Why See A Vascular Surgeon

With all the different kinds of doctors, surgeons, and health specialists there are, chances are you may not know exactly what a vascular surgeon is. If you’re not sure what a vascular surgeon is, you’re not alone! According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, their most visited page on their website is their “What is a Vascular Surgeon?” article. 

Vascular surgeons are doctors who specialize in treating diseases or issues in your vascular system-- the system your body relies on to circulate blood, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, and blood cells throughout your organs. These doctors check on and monitor the health of your blood vessels to make sure there are no “traffic jams” or blocks in your vascular system that may obstruct the flow of blood. While vascular surgeons are certainly capable of performing surgery on patients when needed, many vascular surgeons can treat patients without any surgery. 

Depending on your lifestyle or prior health conditions, you may want to begin seeing a vascular surgeon to check on your vascular system. Before you make an appointment to see a surgeon, here are some of the most asked questions and answers about vascular surgeons, and why it’s so important to see one:

1. Why can’t my own doctor check on my vascular system?

Though your regular doctor may be highly qualified and skilled, your primary physician may refer you to a vascular surgeon if they feel you need a more detailed diagnosis and treatment plan. Remember, vascular surgeons are specialists, and are here to treat you in the most comprehensive way they know how. 

2. How do I know I need to see a vascular surgeon? 

Like we previously stated, your primary care physician may refer you to one if they think you need further treatment than what they can give you. You may be referred to a vascular surgeon if you have pain in your legs, peripheral arterial disease, spider veins (dilated, small veins), or varicose veins (enlarged veins). You may also consider seeing a vascular surgeon if you are a smoker, diabetic, or have high blood pressure. 

3. Will my vascular surgeon perform surgery on me?

Vascular surgeons may perform surgery on you if they think your condition will benefit from a procedure, however, they can also treat you in many other different ways. Depending on your condition and the severity of it, your vascular surgeon is there to make sure you understand all of the treatment options before you choose to have surgery. Many cases may be treated in a change in lifestyle, meditation or exercise, or small surgeries that require only a small incision, rather than open surgery.

Are you looking for treatments for Varicose Veins or Spider Veins? Contact Vein & Laser Center today to set up a time to discuss your options by visiting our website or calling us at 815-744-0005.

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Sources:

https://vascular.org/news-advocacy/why-do-you-need-see-vascular-surgeon

https://vascular.org/patients/what-vascular-surgeon