Treatment for veins depends on training and experience

Question: Should my primary physician or dermatologist treat my veins?

Answer: In the last several years, the practice of vein treatment has become a special area of expertise. Many types of physicians treat spider veins and even larger varicose veins as an additional service to their existing practices. This often leads to incomplete or even disastrous results.

Medical science has evolved into many special areas that require additional training and advanced credentialing. Phlebology has recently been recognized as a board-certified specialty. No longer should physicians dabble in this field as a hobby or look to sclerotherapy simply as a source of additional income. It takes full dedication and years of experience to reach the level of board-certified phlebologist.

Patients should become familiar with the experience, training, and dedication of the physician before treatment. In every case, a thorough physical examination of the extremities should be done. This includes taking a patient history, family history, inspection, palpation, and ultrasound evaluation.

The physician should discuss the importance of such symptoms as aching, swelling, itching, leg cramps, restless legs, and ulceration. Additionally, in many patients, the arterial system must be evaluated to be certain that the condition is not related to the arterial side of the circulation. Once this evaluation is complete, the treatment plan should be explained in detail so that reasonable expectations will be established.