Varicose vein treatments
Saphena offers minimally invasive vein treatment options for varicose veins and venous insufficiency (a condition in which leg vein valves do not close well, so blood flows backward and pools), including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), VenaSeal, Varithena, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and sclerotherapy. Every treatment conversation starts with symptoms, exam findings, and duplex ultrasound (a painless ultrasound scan that shows the leg veins and which way blood flows in them) when appropriate.
Call (321) 972-2599
Before treatment
When it may be considered: When symptoms, visible vein changes, or exam findings suggest circulation should be reviewed before treatment options are discussed.
What to generally expect: Ultrasound gel and a handheld probe are used to evaluate veins. The findings help Dr. Catherine Youssef, MD, decide whether monitoring, conservative steps, or treatment options should be discussed.
There are no needles or radiation.
Treatment options
Saphena offers minimally invasive vein treatment options in Altamonte Springs, but treatment is not chosen from a menu. Dr. Catherine Youssef, MD, first reviews symptoms, exam findings, and duplex ultrasound results to understand whether a vein treatment should be discussed at all.
Option
How it works
Often considered for
Numbing
Radiofrequency ablation
VenaSeal
Endovenous laser ablation
Varithena
Sclerotherapy
Overview only; the option that fits depends on your evaluation.
Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat energy through a thin catheter and is designed to close certain veins that are not working well.
When it may be considered: After symptoms, exam findings, and duplex ultrasound suggest reflux (blood flowing backward in a leg vein because its valves do not close well) in a vein pattern where this option fits.
What to generally expect: The visit is planned in an office setting with ultrasound guidance and numbing medicine placed around the vein. Dr. Youssef reviews the reason for the recommendation, alternatives, and visit instructions before anything is scheduled.
Possible side effects: bruising, tenderness or tightness along the treated vein, and skin numbness or discoloration. Less often: nerve irritation, a skin burn, or a blood clot in a deeper vein.
VenaSeal is a medical adhesive designed to close selected refluxing superficial veins.
When it may be considered: After evaluation shows a vein pattern where adhesive closure is clinically appropriate for that patient.
What to generally expect: The treatment is performed through a small access point with ultrasound guidance. Saphena explains preparation, risks, and follow-up expectations based on your plan.
Possible side effects: tenderness or a firm cord along the treated vein, inflammation of the vein (phlebitis), and, rarely, a reaction to the adhesive. Less often: a blood clot in a deeper vein.
Related: VenaSeal vs. Varithena
Endovenous laser ablation, or EVLA, uses laser energy inside a vein and is designed to close certain refluxing veins.
When it may be considered: After symptoms and ultrasound findings show a vein that may be suited to a heat-based closure approach.
What to generally expect: The procedure is planned with ultrasound guidance and numbing medicine placed around the vein. The team explains why this option may or may not fit before treatment is chosen.
Possible side effects: the same as radiofrequency ablation.
Varithena is a prescription microfoam medicine that can be placed into selected varicose veins.
When it may be considered: After ultrasound and exam findings suggest a vein pattern where microfoam therapy may be appropriate.
What to generally expect: The medicine is delivered in a controlled clinical visit, with ultrasound guidance. Dr. Youssef reviews the reason for considering it and any individualized precautions.
Possible side effects: leg pain or discomfort, bruising, and skin discoloration. Less often: a blood clot in the leg.
Related: VenaSeal vs. Varithena
Sclerotherapy uses an injected solution or foam to treat selected spider veins, small varicose veins, or other veins identified during evaluation.
When it may be considered: After Dr. Youssef reviews whether visible veins are surface-focused, related to deeper reflux, or better addressed after another vein issue is treated.
What to generally expect: The visit involves careful vein targeting and a discussion of whether ultrasound guidance is needed. Saphena explains expectations, alternatives, and follow-up before scheduling.
Possible side effects: bruising, temporary skin darkening along the vein, and small new red vessels near the treated area (matting). Rarely: a skin sore, an allergic reaction, or a blood clot.
Related: Sclerotherapy near Orlando · Spider veins vs. varicose veins
After treatment: Dr. Youssef explains walking, activity, compression stocking and follow-up ultrasound instructions for your treatment.
How decisions are made
Vein treatment recommendations depend on symptoms, a focused exam, medical history, and ultrasound findings. If the findings support a treatment conversation, Saphena explains the options in plain language and helps patients understand next steps. If you are ready to start, request an evaluation.
Alternatives can include compression stockings, regular walking, leg elevation, or monitoring without treatment; Dr. Youssef explains what each would mean for you.
The conversation starts with what you are feeling, what has changed, and how symptoms affect daily life. The Conditions page explains common symptoms Saphena evaluates.
Recommendations depend on findings, not appearance alone.
Dr. Youssef explains whether treatment options should be considered, what alternatives exist, and what insurance or authorization steps may apply. The team can help with Insurance and Your Visit questions before scheduling.
Patient questions
For varicose veins and vein symptoms, a duplex ultrasound is usually done before treatment options are discussed. Small spider veins without symptoms may not need one. When it is done, it shows blood flow, reflux, and which veins may be involved, and helps Dr. Youssef decide whether treatment options should be discussed and which may fit the findings.
Coverage depends on your plan. We check your insurance benefits before your visit at no charge; see Insurance and Your Visit for accepted plans, self-pay options, and first-visit steps.
Call Saphena at (321) 972-2599 or use the Contact page to request an evaluation. The team can help with scheduling and insurance questions before your visit.
Talk to us
Mon–Thu 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM · Fri 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Prefer email? info@saphenaveinclinic.com
We return messages during office hours.
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