Medically reviewed by Zoe Deol, MD, FACS, on January 16, 2025
Varicose veins are often misunderstood, dismissed as purely cosmetic, or mistaken for a condition with little medical significance. To clarify these misconceptions, we spoke with vein care expert Zoe Deol, MD, FACS. She is the lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein clinics in Southfield, Michigan, and Southgate, Michigan.
Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is the nation’s leader in vein care, offering expert diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins. With a commitment to improving patients’ quality of life, CVR combines cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures with compassionate, patient-centered care. Directed by a team of highly skilled vein specialists like Dr. Deol, CVR provides personalized treatment plans to address venous insufficiency and other vein-related conditions.
In this blog, Dr. Deol shares her insights into varicose veins: what they are, what they are not, and why addressing them promptly is essential to overall health and quality of life.
“Varicose veins are large, bulging veins that arise from a malfunctioning superficial or minor vein beneath the skin,” explains Dr. Deol. “They occur due to faulty one-way valves in the veins under the skin, preventing blood from flowing back to the heart efficiently. As a result, blood pools in the veins, causing them to stretch and become visible on the surface of the skin.”
This condition often runs in families, so if your parents or grandparents had varicose veins, there’s a good chance you may develop them, too. While genetics is the underlying cause, she adds that other factors like prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, weight gain, and leg injuries can trigger varicose veins to appear earlier in life.
Varicose veins are considered a medical condition because they can cause permanent skin damage, swelling, sores, ulcers, and even blood clots. These complications don’t appear immediately but develop slowly over years, before the damage becomes visible to the naked eye. It is critical to seek treatment early when varicose veins are first noticed.
“One of the most common misconceptions I hear is that varicose veins are simply a cosmetic concern. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Unlike spider veins, which are smaller surface veins that don’t cause medical issues, varicose veins can lead to serious and permanent health problems if left untreated.” – Dr. Zoe Deol
Dr. Deol describes several symptoms that may or may not accompany varicose veins. These symptoms are “non-specific,” meaning they can also arise from other heath conditions:
“Many patients notice relief from their varicose vein symptoms when they elevate their legs or wear compression stockings. However, these are temporary solutions. The underlying problem persists and often worsens with time.” – Dr. Zoe Deol
Delaying treatment of varicose veins can have significant consequences. Dr. Deol recounts a cautionary tale about a patient who initially declined treatment:
“A patient came in with large, unsightly veins but no pain. I explained the risks, including the potential for blood clots, but she chose to manage her condition with compression stockings for the time being. A few months later, she returned with painful, hardened veins that had clotted. We treated her successfully, but her story highlights why addressing varicose vein issues is important before complications arise.” – Dr. Zoe Deol
Varicose veins don’t just affect your circulation; they can also compromise your lymphatic system, which helps manage fluid in your body. “Think of your lymphatics as a dehumidifier for your legs,” Dr. Deol explains. “When your veins aren’t working properly, your lymphatic system has to work overtime to manage the extra fluid. Over time, this leads to scarring, darkened skin, and other permanent changes.”
The skin changes associated with varicose veins often appear years after the initial vein damage, making it crucial to diagnose and treat the condition early.
Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) proudly accepts most major insurance plans for medically necessary vein treatments, ensuring accessible patient care. Our dedicated insurance specialists work closely with you to navigate coverage and obtain pre-approvals for procedures that address varicose veins, spider veins, and other vein-related conditions. At CVR, we’re committed to making high-quality vein care both affordable and stress-free.
Do you want to know if your insurance is accepted for vein treatment? CONTACT US HERE or call 240-965-3915 to speak to a helpful Patient Services Representative.
Fortunately, advancements in vein care have made treatment more effective and less invasive than ever before. Dr. Deol emphasizes that varicose vein procedures are nothing like the invasive surgeries of the past.
“These treatments are done in-office, often in under an hour, with minimal discomfort,” she says. “Patients can resume their normal activities the same day.”
Minimally invasive treatments include:
“These procedures target the root cause of varicose veins, relieving symptoms and improving appearance,” says Dr. Deol.
Book a consultation with the nation’s leading experts in vein care at Center for Vein Restoration:
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Deol in Southfield, Michigan: CLICK HERE.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Deol in Southgate, Michigan: CLICK HERE.
To schedule your appointment at one of CVR’s 110+ vein clinics nationwide, call 240-965-3915 to speak to a patient services representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
While treatments are highly effective, varicose veins are a chronic condition. New veins may develop over time, especially if you have a genetic predisposition. Dr. Deol compares it to managing gray hair:
“Once we treat a vein, it’s gone for good. But just like gray hair keeps coming in, new veins can develop. That’s why it’s important to have regular checkups with a vein specialist to monitor your condition and catch new issues early.” – Dr. Zoe Deol
Many patients are surprised to learn how simple and convenient varicose vein treatment can be:
“I always tell my patients to think of it like going to the dentist for a cleaning. You don’t need to fast, bring a driver, or take time off work. The procedure is quick, and you’re awake the entire time. Most patients find it far easier than they imagined.” – Dr. Zoe Deol
Center for Vein Restoration has earned its reputation as the trusted leader in vein health by specializing in diagnosing and treating vein conditions with expertise and compassion.
With a team of board-certified vein specialists, CVR combines decades of experience with state-of-the-art technology to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care. Our skilled physicians, like Dr. Zoe Deol, use the latest techniques to provide personalized care in a convenient and supportive environment.
Known for its commitment to improving quality of life, CVR offers personalized treatment plans and minimally invasive procedures that are both effective and convenient. Don’t let varicose veins impact your health or quality of life. Schedule your consultation today and discover how minimally invasive treatments can help you feel and look your best.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule HERE.