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Charleston Radiologists, PA provides services for the following facilities:
Imaging Specialists of Charleston
1241 Woodland Ave.
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 881-4020
- Full service imaging center
- Administration
- InvisiVein
- Charleston Aesthetic Laser Center
Charleston Radiologists, PA
Trident Medical Arts Building
9313 Medical Plaza Dr. Suite 308
North Charleston, SC 29406
- Interventional Radiology
- InvisiVein
- Vascular & Thoracic Specialists of Charleston
Trident Medical Center
9330 Medical Plaza Dr
Charleston, SC, 29406-9104
(843) 797-7000
Summerville Medical Center
295 Midland Pkwy
Summerville, SC, 29485-8104
(843) 832-5000
Colleton Medical Center
501 Robertson Blvd.
Walterboro, SC 29488
(843) 549-2000 |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
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Featuring Gene Phillips, M.D.
Interventional Radiologist with Charleston Radiologists, PA
Medical Director, InvisiVein
Q. What are varicose veins?
A. Varicose veins are abnormal bulging veins below the skin surface that are unsightly and often painful. They frequently cause swelling and discomfort in the legs, especially during periods of prolonged standing. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to permanent skin changes and sometimes ulceration.
Q. Are varicose veins only a cosmetic concern?
A. The appearance of varicose veins and spider veins (these are the smaller and more common variation of varicose veins) is the concern. However, varicose veins cause aching pain and discomfort. This condition may lead to serious problems if not treated.
Q. What new non-invasive techniques are available to treat varicose veins?
A. Surgery was the traditional treatment for varicose veins, but it’s invasive, moderately painful and has a slightly longer recovery period. Surgery requires the use of anesthesia, leaves a scar and a few incisions.
One of the newest non-invasive techniques in varicose vein removal is endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). The EVLT procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, requires no incisions, and usually lasts less than an hour. An interventional radiologist, a doctor specially trained in performing minimally invasive treatments using imaging guidance, can perform EVLT.
Q. How does the EVLT procedure work?
A. With EVLT, laser energy minimizes the vein walls, shrinking them and closing the faulty vein so that the blood cannot flow through it. This eliminates the bulging of the vein at its source. After the treatment, the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to the many normal veins in the leg.
The procedure leaves no visible scarring. There is minimal postoperative pain, and a quick recovery period gains immediate relief from symptoms. It is well documented that EVLT has a 98% initial success rate with excellent long-term results.
For more information on EVLT and varicose vein removal, visit InvisVein.
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