Varicose Vein Treatment in Lansdale and Bethlehem, PA
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins, most often in the legs, that develop when tiny one-way valves inside a vein stop closing properly. Instead of flowing back toward the heart, blood pools in the vein, causing it to stretch and bulge. At Precision Vein Care, board-certified vascular surgeon James L. Guzzo, MD, FACS, diagnoses and treats varicose veins with in-office, ultrasound-guided procedures at our Lansdale and Bethlehem offices.
Varicose veins affect roughly 23% of adults in the United States. For many people, they are more than a cosmetic concern. Aching, throbbing, and heavy legs can make it harder to work, exercise, sleep, or simply enjoy the day. The encouraging news is that modern treatment is minimally invasive, performed in our office, and designed to get you back to your routine quickly.
Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can look different from person to person. You may notice one or more of the following:
- Bulging, rope-like, or twisted veins that are blue or purple
- Aching, heaviness, or a tired feeling in the legs
- Throbbing, burning, or itching over the veins
- Swelling in the ankles or lower legs, often worse at the end of the day
- Leg cramps or restless legs at night
- Discoloration, darkening, or thickening of the skin near the ankles
- Symptoms that ease when you elevate your legs
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Healthy leg veins rely on small valves to keep blood moving upward against gravity. When those valves weaken, blood flows backward (a process called venous reflux) and pressure builds in the veins closer to the skin. Factors that can raise your risk include:
- A family history of varicose veins
- Age, since vein walls and valves can weaken over time
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Jobs or routines that involve long periods of standing or sitting
- Excess body weight
- A history of blood clots or leg injury
Varicose veins are often a visible sign of an underlying condition called chronic venous insufficiency. Learn more on our Venous Insufficiency page.
When Should You See a Vein Specialist?
Consider scheduling a vein screening if your veins are uncomfortable, your legs feel heavy or swollen, or you notice skin changes near your ankles. Early evaluation can help identify the source of the problem before symptoms progress.
Seek prompt medical care if a vein becomes red, warm, hard, and painful, which can signal superficial thrombophlebitis, or if one leg suddenly becomes swollen and painful, which can be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911.
How We Diagnose Varicose Veins
Every evaluation at Precision Vein Care begins with a conversation about your symptoms, health history, and goals, followed by a physical exam. Dr. Guzzo then uses diagnostic venous duplex ultrasound, performed right in our office, to see how blood is flowing through your veins. This noninvasive imaging test maps which veins have faulty valves, including the great and small saphenous veins that often sit beneath the skin and feed visible varicose veins.
Pinpointing the source of reflux allows us to build a treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause, not just the veins you can see.
Varicose Vein Treatment Options
Dr. Guzzo tailors treatment to your symptoms, vein anatomy, and lifestyle. Many patients benefit from a combination of approaches.
Conservative Care
Compression stockings, leg elevation, regular walking, and weight management can help ease symptoms. Some insurance plans also require a trial of conservative care before covering procedures.
ClosureFast Radiofrequency Ablation
A thin catheter is guided into the problem vein using ultrasound. Gentle heat energy seals the vein closed, and blood naturally reroutes to healthy veins. The procedure uses local anesthetic and typically takes about an hour.
VenaSeal Closure System
VenaSeal uses a small amount of medical adhesive delivered through a catheter to close the diseased vein. Because it does not use heat, it requires fewer numbing injections along the vein.
Varithena Foam Sclerotherapy
Varithena is a prescription microfoam injected under ultrasound guidance. It is well suited for twisted or tortuous veins that are difficult to reach with a catheter and can be used alone or alongside other treatments.
Microphlebectomy
Larger bulging veins near the skin can be removed through tiny incisions after the area is numbed. Incisions are small enough that many close with a sterile strip or a single small stitch.
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
A medication is injected into veins below the skin surface using ultrasound to guide the needle, causing the vein to close and gradually fade.
Visit our Procedures page to learn more about each treatment.
What to Expect on Treatment Day
- Procedures are performed in our office procedure room, not a hospital
- Local anesthetic keeps you comfortable; general anesthesia is typically not needed
- Most procedures take about an hour
- You walk out on your own and can return to most light daily activities soon after
- A follow-up ultrasound confirms the treated vein has closed as expected
Does Insurance Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?
When varicose veins cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, or skin changes, and ultrasound documents venous reflux, treatment is often considered medically necessary. Precision Vein Care accepts many major plans, including Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross, Humana, Cigna, and Medicare. Coverage requirements vary by plan, and our team can help you understand your benefits before treatment.
Meet Dr. James L. Guzzo, MD, FACS
James L. Guzzo, MD, FACS, is a board-certified vascular surgeon and the founder of Precision Vein Care. A Bethlehem native, Dr. Guzzo earned his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, completed six years of general surgery residency at the University of Maryland Medical System in Baltimore, and completed fellowship training in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Before opening Precision Vein Care, Dr. Guzzo spent nine years at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, where he served as Chief of the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and received teaching awards from the surgical residency program. He has authored more than two dozen peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and presentations at national surgical meetings, and he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Varicose Vein Care Close to Home
Precision Vein Care has two offices to serve patients across southeastern Pennsylvania. Our Lansdale office at 1000 Walnut Street, Suite 116, serves Montgomery and Bucks Counties, including North Wales, Hatfield, Souderton, Harleysville, Chalfont, and Doylestown. Our Bethlehem office at 5325 Northgate Drive, Suite 202, serves the Lehigh Valley, including Allentown, Easton, Nazareth, Hellertown, and Center Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Varicose Veins
Are varicose veins dangerous?
Varicose veins are often not dangerous on their own, but they can signal venous insufficiency, which may lead to swelling, skin changes, or leg wounds over time. Varicose veins can also be associated with blood clots in some cases. An ultrasound evaluation helps determine your level of risk.
Can varicose veins go away on their own?
Varicose veins typically do not go away without treatment. Compression stockings, exercise, and elevation can help ease symptoms, but they do not repair damaged vein valves.
Is varicose vein treatment painful?
Most patients describe minimal discomfort. Procedures are performed with local anesthetic, and any soreness afterward is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long is recovery after varicose vein treatment?
Most patients walk immediately after their procedure and resume many normal activities within a day or two. Dr. Guzzo will give you specific guidance on exercise, compression, and follow-up.
Where does the blood go after a vein is closed?
Your body has many veins. Once a diseased vein is sealed, blood naturally reroutes through healthy veins that carry it back to the heart more efficiently.
Can varicose veins come back after treatment?
Treated veins are designed to stay closed, but new varicose veins can develop over time because of genetics, age, and other risk factors. Periodic follow-up helps catch changes early.
Do I need a referral to see a vein specialist?
Many patients schedule directly with our office. Some insurance plans require a referral, so we recommend checking with your plan or calling our team for help.
Schedule Your Vein Screening
If aching, heavy, or bulging veins are getting in the way of your day, Precision Vein Care is here to help. Call (267) 627-1500 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Guzzo at our Lansdale or Bethlehem office.
