Varicose vein treatment in Minnetonka, MN

When to schedule an appointment

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that often appear raised, twisted or blue beneath the skin. They most often develop in the legs, where veins have to work against gravity to move blood back toward the heart. They can happen when valves inside the leg veins stretch or weaken and do not close well. Blood can then back up or pool in the legs, creating pressure that may lead to visible vein changes, discomfort and swelling.

Consider scheduling an appointment if you have:

• Bulging leg veins
• Spider veins
• Leg pain, aching or heaviness
• Swelling in the ankles or calves
• Burning, itching or throbbing near a visible vein
• Nighttime leg cramps
• Skin darkening or discoloration near the ankle
• Wounds or sores that are slow to heal
• Symptoms that worsen with standing and improve when you elevate your legs

During your appointment, you will have time with a heart and vascular specialist who will evaluate your symptoms, answer questions, and help determine whether treatment may be appropriate. Request an appointment.

What to expect at your initial appointment

A heart and vascular specialist will review your symptoms and examine your veins during your initial appointment. You will have time to talk through what you are noticing, how symptoms affect your daily life, and what you want to know before making decisions about care.

If needed, your provider may recommend an ultrasound of your leg veins. This test helps confirm whether your symptoms are related to venous insufficiency and shows which veins are affected.

This visit is a standard medical appointment and is billed through insurance. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider before your visit.

Varicose vein treatment options

Treatment depends on your symptoms, ultrasound results, vein anatomy, health history, and goals. North Memorial Health Heart & Vascular offers several minimally invasive options.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, uses heat delivered through a thin catheter to close a damaged vein. Once the vein closes, blood naturally reroutes through nearby healthy veins. RFA is performed with local anesthesia, and many people return to normal activity the next day.

VenaSeal™

VenaSeal uses a medical adhesive to close the affected vein through a small catheter. Because it does not use heat, it may be a good option for certain veins where heat-based treatment is not preferred. Many people return to normal activity the same day.

Varithena™

Varithena is a prescription microfoam treatment injected into the affected vein. The foam helps the vein close so the body can absorb it over time. This option may be used for larger varicose veins or veins that are difficult to treat with catheter-based approaches.

Microphlebectomy

Microphlebectomy removes surface varicose veins through very small incisions. It is performed in an outpatient clinic setting with local anesthesia. Some bruising or tenderness is expected afterward, but most people return to regular activity within a few days.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy treats spider veins and other small veins by injecting a solution into the vessel. The solution causes the vein to close and gradually fade. This treatment is often used when veins are too small for catheter-based procedures.

Why choose North Memorial Health for vein care

Vein symptoms can be part of a larger cardiovascular picture. At North Memorial Health, our Heart & Vascular team includes board-certified cardiologists and specialized physician assistants experienced in diagnosing and treating vein disease.

Our approach includes:

• Heart and vascular expertise: Your symptoms are evaluated by a team that understands vein disease and broader cardiovascular health.
• Ultrasound-guided diagnosis: Imaging helps confirm what is causing your symptoms and guides treatment planning.
• Multiple treatment options: Care is matched to your vein anatomy, symptoms and health history.
• Outpatient procedures: Many treatments are performed in the clinic with minimal downtime.
• Shared decision-making: Your provider will explain your options so you can make an informed decision about your care.

See the results

Before

After

Before

After

Meet our care team

Wobo Bekwelem, MD, MPH, FAHA, FACC, FSCAL, RPVI

Abdisamad M. Ibrahim, MD, RPVI

Sara Murray, MD, RPVI

Bridget M. Blake, PA-C

Frequently asked questions

Are varicose veins only cosmetic?

Not always. Some varicose veins do not cause symptoms, but others can be linked to venous insufficiency. If you have pain, swelling, heaviness, skin changes or wounds that are slow to heal, it is worth having your veins evaluated.

Is the initial appointment free?

No. The initial appointment is a standard medical appointment and is billed through insurance. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary, so check with your insurance provider if you have questions about your plan.

Do I need a referral?

Many patients can request an initial appointment directly. If your insurance plan requires a referral for specialty care, check with your insurance provider before scheduling.

What test is used to diagnose varicose veins?

Venous duplex imaging is commonly used to evaluate varicose veins and venous insufficiency. This ultrasound test shows how blood flows through the veins and helps identify valves that are not working properly.

Where are appointments offered?

North Memorial Health Heart & Vascular offers varicose vein appointments at clinics in Blaine, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Monticello, and Robbinsdale.

Is varicose vein treatment done in the hospital?

Many varicose vein treatments are performed in an outpatient clinic setting. Your care team will explain where your procedure will take place and what to expect based on the treatment recommended for you.

How long is recovery after varicose vein treatment?

Recovery varies by procedure. Many people return to normal activity the same day or the next day, while some treatments may cause temporary bruising or tenderness for a few days. Your provider will give you specific instructions.

Will insurance cover varicose vein treatment?

Coverage depends on your insurance plan, symptoms, diagnosis, and the treatment recommended. The team will help you understand next steps after your evaluation.