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Which doctor should you see for varicose veins?
Phlebologist, angiologist or vascular surgeon? Here is who to consult for varicose veins, what the doctor will ask, and how the diagnosis is made.
- Varicose veins form when vein valves fail and blood pools.
- Early on they are cosmetic, but they can progress and need care.
- See a phlebologist, an angiologist or a vascular surgeon.
- The doctor asks about symptoms, family history, work and pregnancies.
- Diagnosis relies on a duplex ultrasound of the leg veins.
Varicose veins develop when blood pools in the veins. Healthy veins return blood to the heart with the help of the surrounding muscles and of valves that stop blood flowing back down under gravity, especially in the legs. When those valves no longer close properly, blood flows back and pools, and varicose veins form. So who should you turn to?
What should you do about varicose veins?
Early on, varicose veins are usually just a cosmetic issue, and people often want to be rid of these unsightly, bulging veins. But they are not only cosmetic: if the disease progresses and more veins are affected, uncomfortable or even serious symptoms can appear. Seeing a specialist helps set up the right, targeted monitoring or therapy.
And that therapy no longer means surgery: a varicose vein can be closed without an incision by focused ultrasound (echotherapy).
Which specialist should you see?
If you have varicose veins, you can turn to one of three specialists:
| Specialist | Focus |
|---|---|
| Phlebologist | A doctor specialised in vein disease. |
| Angiologist | A specialist in the blood vessels, veins and arteries. |
| Vascular surgeon | A surgeon specialised in the blood vessels. |
Each has the diagnostic methods to assess the condition precisely, but will first want to learn about your symptoms, history and risk factors.
What will the doctor ask and check?
Beyond your current symptoms, the doctor mainly wants to know whether you are at higher risk. Because excess weight, standing jobs, multiple pregnancies and a genetic predisposition all favour varicose veins, expect questions about your family history, your work and, if you are a woman, how many pregnancies you have had.
The key test is an ultrasound scan, using Doppler or colour duplex ultrasound. It shows the venous blood flow and its direction: if some blood flows back down, there is venous reflux, a sign of venous disease. It also shows whether the valves still open and close. In most cases this is enough, though the doctor may add phlebography, which uses a contrast agent and X-rays. Curious how the treatment then works? See how ultrasound treats varicose veins.
Wondering whether echotherapy is available near you? A growing network of centres is already equipped with the SONOVEIN.
Questions fréquentes
Which doctor should I see for varicose veins?
A phlebologist, an angiologist or a vascular surgeon. Each has the diagnostic tools to assess the veins precisely.
When should I see a doctor about varicose veins?
When they cause discomfort or the disease progresses. Early on they are usually cosmetic, but a specialist can set up the right monitoring or treatment.
What will the doctor ask me?
About your symptoms and risk factors, including family history of varicose veins, your job, and, for women, the number of pregnancies.
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
Mainly with a Doppler or colour duplex ultrasound, which shows the blood flow and whether the valves still work. Sometimes phlebography with a contrast agent is used.
What is venous reflux?
When some blood flows back down the vein instead of up towards the heart. It is a key sign of venous disease, seen on ultrasound.