Varicose veins are a pain, literally. They can cause your legs to feel achy or heavy. They can burn and throb. They can even lead to muscle cramping and swelling. In extreme cases, varicose veins can lead to skin ulcers near the ankles. Vein stripping, an invasive surgical procedure where the leg was opened and […]
Spider veins are just one of many unfortunate realities of aging. These little networks of red, blue, or purple veins are visible on the surface of the legs and on the cheeks, chin, and nose. They can be due to simple aging, genetics, and your occupation. On the legs, Dr. Heeringa typically uses sclerotherapy to […]
Written by: Erin D., Certified Medical Assistant There are several procedures which can be used to treat varicose veins. One of which is called Sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy may be recommended if you have small varicose veins or so-called spider veins. These veins can be unsightly as well as painful. I am a previous patient, current employee […]
If you are already suffering from varicose veins or other vein issues, you know what kind of pain and discomfort any aggravation to your condition can cause. As the holidays approach, it pays to be mindful of the ways in which you can protect your vein health even as your routines, diet, and schedule may […]
Northern Michigan Vein Specialists accepts most insurance plans and most procedures are covered by insurance. Patients are, of course responsible for their copays and/or deductibles. There are 3 main criteria that must be met in order for your procedure/s to be covered: Symptoms: examples of symptoms are edema/swelling, heaviness, cramping, venous ulcer, discoloration, visible varicose […]
Even with all the different medical treatments modern medicine has blessed us with, surgery doesn’t always have to be a patient’s top choice. If surgery isn’t an option for you, there are conservative measures you can try at home such as leg elevation and elastic compression stockings which have shown to hold your symptoms at […]
While many patients avoid seeing a vein specialist until it becomes a cosmetic issue for them, the truth is, your veins are a critical part of your health. Prioritizing your vein health is prioritizing your overall health. Here are five signs you should make an appointment to see Dr. Heeringa. 1. Weakness in Your Legs […]
There are several procedures that can be used to treat varicose veins. One is called an Ambulatory Phlebectomy. A phlebectomy is one procedure that may be recommended if you have large, ropy, and bulging veins. These veins can be unsightly as well as painful.
I am a previous patient, current employee at Northern Michigan Vein […]
Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy & Varithena The procedure may take anywhere between 20 minutes to 30 minutes. Dr. Heeringa uses a medical injectable irritant that causes inflammation of the vein followed by fibrosis (natural healing scar) thus obliterating the vein wall. After the procedure, the medical assistant will apply Dermaka cream, followed by the placement of […]
There are many different types of ultrasound studies available to help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition. The first question we would then ask is, “What type of ultrasound exam did you have?”. Was it a venous or arterial study? If it was venous a exam, we would then want to know if it […]