What Does a Vein Specialist Do? Understanding the Role of a Vein Doctor

If you’re dealing with varicose veins or spider veins and wondering if you need to see a vein specialist, you’re not alone. As many as 25 million  Americans have varicose veins. Untreated varicose veins can contribute to aches, cramps, and a heavy sensation in your legs  — and that’s just one type of vascular issue! 

That’s where a vein doctor comes in. Vein specialists can diagnose and treat vein-related conditions like these and more.

Read on as the South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine team explains the role of a vein doctor and how Dr. David T. Jacobs can manage vein issues.

What does a vein specialist do?

A vein specialist focuses on diagnosing and treating vein-related conditions. These doctors are experts in managing issues like varicose veins, spider veins, and chronic venous insufficiency, which occur when blood flow through the veins becomes inefficient. 

A vein specialist helps improve circulation, reduce symptoms, such as pain or swelling, and enhances the appearance of affected veins.

Conditions treated by vein specialists

Your veins are blood vessels that carry blood back to your heart. However, certain conditions can impact their ability to function properly, posing both cosmetic and health concerns.

At South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine, Dr. Jacobs, a fellowship-trained, board-certified vein and vascular specialist, treats several of these conditions, including:

Varicose veins

Varicose veins — those visible twisted veins that cause discomfort — can lead to more severe complications (like blood clots). The veins in your legs are most often affected. 

Spider veins

Spider veins are small, red, or blue veins that are typically regarded as cosmetic issues. However, they can indicate other vascular issues, such as chronic venous insufficiency. 

These can develop on your ankles, legs, or even your face.

Chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition where blood pools in your veins due to valve dysfunction. Normally, the one-way valves inside of your veins keep blood from flowing backward. 

However, if you have chronic venous insufficiency, those valves don’t work correctly, so blood can flow backward and pool. About 40% of Americans have chronic venous insufficiency, and of those, 1-2% experience venous ulcers as a result of venous insufficiency.

Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the leg. It can lead to dangerous complications like pulmonary embolism if not treated promptly.

How do vein doctors treat vein issues?

Dr. Jacobs, who holds dual board certifications in both radiology and vein medicine, treats vein issues in our Rockville Centre, New York, facility. Your specific treatment depends on the type of vein issue you’re facing. 

Using advanced technology such as VeinLite and ultrasound imaging, Dr. Jacobs diagnoses the source of your symptoms, maps your problematic veins, and recommends the right treatment for you.

As a vein specialist, Dr. Jacobs may recommend: 

• Sclerotherapy, including oxygen foam sclerotherapy and cryo-sclerotherapy
• Endovenous laser therapy
• Microphlebectomy
• Varithena 

Vein doctors like Dr. Jacobs perform these procedures, but their care and expertise don’t end there. Dr. Jacobs can recommend lifestyle modifications (like regular exercise) and prescribe compression stockings to help you manage your vascular issues long after your procedure is over.

To learn more about what a vein doctor can do for you, schedule your consultation at our practice in Rockville Centre, New York. During your appointment, Dr. Jacobs will review your vascular concerns, assess your veins using our tablet-based ultrasound system, and recommend the best treatment for you.

You can reach our team at 516-865-1234 or via our online booking tool.