Vein Removal Technology

Vein Treatment

At Ashpole Plastic Surgery, we understand that visible veins can
affect both your confidence and health. Our advanced vein treatment
options address spider veins and varicose veins, helping you achieve
clearer, healthier-looking skin while preventing potential complications.

Varicose Vein Symptoms

If you have varicose veins, you might notice these symptoms:

  • Legs that ache or feel heavy
  • A burning or throbbing feeling in your legs
  • Muscle cramps, usually at night
  • Swelling in your ankles and feet
  • Itchy skin around the veins
  • Skin that looks darker around the veins
  • Sores or ulcers that don't heal (a sign you need medical attention)
  • Pain that gets worse after sitting or standing for long periods

While varicose veins don't usually cause serious health problems, they can lead to complications like blood clots if left untreated. If you notice any of these symptoms, especially skin changes or sores, it's important to have them checked.

Cutting-edge technology

Vein Removal Techniques

At Ashpole Plastic Surgery, we offer multiple proven techniques for vein removal and treatment:

Sclerotherapy

Our most versatile vein treatment option, sclerotherapy effectively addresses both spider veins and varicose veins. This procedure involves carefully targeted injections that work with your body's natural processes to safely close affected veins. The solution causes controlled scarring within the vein, leading to its gradual disappearance as your body naturally redirects blood flow to healthier vessels.

Foam Sclerotherapy

This innovative treatment represents an advancement in vein removal technology. The specialized foam solution provides enhanced contact with vein walls, making it particularly effective for treating larger varicose veins. The foam's unique properties allow for more thorough treatment with less solution, often resulting in better outcomes for certain types of vein conditions.

Laser Vein Treatment

Our non-invasive laser treatment uses precisely controlled light energy to gradually reduce visible veins without any incisions. This advanced technology delivers powerful bursts of light that target the vein while leaving surrounding tissue unaffected. Over time, treated veins fade and disappear, revealing clearer, more even-toned skin.

Advanced Surgical Options

For more severe vein conditions, we offer specialized surgical vein options. High ligation and vein stripping provides comprehensive treatment for problematic veins through minimal incisions. Ambulatory phlebectomy allows for precise removal of surface veins through tiny skin punctures, while endoscopic vein surgery offers a solution for the most challenging cases using advanced visualization technology.

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Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins

What's the Difference?

What are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are smaller than varicose veins and appear as thin red, purple, or blue lines just under your skin. While they rarely cause pain, many people want to remove them for cosmetic reasons. Spider veins can show up on your legs or face and often look like a spider’s web.

Causes of Spider Veins

Spider veins can be caused by the backup of blood as well as by hormone changes, exposure to the sun, and injuries.

Common Treatments:

  • Sclerotherapy
  • Laser surgery

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins show up as large, raised veins that often look twisted or bulging. They happen when the valves inside your veins stop working properly, causing blood to pool instead of flowing back to your heart. While anyone can get them, they’re more common if varicose veins run in your family or if you spend a lot of time on your feet.

Causes of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside your veins stop working correctly. Several factors can increase your risk:

  • Age (veins naturally lose elasticity over time)
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Pregnancy
  • Sitting or standing for long periods
  • Family history of vein problems
  • Hormonal changes
  • Lack of regular exercise

Varicose Vein Treatments

  • Sclerotherapy
  • Laser surgery
  • Ambulatory phlebectomy
  • Endoscopic vein surgery

Varicose Veins and Pregnancy

Another Way Your Body
Changes While Pregnant

Pregnancy changes the body in such a way that women are much more likely to suffer from varicose veins. The American Pregnancy Association details the different factors that contribute to varicose veins during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body experiences an increase in total blood volume, while at the same time, the blood from your legs travels up to your pelvis at a slower rate. Additionally, pregnancy puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, the vein responsible for bringing blood from the legs and feet back to the heart.

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Varicose veins are hereditary, meaning they run in the family. While you can’t prevent the changes that will occur in your body during pregnancy, there are some ways to minimize the risk of developing varicose veins. The American Pregnancy Association recommends:

  • Avoid wearing high heels (they make correct circulation more difficult).
  • Exercise (make sure you consult with a Chicago vein doctor about what exercise is safe for you).
  • Drink plenty of water and eat enough fiber to avoid constipation.
  • Don’t cross your legs while sitting.
  • Eat less salt.
  • Wear compression leggings (just nothing too tight to cut off circulation).

What to Expect

On the Day of Your Procedure

Learn about what to expect and how to prepare for your treatment.

Before Your Treatment

Getting ready for your vein treatment is straightforward. Plan to wear loose, comfortable clothes that can easily fit over compression stockings after your procedure. If you'll be receiving any type of sedation during treatment, make sure to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward. Our team will provide specific preparation instructions during your consultation, and we encourage you to ask any questions you have about the procedure.

During Your Visit

Your comfort is our top priority throughout your treatment. We begin by thoroughly cleaning your skin and applying a local anesthetic to ensure you don't feel any pain. Depending on which treatment you're receiving, we'll then proceed with either injections or laser therapy. Most vein treatments take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete, and you'll remain comfortable throughout the entire process.

After Treatment

Recovery from vein treatment is typically uncomplicated. You'll leave wearing compression stockings, which help your body heal properly. Most people can walk and move around normally right after treatment, though you might notice some bruising that typically fades within a few days. It takes several weeks to see your full results as the treated veins gradually fade. Throughout your recovery, our team remains available to answer any questions or concerns you might have.

Schedule Your Consultation

Discuss Your Options with Dr. Ashpole

Ready to do something about your veins? We're here to help. Call us at (847) 884-8346 to schedule your consultation. We'll examine your veins and create a treatment plan that works for you.

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Vein Removal: How Safe is It?

Is losing a vein a problem?

You may be wondering if losing a vein is risky. Losing an engorged vein has no negative consequences for your body! Healthy veins are unaffected, and they continue to function and transport blood away from your heart.

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Fact or Fiction?

Learn what is and isn’t true about
vein removal options.

Misconception #1

The only treatment for varicose veins is surgery, which will leave a large incision scar.

While this may have been true a few years ago, today varicose veins can be treated effectively without invasive surgery. Nowadays, smaller veins can simply be treated with sclerotherapy. This involves injecting a chemical into the vein that helps the vein to close and will minimize or get rid of its unsightly appearance. These drugs are always FDA-approved. Bigger veins are also treated non-surgically. An endovenous laser technique is used to solve bigger vein problems in the legs.

Misconception #1

I’ll have to undergo anesthesia and have considerable downtime if I want to get rid of my varicose veins.

Thanks to the updated technologies and techniques in varicose vein removal this is no longer the case. Your varicose veins can be treated in the office with no anesthesia required. This means you can drive yourself in and out of treatment. When surgery was necessary, people had considerable downtime after the procedure was done. Luckily, this is no longer the case. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, you can return to daily activities the moment your treatment is done.

Misconception #1

Varicose vein removal is too expensive for me.

Varicose veins can be removed at almost no cost to you. Many insurances cover different varicose vein removal procedures. While you may be responsible for a co-pay or a deductible, you won’t have to break the bank to get rid of your varicose veins. Check with your insurance to see their policy on varicose vein removal procedures.

Advanced Treatment Options

Advanced Vein Removal Procedures

These advanced procedures are all safe and effective options for
vein removal when traditional treatments have failed.

Sclerotherapy

This procedure has been in use since the 1930s to treat both varicose and spider veins. It involves your doctor injecting small- and medium-sized varicose veins with a solution that scars and closes the veins. In a few weeks, the treated veins should fade from view.

High Ligation and Vein Stripping

This procedure involves tying off a vein before it joins a deep vein and removing the vein through small incisions. This approach is an outpatient procedure for most patients, and removing the vein will not adversely affect the circulation in your leg. The veins deeper in the leg will take care of the larger volumes of blood.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Dr. Ashpole will remove smaller varicose veins through a series of skin punctures. This is an outpatient procedure, and only the parts of your leg that are pierced are numbed. Scaring is generally minimal.

Endoscopic Vein Surgery

This procedure is usually performed in advanced cases involving leg ulcers if other approaches have failed. Your surgeon uses a thin video camera inserted into your leg to visualize and close varicose veins and then removes the veins through small incisions. This procedure is also performed on an outpatient basis.

Why Choose Bradley Ashpole to get your Veins Removed

Why Choose Us

Vein removal is a delicate procedure and should be
entrusted to the very best.

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  • Dr. Bradley Ashpole, MD, is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and Specializes in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
  • Dr. Ashpole recognizes that each person has individual needs and it is important to make sure that every patient is well-informed, has realistic expectations, and is comfortable and confident with their choices.
  • Dr. Ashpole completed his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training in New York City at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, one of the oldest and most acclaimed programs in the country.
  • Dr. Ashpole has been inducted into the Leo M. Davidoff Society in recognition of his outstanding achievements in teaching

Insurance Coverage

If you are a symptomatic patient, the procedure will probably be covered by private insurance or Medicare. For assistance, do not hesitate to call us at 847-884-8346 to discuss the costs and insurance requirements associated with endovenous laser ablation.

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Schedule Your Vein Removal Consultation Today

Consult with Chicago vein specialist Dr. Ashpole about your condition and discuss your goals. Together, you will decide on a treatment plan that’s right for you.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who is at risk for developing varicose veins?

    Women naturally have a higher chance of developing varicose veins, especially women who are pregnant. However, it is important to keep in mind that roughly 42 percent of men experience varicose veins by the time they turn 60. Family history is one of the biggest factors that determine whether or not you will develop varicose veins.

    If you don’t get your varicose veins removed, they may result in skin sores, skin ulcers, blood clots or even deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is best to get your veins treated as soon as possible to reduce your risk of developing complications down the road.

    Are you ready to make a change to your body and your confidence? Contact our team at Ashpole Plastic Surgery today!

    There is a misconception that when Botox is administered, it results in a frozen or numb facial appearance. In simpler terms, patients may feel like they will no longer be able to make facial expressions. This is why it is important to find a qualified surgeon with years of experience administering Botox, as they will be able to judge how much Botox you need and help judge the size of your muscles.

    Botox is extremely effective in temporarily reducing wrinkles! Whether you have forehead lines that you don’t like or you want to get rid of frown lines or crow’s feet, the highly purified toxins in Botox can help erase them!

    The side effects of Botox in Itasca are typically mild and short-lived. You can expect slight bruising, and, in one to five percent of cases, Botox may cause mild droopiness of the eyelid or the eyebrow. This usually goes away within two weeks.

    Though it’s often the best option if your condition has progressed, you can also take measures to avoid varicose and spider veins besides vein treatment. To reduce your chances of developing unsightly veins, it’s important to exercise, avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time, maintain a healthy weight, and/or use compression stockings.

    Patient Testimonials

    Read What Our Patients Are Saying

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    on 130 reviews
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    on 89 reviews

    I had a breast augmentation with Dr. Ashpole in February and the end result was perfect!

    The entire process was so easy from consultation to final recovery appointment. Cannot recommend him and his team enough!

    A.J.

    Dr Ashpole and his staff are incredibly nice

    Pleasant, knowledgeable and patient with any and all of my questions and concerns. They were efficient and very easy to schedule appointments with. Highly recommend!

    A.T.

    Dr. Ashpole initial consultation was great

    Dr. Ashpole initial consultation was great because he took the time to answer all my questions and clear all doubts. The follow up care was excellent as well as the professionalism of his staff.

    P.S.

    Very thorough and professional.

    Since my initial consultation with Dr. Ashpole my experience, treatment, and overall care has been a positive one; very thorough and professional.

    L.M

    Dr. Ashpole was very open and honest and patient

    with all his information and answering my questions. He is very open to talk to you on follow ups and concerns. I would continue to use him for future procedures.

    C.B