We’ve all seen them…the veins that seem a little too big, a little too dark. We’ve all had them…legs that are tired and achy. But are they a fact of life, a cosmetic issue, or something worse? Dr. Ulises Baltazar says, “Varicose veins look like bulging, bluish cords beneath the surface of your skin.  If left untreated, varicose veins can progress to chronic venous insufficiency, a more serious venous disease. Be aware of the warning signs of varicose veins…and come see me for a range of treatment options.”

Did you know your veins defy gravity? Veins move blood from your body to your heart. When the one-way valves in your veins get weak, they may allow blood to flow backward and pool in your veins. Compared with other veins in the body, leg veins have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart. The force of gravity, the pressure of body weight, and the task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins.

So what can you do about those unsightly and uncomfortable veins? Exercising, elevation, and compression can slow the progression of your varicose veins, but if your symptoms worsen, it’s time to seek medical treatment. Dr. Baltazar says, “If you begin to develop a rash or sores on your leg near your ankle, see a noticeable change in the color of the skin on your calf and ankle, or suffer daily symptoms such as pain, swelling, heaviness, throbbing, aching and cramping, come see me. Varicose veins are more than a nuisance or a cosmetic issue…they’re a health risk!”

The key to getting the right treatment is getting the right diagnosis. Dr. Baltazar says, “I offer a free assessment, because I want to see whether your veins are really unhealthy and how you can best be helped. I offer a range of treatment options ranging from medical-grade compression stockings to laser vein removal that’s done in-office and takes less than 30 minutes. I won’t offer you less than the best treatment for the health of your veins!”

Dr. Baltazar has been board-certified in Vascular Surgery for over a decade. As a Vascular Surgeon, he has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating diseases of the arteries and veins and in placing needles, guide wires, using lasers, ultrasound and the latest technology and techniques. He says, “ My only profession passion has always been your elegant circulatory system! It’s not about the number of veins I treat, but about offering each and every patient the correct treatment and personal care.”