness and fatigue
  • Throbbing
  • Cramping
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Swelling
  • Restless leg

If left untreated symptoms can worsen and additional health problems can result:

  • Bleeding from enlarged veins
  • Skin discoloration
  • Blood clots and inflammation (thrombophletibitis)
  • Sores or skin ulcers

Many factors contribute to the presence of venous insufficiency, including:

  • Family history is the biggest risk factor
  • Though both women and men can be affected, it is more common in women
  • Risk increases with age
  • Excess weight
  • Repeated heavy lifting
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Professions that require a lot of standing
  • Prior deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis begins with a thorough examination of your legs followed by a venous ultrasound. Ultrasound allows us to diagnose and target the source of vein problems, giving a clear picture of how the veins look and are functioning. A quality ultrasound performed by a trained professional and interpreted by a qualified physician is vital to determine if vein disease is present or not. Among his many certifications, Dr. Di Iorio’s training and board certification in diagnostic radiology, along with his multiple advanced ultrasound certifications, ensures that you will receive the most complete examination and accurate diagnosis.

Vein Disease Treatments

Side by side drawings of normal and varicose veins

At South Austin Vein Center, we offer several effective vein treatments for varicose and spider veins.

  • Sclerotherapy involves injecting a special solution directly into veins. This sclerosant irritates the vein walls, causing them to collapse and eventually fade. Sclerotherapy is effective for small to medium-sized leg veins and remains the gold standard for treating spider veins.
  • Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is typically reserved for deeper varicose veins rather than spider veins. This technique uses ultrasound imaging to guide injections, ensuring precise treatment of problematic veins that aren’t visible on the skin’s surface.
  • VeinGogh™ uses microburst thermocoagulation, delivering controlled bursts of heat through a fine needle to close off small, superficial veins. It’s especially effective for fine spider veins on the face and legs that may not respond well to sclerotherapy.
  • Varithena® is a microfoam treatment injected into the vein. It gently displaces blood and causes the vein walls to collapse, sealing the vein shut. This treatment works well for larger varicose veins and tortuous (abnormally twisted or knotted) veins.
  • Endovenous Ablation uses laser or radiofrequency energy delivered through a thin catheter inserted into the vein. The heat generated causes the vein to close and reroutes blood flow to healthier veins. It’s a minimally invasive option for larger varicose veins.
  • VenaSeal™ is a medical adhesive that seals off the diseased vein. A small amount of adhesive is delivered through a catheter to close the vein, with minimal discomfort. Most patients don’t even need compression hosiery afterward.
  • Ambulatory Microphlebectomy is a minor surgical procedure used to remove larger bulging varicose veins through tiny punctures in the skin. Dr. Di Iorio performs the procedure while you’re under local anesthesia. It leaves minimal scarring and offers immediate relief.

Preparing For Vein Treatment

Before treatment, Dr. Di Iorio reviews your current medications with you. You may need to temporarily discontinue certain medications that affect blood clotting.

UV light increases skin sensitivity, which means treatment-related inflammation could cause skin discoloration. We recommend limiting sun exposure for a week or longer before and after treatment to avoid this.

After Treatment: Recovery Tips

Woman with vein disease has bumpy varicose veins on the backs of her legs

Recovery is generally quick, with most patients resuming normal activities that same day. Many patients need to wear compression stockings after treatment. Dr. Di Iorio and our team also provide other detailed recommendations, which usually include avoiding strenuous activity, hot baths, or direct sun exposure for a few days. Mild bruising or redness may occur but fades quickly.

How Many Vein Treatment Sessions Are Needed?

Most patients need one to three sessions, based on the number, type, and size of veins treated.

Why Choose Us For Vein Disease Treatment?

At South Austin Vein Center, we combine advanced technology with personal, compassionate care. Medical director Dr. Michael Di Iorio is a board-certified vascular surgeon with specialized expertise in minimally invasive vein treatments that minimize discomfort and downtime. Dr. Di Iorio is also board-certified in diagnostic radiology, giving him truly comprehensive knowledge and skills in the world of vein disease care.

Our state-of-the-art vein treatment center provides a safe, comfortable setting where each patient receives attentive care tailored to their needs. Unlike larger, generic facilities, we take the time to explain your condition, review treatment options, and support your long-term vein health.

Our team is dedicated to making vein care comfortable and accessible, so we offer evening and weekend appointments to fit your schedule.

Vein Disease Solutions in Austin, TX

Call 512-614-1025 to book your appointment with our vein experts.

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Selected as a Top Doctor for Austin and Castle Connolly

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