Minimally Invasive Vein Treatments
When varicose veins and venous insufficiency begin affecting your daily life, it’s time to consider treatment options that provide lasting relief without major surgery or extended recovery time. At Prevosti Vein Center, we specialize exclusively in advanced vein care, offering state-of-the-art minimally invasive treatments that eliminate problematic veins while preserving your active lifestyle. All evaluations and treatments are done in the office by Dr. Prevosti, one of the most experienced vein surgeons in Georgia, who has over 30 years of specialized cardiovascular expertise.
Find Relief From Venous Disease
Our comprehensive approach focuses on treating the underlying cause of venous disease. By doing so, we relieve symptoms, improve circulation and, in many patients, improve the surface appearance. Through precise diagnostic techniques and state-of-the-art treatment methods, we help patients in Canton, North Georgia and the greater Atlanta region find freedom from the following symptoms:
Achy legs, leg pain, leg throbbing
Leg heaviness and tiredness
Leg cramps
Swelling of the legs and ankles
Itchiness and dry skin
Bulging veins
Spider veins
Restless legs
Skin changes, skin ulcers, skin discoloration and skin darkening
Tingling and numbness of the feet and lower legs
Understanding Minimally Invasive Vein Treatments
Traditional vein surgery, such as vein stripping and high ligation, required general anesthesia, hospital stays and weeks of recovery. Today's minimally invasive techniques revolutionize how we treat venous insufficiency.
These advanced procedures use tiny incisions or small needles to access and treat diseased veins from within, causing them to close permanently while healthy veins take over circulation. Treatments are done in the office using local anesthesia.
The approach taken at Prevosti Vein Center is a win-win-win compared to the historical approaches. Not only is the treatment faster, less invasive and less painful, with quicker return to full exercise, our approach also has a lower recurrence rate compared to the historical methods. In addition, everything is done in one location.
Another practical benefit of our independent, physician-led practice with a singular focus on vein treatment is that you can have your insurance questions and explanation of benefits answered here as well. There are no 1-800 numbers, no overseas call centers, and no outsourced billing. We handle it all under one roof.
Emphasis on Comfort and Fast Recovery
Local anesthesia is used for most treatments; there is no need for sedation or IVs. Some treatments need no anesthesia. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available for those who wish to use it. Most treatments last 30 minutes or less; some procedures (ambulatory micro-plebectomy) can take up to an hour. You can walk, drive and resume light daily activity immediately. You do not need a driver, nor do you need someone to come with you, although you are welcome to bring someone if you wish. In most cases, post-procedure discomfort is minimal and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines such as Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen). Many patients do not need to take any pain medication at all.
The benefits of these techniques extend far beyond convenience and include
Superior Precision
Compared to traditional surgical methods
Significantly reduced risk
of complications and side effects
Remarkably effective outcomes
with high success rates
Quick Procedures
Most procedures are completed in less than 30 minutes
Minimal discomfort
in most patients
Minimal Downtime
Return to light activities the same day
Dr. Prevosti's 15 years of focus exclusively on vein treatment allow him to select the optimal minimally invasive approach for each patient's unique venous condition. Having performed over 20,000 vein procedures, Dr. Prevosti embodies the principle that experience is irreplaceable when it comes to surgery, and you benefit directly from his extensive expertise. You will be treated in a compassionate manner with gentle hands.
Treatment Options
Dr. Prevosti Offers the Following Minimally Invasive Vein Treatments:
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one of the most proven minimally invasive treatments for venous insufficiency. This technique uses controlled radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat and seal diseased veins from the inside, which causes them to collapse and eventually be absorbed by your body. These abnormal veins are not needed by your body and, in fact, impair circulation. Healthy veins take over the flow of blood, and circulation improves.
How Does Venous Radiofrequency Ablation Work?
During this minimally invasive vein procedure, a thin catheter is inserted into the affected vein. As it's slowly withdrawn, the catheter delivers precisely controlled heat energy along the vein wall. This process seals the vein completely while protecting the surrounding tissues from damage.
The ClosureFast radiofrequency ablation method offers exceptional accuracy because the energy delivery is carefully monitored and controlled throughout the treatment by a microprocessor control system. Patients typically experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, which is performed under tumescent anesthesia (a type of local anesthesia) in our comfortable office setting. For those who want some light relaxation, we offer nitrous oxide.
Recovery and Results
Radiofrequency ablation recovery involves wearing a compression wrap overnight, followed by compression stockings for three days. Walking, driving and normal light daily activities can be resumed immediately after treatment. Return to work can occur the same day for office jobs or working from home. For more physically demanding jobs, several days of rest may be recommended. Light exercise, such as yoga or long walks, can be resumed in two days, and strenuous exercise, such as running and tennis, can be resumed in five to seven days.
Advantages of ClosureFast™ Radiofrequency Ablation
RFA has been extensively studied and proven effective for treating great and small saphenous vein insufficiency as well as other abnormal veins. It delivers reliable results with minimal post-procedure pain and bruising. Successful closure rates are over 95%. Based on his extensive experience with successful RFA procedures and the device’s safety features and feedback control systems, Dr. Prevosti prefers RFA for the vast majority of abnormal saphenous veins.
Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) uses targeted laser energy to achieve the same goal as radiofrequency ablation but through a slightly different approach. This technique is also referred to as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT). A laser fiber is inserted into the diseased vein, where it delivers controlled laser energy that heats and seals the vein closed. Dr. Prevosti's surgical precision, honed through decades of vascular and vein surgery, makes him particularly skilled at treating complex vein configurations with laser technology.
Unique Advantages of Laser Vein Treatment
This laser technique offers particular advantages for certain vein configurations and anatomy. The precision of laser energy allows for highly accurate treatment of short vein sections such as perforator veins and anterior accessory saphenous veins.
Like radiofrequency ablation, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Most patients experience minimal discomfort. For patients with a low pain threshold or high anxiety level, nitrous oxide is available. For very sensitive or anxious patients, pre-procedure pain medication and/or anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed.
Post-Treatment Care
Following laser treatment, patients follow similar recovery protocols to other minimally invasive vein procedures. Dr. Prevosti’s protocol involves the application of a compression wrap immediately after the procedure. The wrap is removed the next day, and a compression stocking is worn for three days. Compression therapy supports healing while normal circulation patterns establish themselves through healthy veins. The convenience of office-based treatment means you can schedule your procedure around your personal and professional commitments.
Varithena offers an innovative approach to treating venous insufficiency through microfoam sclerotherapy. This FDA-approved treatment involves injecting a specialized foam directly into diseased veins, where it displaces blood and causes the vein walls to collapse and seal.
Foam Technology Benefits
The foam consistency of Varithena provides several advantages over traditional liquid sclerotherapy. The foam maintains better contact with vein walls and can treat larger veins more effectively than liquid alternatives. This makes Varithena particularly useful for treating veins that may be challenging to address with other methods, including tortuous veins and veins that have been previously treated.
Treatment Process and Versatility
Varithena treatment begins with ultrasound guidance to precisely locate and access the target veins. The foam is then injected through a small needle or catheter, filling the vein and displacing blood. The medicine causes the vein to close over the next 24 hours. Post-treatment care involves compression therapy and gradual return to full activity levels. The body gradually absorbs the vein over several months to up to two years. A typical treatment session takes 30 minutes or less.
There is an FDA maximum of 15 ml administered per session, so several sessions may be needed for patients with a significant amount of varicose veins and venous insufficiency. Dr. Prevosti's precise ultrasound-guided technique maximizes each treatment’s effectiveness.
VenaSeal introduces a unique approach to minimally invasive vein treatment through medical-grade adhesive technology. Instead of using heat or chemical agents, VenaSeal permanently closes diseased veins with a specialized medical glue that seals the vein walls together.
Treatment and Recovery Process
During VenaSeal treatment, a small catheter delivers the medical adhesive at specific points along the diseased vein. The vein walls bond together permanently, stopping abnormal blood flow while healthy veins handle circulation. Dr. Prevosti typically completes the VenaSeal procedure in 30 minutes.
Recovery after VenaSeal is often faster and more comfortable than recovery from other methods. Many patients return to their typical activities immediately after treatment without the restrictions often associated with compression therapy.
The adhesive method offers unique advantages for certain patients and situations. Because VenaSeal doesn't use heat energy, there's no risk of nerve injury or skin burns. The procedure requires minimal local anesthesia and often eliminates the need for compression stockings after treatment. As is the case with all medical procedures, there are pros and cons to each treatment method. Dr. Prevosti will create a treatment plan for you and explain the pros and cons of the different procedures and why he recommends certain approaches over others.
Ambulatory micro-phlebectomy offers a minimally invasive solution for removing larger varicose veins that bulge or lie close to the skin surface. This technique involves making tiny incisions, typically 2 to 3 millimeters in length, to remove problematic vein segments through specialized instruments. The treatment is done in the office using tumescent anesthesia, which is a specialized type of local anesthesia.
Advanced Precision Technique
The procedure uses specialized instruments to carefully remove vein segments through micro-incisions that are so small they typically don't require stitches. Dr. Prevosti's extensive surgical experience allows for the precise removal of even twisted or bulging veins while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. Utilizing ambulatory phlebectomy over other methods can have short-term and long-term advantages.
Each micro-incision is strategically placed to access specific vein segments, with the goal of complete removal of bulging varicose veins. This technique is not offered at many vein clinics because of the skill and time needed to perform it correctly. Dr. Prevosti’s experience as a heart surgeon, working with fragile cardiac arteries and veins, has allowed him to develop expertise in micro-phlebectomy. He often utilizes this procedure for large, bulky, protruding varicose veins.
Immediate Results and Recovery
Ambulatory micro-phlebectomy provides rapid improvement since the problematic veins are physically removed during the procedure. Patients can see the difference right away, with continued improvement over the following weeks.
Recovery involves wearing a compression wrap overnight, followed by compression stockings and returning to light activities within a day. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can resume work the same day or within a few days, depending on the type of work. The tiny incisions heal quickly, typically leaving barely visible marks that fade over time.
Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is an extremely useful modality that combines the effectiveness of sclerosing agents with the precision of ultrasound imaging to treat abnormal veins. This technique uses a specialized foam that displaces blood within the vein, allowing for more effective treatment of larger veins. It is a mainstay of treating tributaries (branches) of saphenous veins. It is also useful to treat abnormal reticular veins and venous malformations.
Enhanced Visualization and Accuracy
The ultrasound guidance allows Dr. Prevosti to visualize the exact location and extent of problematic veins, including those that may not be visible on the skin surface. This real-time imaging capability helps target the treatment precisely where it's needed most.
The foam consistency provides several advantages over traditional liquid sclerotherapy. It maintains better contact with vein walls and can more effectively treat veins with larger diameters. The foam also allows for the successful treatment of larger veins that might dilute liquid sclerosants.
Comprehensive Vein Treatment
This technique is particularly valuable for treating complex vein patterns or areas where multiple treatment approaches may be beneficial. Ultrasound guidance allows for treating tributary veins and connecting vessels that contribute to the overall problem of venous insufficiency.
Patients typically require compression therapy following treatment, with gradual improvement as the treated veins are absorbed by the body. The procedure can often be combined with other treatments for comprehensive vein management.
Surface sclerotherapy specifically targets spider veins and reticular veins that appear on the skin’s surface. This precise treatment uses fine needles to inject Asclera, an FDA-approved sclerosing agent, directly into these smaller vessels, causing them to collapse and gradually fade from view.
Specialized Treatment for Cosmetic Concerns
Spider veins, also known as telangiectasia, can appear on the legs and other areas as red, blue or purple web-like patterns. While they typically don't cause the same symptoms as larger varicose veins, they can significantly impact your confidence and comfort with your appearance.
Dr. Prevosti has performed and overseen thousands of sclerotherapy sessions for the treatment of spider veins. Care is taken to optimize results and minimize side effects. Spider veins frequently require more than one session. Compression stockings and avoiding strenuous exercise are recommended for a few days.
Treatment Process and Expectations
Surface sclerotherapy sessions typically take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated and the extent of spider veins present. Multiple sessions may be needed to achieve optimal results, with treatments spaced several weeks apart to allow for healing and assessment of progress. For sclerotherapy, no local anesthesia is given, as the sclerotherapy needle is the same size as an anesthesia needle, and injecting local anesthesia near spider veins can interfere with their treatment.
After treatment, you may notice the spider veins look darker. This is a good sign, as it means the veins have closed down. The treated spider veins gradually fade over the following months as your body absorbs the collapsed vessels.
Results continue to improve over time, with most patients seeing a reduction in spider vein visibility within two to three months after their final treatment session. However, some spider veins can be difficult to treat and do not respond to sclerotherapy. The convenience of office-based treatment allows you to address these cosmetic concerns without disrupting your regular schedule. Dr. Prevosti recommends wearing compression stockings for at least three days after a sclerotherapy session.
Choosing the Right Treatment Approach
Selecting the optimal minimally invasive treatment depends on several factors specific to your condition and anatomy. During your comprehensive evaluation at Prevosti Vein Center, we perform detailed diagnostic ultrasound examinations to map your venous system and identify all areas of venous insufficiency. Dr. Prevosti is known for his compassionate manner, gentle hands and taking the time to explain the findings and answer your questions.
Some patients benefit from combining techniques to thoroughly eradicate all venous insufficiency in its various forms. Dr. Prevosti believes that completely eliminating venous disorders helps maximize the benefits and reduces recurrence rates. Dr. Prevosti’s specialized focus on vein care means he has extensive experience matching patients with the most appropriate treatment options.
Factors We Evaluate
The diagnostic process includes evaluating several elements, including:
Vein size, location and configuration patterns
Blood flow patterns and circulation efficiency
Surrounding tissue characteristics and anatomy
Patient medical history and lifestyle considerations
Personal preferences regarding treatment options
This information guides our recommendation for radiofrequency ablation, laser treatment, ambulatory phlebectomy, Varithena or VenaSeal based on what will provide the best outcomes for your situation.
What to Expect From Your Treatment Experience
All minimally invasive vein treatments at our center are performed in a comfortable, state-of-the-art office environment. Most procedures begin with local anesthesia to maximize your comfort throughout the treatment. Tumescent anesthesia, a specialized type of local anesthesia useful for vein treatments, is utilized for many of the procedures.
Advanced Technology and Monitoring
Ultrasound guidance plays a crucial role in all our minimally invasive procedures. It allows Dr. Prevosti to precisely access abnormal veins and monitor treatment progress in real time. This technology and Dr. Prevosti's commitment to precision contribute significantly to the safety and effectiveness of our vein treatments.
Recovery and Post-Treatment Care
Post-treatment care focuses on compression and maintaining walking and normal light daily activities. In some cases, leg elevation is recommended. We provide detailed post-procedure instructions, activity modifications and follow-up care. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they can return to their routines. Patients typically return to our office one to seven days after a procedure for a follow-up. It is not uncommon for more than one vein to need treatment. Most times, treatments can be done one day after another. This approach allows a faster return to full activity. Treatment plans can be modified for patients’ schedules and preferences. In most cases, travel, including flying, can be resumed a few days after treatment.
Recovery timelines vary slightly between different treatment methods, but all minimally invasive approaches offer dramatically faster healing than traditional surgery. Walking is encouraged immediately after treatment, and many patients can return to work the same day.
Long-Term Results and Vein Health
Minimally invasive vein treatments are highly effective in eliminating abnormal veins with durable results. In fact, the techniques described above, when done properly and thoroughly, have better long-term results than old-fashioned vein stripping. Dr. Prevosti's patients consistently achieve excellent long-term outcomes due to his meticulous attention to detail in treating the underlying cause of venous disease rather than just surface appearance. It is important to mention that venous insufficiency can be a lifelong issue, and over the years, more venous insufficiency and symptoms may occur in some patients.
What You Can Expect After Treatment
Following successful treatment, patients typically experience the following significant improvements:
- Improvement of symptoms such as tiredness, aching, swelling, leg cramps, restless legs and itching
- Elimination or disappearance of many visible surface veins
- Disappearance or improvement of bulging visible varicose veins
- Improved circulation and overall leg comfort during daily activities
- Enhanced quality of life without venous disorder limitations
Maintaining Your Results
Maintaining your results involves staying active, staying at your ideal weight and, in some cases, wearing compression stockings as much as your lifestyle allows. Periodic evaluations are recommended in some cases, but many patients do not need follow-up visits after six weeks. While treated veins usually won’t return, new venous problems can develop over time in other areas. Our ongoing relationship allows us to monitor your vein health and address any future concerns promptly.
Experience Specialized Vein Care
At Prevosti Vein Center, our exclusive focus on venous disorders means you receive the highest level of specialized care available. Dr. Louis G. Prevosti brings over 30 years of specialized cardiovascular surgery experience to vein treatment, and his dedication to pure vein care allows every patient to receive focused, expert attention.
Our 100% focus on only venous disorders translates into superior patient experiences and consistently excellent results. From your initial evaluation through treatment and follow-up care, you'll work with a team devoted entirely to helping you achieve freedom from the effects of venous disease.