Vein treatment options

More than 130 people gathered at the Palace Grand for a seminar hosted by Brooksville and Spring Hill Regional Hospitals. Dr. N. Scott Howell, a board certified physician in internal medicine was the featured speaker.

He explained the symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for varicose veins.

"In normal veins, valves in the vein keep the blood moving forward toward the heart, but with varicose veins, the valves do not function properly, allowing blood to pool in the veins," Howell explained. "Pooling of blood in a vein makes it enlarge."

The process usually occurs in the veins of the legs, but it can occur elsewhere in the body. Standing can enhance symptoms. Browning ankles, pain in the legs, swelling, restless leg syndrome and cramping and swelling in the feet can occur as a result.

During a question and answer session, several participants asked specifics of laser treatment.

"The effects of the laser can last ten years out," explained Howell. "It's not a 'come back in two weeks,' kind of thing."

"I use a laser for the big veins in the leg and they shrink down, no more stripping the veins," said Howell when asked about the procedure. "Seriously, I use lasers for the big veins and then use a small hook for the varicose veins without any sutures. When I take the vein out, the blood flows to a deeper, more efficient vein."

Insurance pays for the treatment of larger veins, but spider veins are cosmetic and the cost is $350 per hour.

"I usually can get all of the spider veins in one hour," Howell said.

Most treatments are noninvasive and do not require surgery, he added.

"All treatments are in the office," Howell said. "No more hospitalizations, back to your normal activity the next day."

Howell emphasized calling for an appointment with your health care provider if varicose veins are painful, become worse or complications occur with fever, redness of the leg or leg ulcers.

Howell is experienced in primary care medicine, including advanced treatment for varicose veins, in-office cosmetic procedures and physician-directed weight loss. Working with Access Health Care since 2006, he also completed Harvard University's intensive review of internal medicine course and exam in varicose vein treatment, facile contouring and non-surgical rhinoplasty.

Access Health Care, LLC offers two locations: 14690 Spring Hill Drive, Suite 104 in Spring Hill and 7625 Cita Lane, Suite 102 in New Port Richey.

To schedule an appointment, call (727) 375-7000 or visit www.accesshealthcarellc.net.