Varicose Veins

Quick answer

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that bulge under your skin when blood slows down and pools instead of flowing back to the heart. They usually turn up on the calves, dark blue or purple and ropelike. Legs ache, feel heavy and swell by evening. Standing all day, pregnancy, aging, genetics and extra weight all contribute. If a vein feels hard and tender, or a sore near your ankle will not heal, get it looked at.

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that appear when the circulation of your blood slows down or weakens, causing blood to pool and veins to bulge under the skin. They often bring discomfort like aching, swelling, or heaviness that can make standing or walking difficult.

It’s understandable to feel frustrated or even embarrassed by these symptoms, but the good news is that varicose veins can be treated with the right care. The first step toward relief is consulting experienced varicose vein doctors who specialize in improving circulation and restoring vein health.

At CACVI, our board-certified vein specialists bring more than 30 years of experience and a record of 15,000+ procedures to every patient we treat. Using advanced diagnostic tools and minimally invasive techniques, we provide safe, effective varicose vein treatment that helps you regain comfort and mobility. Schedule your consultation now to get started!

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illustration of normal veins vs. varicose veins

illustration of normal vein blood flow vs varicose vein blood flow

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are caused by weakened or damaged veins that allow blood to pool instead of flowing back to the heart. As time passes, this buildup puts more pressure on the veins, causing them to stretch, twist, and become more visible under the skin.

Standing or sitting for extended periods can damage or weaken your veins. If you spend hours on your feet or at a desk every day, your circulation slows down, and pressure builds up in the veins in your legs. Similarly, not getting enough exercise can make the muscles that help pump blood up weaker, which makes it harder for your veins to do their job effectively.

Another major factor is pregnancy, as hormonal changes and increased blood volume put extra pressure on your leg veins. Many women have also observed that hormonal changes from menopause or birth control can make their veins weaker. Aging naturally weakens vein walls and valves over time, which is why varicose veins tend to appear more often in middle-aged and older adults.

Genetics also plays a significant role in your likelihood of developing varicose veins. If your parents or grandparents had varicose veins, you have an increased risk of getting them too. Additionally, being overweight or obese can put extra strain on your veins, causing varicose veins.

Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

While varicose veins are often considered harmless, there are times when they signal something more serious. Knowing when to worry about varicose veins can help you catch complications early and prevent long-term discomfort or vein damage:

Bulging/Twisting Veins: If you see dark blue or purple veins bulging beneath the surface of your skin, especially on your calves, it’s a common sign of varicose veins. These ropelike veins become more noticeable after standing for long periods.
Aching/Heavy Legs: You may feel a dull ache in your legs, particularly toward the end of the day. This discomfort often improves when you elevate your legs or rest.
Swelling in Legs or Ankles: If your shoes feel tighter or your legs seem puffier by evening, this could be a result of poor circulation caused by weakened veins.
Tender or Hard Veins: If a vein feels firm or painful to touch, it could be inflamed, which may indicate a more serious issue like thrombophlebitis.
Itching Around the Veins: You might notice itchy or dry skin near affected veins. This irritation often happens due to increased pressure and inflammation beneath the skin.
Skin Discoloration: Over time, you may see dark patches or redness around your ankles or lower legs. This happens when prolonged pressure causes small blood vessels to leak.
Burning or Tingling Sensation: Some people report a warm, tingling, or burning feeling in areas with varicose veins. This is a sign that your veins are under stress.
Ulcers: In severe cases, you might develop slow-healing sores near your ankles. These ulcers signal significant venous insufficiency and require medical attention.

Did You Know?

Did you know that 1 in 4 adults has varicose veins? What most people don’t realize is that, over time, those veins can rupture or form painful ulcers that don’t heal easily. Early evaluation by a vein specialist can help you avoid these complications and protect your long-term health.

Speak With a Doctor

What Kind of Doctors Treat Varicose Veins?

When it comes to treating varicose veins, various specialists can assist, depending on your symptoms and the stage of your condition. Understanding which doctors treat vein problems and how their expertise differs can make it easier to find the right care for your needs.

Primary Care Physicians (PCPs)

Your primary care physician is usually your first point of contact. They’ll listen to your concerns, assess your symptoms, and may order a simple vein ultrasound. If they suspect deeper circulation issues or complications, they’ll refer you to a vascular or vein specialist for further care.

Dermatologists

If your varicose veins are mild or mostly cosmetic, a dermatologist may be able to help. They focus on how circulation problems affect your skin and may recommend topical treatments or minor procedures to relieve discomfort. If they suspect deeper vein disease, they will refer you to a vascular or vein specialist for further evaluation.

Phlebologists

A phlebologist is a doctor specially trained in diagnosing and treating vein disorders, including varicose and spider veins. They use advanced imaging and minimally invasive treatments such as sclerotherapy or ablation to improve circulation and appearance. Most patients see a phlebologist when symptoms go beyond cosmetic concerns or start causing pain and heaviness.

Vascular Surgeon

When symptoms become more uncomfortable, a vascular surgeon is your best option. They’re experts in both surgical and non-surgical procedures, helping restore proper blood flow in severe or advanced cases. You may be referred to a vascular surgeon if your varicose veins cause ulcers, bleeding, or signs of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Interventional Radiologists (IRs)

Interventional radiologists are doctors who use image guidance (like ultrasound, X-ray, or CT) to perform minimally invasive procedures. You’ll often see them if your doctor recommends image-guided treatment for larger or deeper varicose veins.

Cardiologists

While cardiologists primarily focus on heart health, they also understand how poor circulation can affect your veins and legs. They can help identify whether your varicose vein symptoms are linked to a larger circulatory or cardiovascular issue. If needed, they’ll work with your specialist to ensure your treatment plan supports overall vascular health.

How to Treat Varicose Veins?

Your doctor will recommend a treatment based on how severe your condition is. In terms of cost, varicose vein treatment costs can range from about $500 to as much as $13,000, depending on the procedure and whether multiple veins are treated. Fortunately, there are plenty of safe and effective treatment options for every need and budget, making it easier to find the right solution for you.

Minimally Invasive Treatments

Procedures such as endovenous ablation, endovenous laser treatment (EVLT), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and sclerotherapy work by closing or shrinking damaged veins and allowing healthy veins to take over the blood flow. These treatments are done right in your doctor’s office, using only local anesthesia, and involve little to no downtime, so you can get back to your daily routine quickly.

Other procedures include ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy and microphlebectomy. The former uses a foamed solution to seal larger veins, while the latter is a simple procedure that removes visible varicose veins by making small incisions on the skin.

Surgical Options

For more advanced cases, surgical vein stripping or ligation may be recommended. These procedures remove or tie off the affected veins to restore proper circulation. Another option is transilluminated powered phlebectomy (TIPP), which uses a special light and suction device to remove multiple veins through a single small incision.

While surgery is less common today, it remains a safe and effective choice for severe or recurrent cases under the care of experienced vascular surgeons.

Lifestyle and At-Home Management

Alongside medical treatment, simple lifestyle habits can make a big difference. Wearing compression stockings helps improve circulation and reduce swelling, while regular exercise, elevating your legs, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help ease symptoms and prevent new varicose veins from forming.

If you’re unsure which treatment is best for you, consulting an experienced vein doctor is the first step. They can evaluate your condition, explain your options, and design a personalized plan to help you feel and move better again.

What our patients say

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Michael Prae

A little blonde Russian woman named Natasha asked me to post about her renal procedure. It was done by Dr. Khorsandi at CACVI. They took absolutely amazing care of her and went above and beyond to treat her terribly high blood pressure. They lasered her renal artery. After the procedure it wouldn’t stop bleeding so they ended up staying w her at the center until 9pm. That’s when they finally had to call the ambulance to move her to E.R. All of the staff were incredibly professional and their care was second to none. Dr. Lala promised her that her high blood pressure would go away. It has and now she’s throwing out all her old med’s just like Lala promised. This group of Doctors is like no other. If you have any of these cardiac issues then you’ve found your saving grace. No need to look any further. They were incredibly patient and helpful in every medical way possible. Natasha has found a new way of living. Without her terrible pounding migraines she had on a daily basis. 5 stars all the way. They deserve all the praise possible. They provided a miracle. Thank you Dr’s Lala & Khorsandi.

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Nick Derian

On behalf of my father, a patient of CACVI, I wanted to acknowledge and praise the entire team of this organization for its outstanding surgical expertise and knowledgeable/warm supporting staff. We had gone through countless recommendations that all claimed there was only one last option for treatment, amputation. That news is devastating for anyone to hear, and resulted in my father having little faith that the quality of his life would ever be the same... All that changed the moment we had our first interaction with this organization. The care, knowledge, and most importantly hope that there was still options if we acted fast was single moment that turned this entire nightmare around. Thank you CACVI for being the single most important piece to solving my father's health crisis. Dont think twice, make the appointment and atleast go meet and see them-- for us it was the moment that changed the trajectory of our situation forever for the better.

a month ago Tarzana Read on Google

Matt Golad

I’m 41 years old, and I have something called May-Thurner’s Syndrome. However, it wasn’t until I saw Dr. Vasim Lala a couple years ago that I was diagnosed with it. May-Thurner’s syndrome is when the main veins that split off into your legs is compressed by the main arteries that split off into your legs. The result is that the blood that should be coming back up through the leg veins pools at your ankles. My whole life until I was diagnosed, I was lethargic. My legs felt heavy. I started to develop purple bruising around my ankles in my twenties. I started to get varicose veins on my calves. I thought this was normal. I was living on “hard mode” and didn’t know it. If I was on my feet for extended periods of time, my legs would swell a lot. I thought maybe I need to lose some weight. When I started teaching a few years ago, I would be on my feet 6-8 hours a day. One day, I got home, and my left leg was so swollen my wife was concerned I had a blood clot. I went to the emergency room, and thankfully it was just superficial. I temporarily went on blood thinners and was recommended to see Dr. Lala. He changed my life. I’d shown my purpling ankles to GP’s. They’d seen my varicose veins. But none if them put all the signs together until I saw Dr. Lala. He diagnosed me with May-Thurner’s syndrome and recommend we put stents in my veins to prevent them from being compressed by the arteries. So we did the surgeries. Out patient procedures. My legs stopped swelling a lot. I started wearing compression socks. I had to be on blood thinners for a year, but eventually I was able to stop taking them which was great. But I still had varicose veins in my legs because they had widened from the blood pooling in them for years. I’ve had two ablations per leg since them, which closes the affected veins, and I’ve got a new lease on life. My legs feel lighter. They don’t swell nearly as much. The varicose veins have disappeared. Now, I’m lighter on my feet. I’m not lethargic. There’s a pep in my step. I have one more ablation each being scheduled. I’m thankful for Dr. Lala and his incredible team at CACVI for their diagnosis and treatment. It truly changed my life.

4 months ago Tarzana Read on Google

PAK SHIP ALL

On August 27, 2025, I had my leg Angio done with Dr. K. who is best of the best. Amazing Doctor and extremely knowledgeable. The nurse who helped me, JULIAN she has a very kind heart. She has a lot of knowledge and made me feel extremely relaxed. She went above and beyond her responsibilities. It seems God made her to be kind and caring for all the patients. I salute her and look forward to having same nurse for procedure in my other leg. I came home with a big Smile. Thank you Thank you Thank you

10 months ago Tarzana Read on Google

Looking for the Best Varicose Vein Doctors Near You?

Living with varicose veins can make even basic activities, such as walking, feel tiring or uncomfortable. With expert care, you can improve circulation, reduce discomfort, and even prevent your condition from worsening over time.

The most effective way to treat varicose veins is through professional diagnosis and personalized treatment. With the help of a doctor, you can understand what’s causing your symptoms and start treatments that help you get back to what you love doing without discomfort.

At CACVI, our mission is to help patients regain comfort through expert vein care. Our board-certified doctors use advanced, minimally invasive treatments to safely and effectively manage varicose veins, so you can get back to living fully, without pain or worry. Take the first step toward a healthier life and schedule a consultation with the best varicose vein doctors in Los Angeles today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about varicose veins? We answered some of the most common questions to address your concerns.

Do I Need to See a Doctor for Varicose Veins?

Yes, you should, especially if you’re experiencing leg pain, swelling, or skin discoloration. These symptoms may be signs of a more serious condition, like chronic venous insufficiency or even blood clots. A specially trained vein specialist can evaluate your veins and create a treatment plan to restore proper blood flow.

How to Treat Varicose Veins in Kids?

Though rare in children, they can develop varicose veins if there’s a family history of the condition. Most cases only require monitoring and healthy lifestyle changes. However, a specialist may suggest noninvasive treatments to prevent larger varicose veins from developing as the child grows.

What Is the Newest Procedure for Varicose Veins?

The latest treatments include laser ablation, radiofrequency therapy, and VenaSeal. These minimally invasive procedures close off faulty veins, allowing blood to flow more efficiently through healthier ones. They’re safer, faster, and more comfortable than traditional surgery, with quicker recovery times.

Does Insurance Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?

Your insurance will cover your vein treatment if it is deemed medically necessary. Varicose vein removal for cosmetic purposes is usually not covered. Always confirm with your provider before starting a treatment plan.

Can You Get Rid of Varicose Veins Without Surgery?

Yes, you can, especially if your varicose veins are mild to moderate. Non-surgical options like laser or radiofrequency treatments can close off damaged veins without the need for surgery. Combined with healthy habits, these can greatly reduce visible veins and prevent new ones from forming.

Schedule a personalized assessment and find out your treatment options.

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Dr. Moinakhtar Lala and Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi of CACVI

Dr. M Lala, Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi and Dr. V Lala

Meet Your Specialists

The Center for Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Interventions (CACVI) is led by Dr. M Lala, Dr. Khorsandi, and Dr. V Lala, who have over thirty years of practice with over 15,000 vascular and cardiac procedures performed. Our physicians are determined to provide each patient with experienced, compassionate care as they work diligently to improve your health.