The Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas and Dr. Mark Skellenger, M.D., F.A.C.S, offer varicose vein sufferers a cutting-edge procedure to treat their condition without a single stitch. A leader in his field and the most experienced practitioner of endovenous laser therapy in Houston, Dr. Skellenger gives patients the ability to walk away from the clinic pain-free.
It has been called the most modern operation in America. Endovenous laser therapy (ELT) has dramatically revolutionized the treatment of varicose veins. Patients from all over the world visit Dr. Mark Skellenger, M.D., F.A.C.S., at the Cosmetic Vein Center of Texas, just to receive this innovative treatment.
Varicose veins are large, twisted, rope-like veins on the leg, which can cause pain, swelling, and itching. Varicose vein sufferers endure aching, swelling of the ankles, skin discoloration, hard-to-heal injuries, and more.
Linked to heredity, varicose veins are caused by insufficiency of the valves of interconnecting veins. Blood should flow from superficial veins to veins deeper in the leg. With varicose veins, blood flows in the reverse, from deep veins to superficial veins. The most minor irritations, such as itching, can sometimes be controlled by anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medications or increased exercise. But in unfortunately common serious cases, a painful, serious medical procedure known as “vein stripping” was once required, with a long healing period and missed work.
Vein stripping requires incisions in the upper thigh and all along the affected vein, which is pulled out of the leg completely. The incisions are then closed with thread, and can leave stitch marks and scarring. The procedure takes up to three hours. Vein stripping has been replaced by endovenous laser therapy, which involves only local anesthesia and leaves no stitch marks.
Endovenous laser therapy requires only one puncture point, at which a catheter with a laser fiber is inserted and guided by ultrasound technology through the superficial vein. The laser fiber seals the superficial vein, after which the catheter is removed. No stitches, no suffering, and only local anesthetic. The patient walks out of the office under his or her own volition.
Can you imagine waking home immediately after having the ugly, painful, bulging veins in your leg corrected? The laser treatment corrects the reverse blood flow in the patient’s legs and improves the circulation. “The symptoms of pain, aching, and swelling of the leg are gone immediately following the operation,” explains Dr. Skellenger. The patients’ legs are smooth again without a stitch. Dr. Skellenger has hundreds of happy patients (men and women) who have been treated at his state of the art clinic, the Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas. One patient recently wrote: “Having my veins fixed is one of the best things I have done. My legs feel 100% better.”
The diagnostic tests and the ELT operation are covered by insurance. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.cosmeticveincenters.com or call Dr. Skellenger at 281-990-VEIN (8346).
