Do you see bulging, twisted veins on your legs that ache or feel heavy by the end of the day? Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic concern; they can signal underlying vein disease that affects your comfort and circulation.
At Espinoza Vein Institute in Lexington, SC, Dr. Paul Espinoza and Dr. Jeffrey Mollé specialize exclusively in diagnosing and treating varicose veins. Together they provide experienced, physician-led treatment focused on lasting relief and healthier legs.
While varicose veins are only a cosmetic concern for some, they can also be a sign of a more serious vein problem.
At Espinoza Vein Institute, we offer advanced treatments to eliminate varicose veins, and just as importantly, the diagnostics and expertise to determine their cause.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted blood vessels just below the surface of the skin that cause blue and purple bulges on your legs and feet. Varicose veins can cause itching, pain, swelling and discomfort and their appearance can result in distress for many people.
Varicose veins occur when your blood vessels are weak, and the valves don’t work properly. This causes blood to back up in your veins and the veins to enlarge over time.
Risk Factors for Varicose Veins
Family history of varicose veins
Hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy
Lack of exercise or activity due to lifestyle or injury
Older age
Pregnancy
Standing for long periods of time
Diagnosing Varicose Veins
We will perform a physical exam and ask you about your medical history, symptoms and any family history of vein disease.
At our vascular lab, we use vascular ultrasound to get detailed images of your veins. Ultrasound is a safe, painless test that allows us to see how your valves are working and find any blood clots.
Our advanced vascular lab is accredited by the IAC (Intersocietal Accreditation Commission) which means that we meet or exceed the highest level of vein care standards. After we assess your veins, we create a detailed varicose vein treatment plan customized to your needs.
Varicose Vein Treatments
Varicose veins won’t go away on their own.
Before proposing treatment, we may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce your symptoms such as avoiding extended periods of standing or sitting, compression therapy to improve blood flow and/or regular physical activity to improve blood circulation.
If treatment is required, we offer a number of advanced treatment options to close or remove varicose veins and help with symptoms. We will discuss your options with you so you can make the treatment choice that’s right for your unique needs. We perform many treatments using ultrasound technology, which lets us view your veins with exacting precision.
These treatments use laser or radio waves to shrink and seal the wall of an enlarged vein, rerouting blood flow to healthy veins. Ablation improves the appearance and function of your veins and helps with symptoms. Laser and radiofrequency ablation can be used in combination with sclerotherapy, which uses an injectable solution to remove problem veins.
We use a small needle to inject a microfoam substance that fills and eliminates the affected varicose vein. Blood flow is redirected to nearby veins. Varithena is excellent for treating large or deep varicose veins.
During this treatment, we insert a thin, flexible wire into the varicose vein using ultrasound guidance. The catheter rotates, causing the vein to spasm. A special solution seals off the varicose vein, causing it to be gradually absorbed by the body.
This technique uses a special medical glue to close the affected vein and redirect blood flow to other veins. The glue is inserted into the vein using a thin catheter. The body gradually absorbs the closed vein and it disappears.
Microphlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgery where we use tiny incisions to remove very large varicose veins. We use local anesthesia to numb the area before the surgery.
Why Choose Espinoza Vein Institute for Varicose Vein Treatment
When managing a progressive condition like varicose veins, experience and precision make a difference.
At Espinoza Vein Institute, you benefit from:
Over two decades of dedicated experience in venous disease
Physicians with 25–30+ years of medical and surgical experience
Physician-only care – all evaluations and procedures performed by medical doctors
Advanced ultrasound-guided diagnosis for accuracy and targeted treatment
A wait policy that respects your time
Transparent, ethical billing practices
Relationship-based care focused on trust and long-term outcomes
At Espinoza Vein Institute, every patient benefits from the standard of medical excellence defined by Dr. Paul M. Espinoza—built on over 28 years of physician experience, including 21 years dedicated exclusively to vein disease.
Every physician on our team is personally trained and held to this same standard, ensuring expert, consistent, and evidence-based care—every time.
Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can cause more than just visible changes in your legs. Many patients notice symptoms that become more pronounced throughout the day, particularly after long periods of standing or sitting.
Common symptoms include:
Aching or heavy legs
Swelling in the lower legs or ankles
Burning, throbbing, or cramping sensations
Itching around the veins
Skin discoloration or irritation near the affected area
Symptoms often start out mild but can gradually worsen over time without treatment.
When to Seek Treatment for Varicose Veins
It’s a good idea to seek evaluation if your varicose veins are causing discomfort, interfering with daily activities, or becoming more noticeable over time. Symptoms like persistent aching, swelling, or skin changes may indicate an underlying vein condition that requires medical attention.
Early evaluation allows your physician to identify the cause of your vein issues and recommend treatment before symptoms progress. Even if your concerns are primarily cosmetic, a professional assessment ensures that any underlying problems are properly addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment needs vary from patient to patient based on the extent of the veins, where they are located, and how they respond to care. In many cases, a series of treatments using one or more techniques is recommended to achieve the best outcome. During your evaluation, your physician will outline a customized plan and walk you through the expected timeline and results.
Varicose veins are not always dangerous, but they can be a sign of underlying vein disease that may worsen over time. In some cases, they can lead to complications such as skin changes, discomfort, or more serious circulation issues if left untreated. A medical evaluation helps determine whether your condition requires treatment.
The best way to determine this is through a professional evaluation, which may include ultrasound imaging. Visible veins may appear cosmetic, but can be linked to deeper vein problems that affect circulation. A physician can assess your symptoms and vein function to determine whether treatment is medically necessary or primarily aesthetic.
Treated veins are typically closed or removed and do not return. However, new varicose veins may form over time due to genetics, lifestyle habits, or underlying vein issues. Ongoing care and follow-up can help manage your vein health and maintain your results.
Varicose veins are a progressive condition, meaning they often worsen over time without treatment. What may begin as mild discomfort can progress to persistent pain, swelling, and noticeable skin changes. In more advanced cases, untreated vein disease can lead to complications such as skin thickening or slow-healing sores near the ankles.
Relieve Pain and Restore Confidence with Varicose Vein Treatment in Lexington, SC
At Espinoza Vein Institute in Lexington, SC, we take time to listen to your concerns, explain your options clearly, and guide you toward a solution that fits your needs. Call (803) 626-9075 to schedule an appointment and take the next step toward healthier, more comfortable legs.
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