Palmetto Vein & Surgery Center, a division of South Carolina Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, L.L.C, is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).

about us
Palmetto Vein & Surgery Center, a division of South Carolina Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, L.L.C, provides treatment for spider and varicose veins of the leg. Our vein specialist, Stephen C. Miller, MD, FACC, is board certified in both internal medicine and cardiology. We use the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques that let patients get back to their normal activities in usually just a couple of days. No general anesthesia or hospitalization is required. We provide care that’s tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Most of all, we are dedicated to giving patients the care they need to have legs that not only feel better but look better, too. Restoring legs to their healthy, pain-free, good looks is what we do with pride.

Vein Facts
Veins are the blood vessels responsible for carrying blood to the heart from all parts of the body. The blood receives help in combating the force of gravity from a series of one-way valves, which move the blood through the veins. The valves function like curved doors, spaced at intervals along the inside wall of the vein. The valves open as blood flows toward the heart and then close to prevent the backward flow of blood.

When the valves are healthy, they close tightly. When they are not healthy, they do not close completely. When the blood cannot flow backwards, it pools inside the vein and causes it to dilate, causing it to swell or expand. This can lead to painful, possibly serious, medical conditions commonly known as venous disease.
 

What are spider and varicose veins?
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but they are smaller and closer to the surface of the skin. They are often red or blue, and look like tree branches or spider webs. They can occur anywhere on the legs, and can cover either a very small or very large area of skin. They don’t bulge like varicose veins, but are often more noticeable.

Varicose veins are enlarged “rope-like” veins-blood vessels-that are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. They can be flesh-colored, dark purple or blue, and often look like a cluster of grapes. They are commonly found on the back of the calves or the inside of the legs. However, they can form anywhere on the legs, from groin to ankle. 
 

Treatment
Several options are available for the treatment of venous reflux (backflow) and varicose veins. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. After your consultation and ultrasound evaluation, our vein specialist will recommend the best plan of treatment for your medical or cosmetic needs.

Our practice offers Sclerotherapy, Laser Ablation and Ambulatory Phlebectomy.
 

Sclerotherapy
A “sclerosing” solution is injected into the vein that causes the vein wall to swell, stick together, and seal shut. This process stops the flow of blood, and the vein turns into scar tissue. In a few weeks, the vein should fade. The same vein may need to be treated more than once.

Most patients can expect a 50-80% improvement after treatment. Sclerotherapy treatments do not eliminate diseased veins after one single treatment. Patients need to be compliant with the number of sessions that are recommended to obtain the best results
 

Laser Ablation
For varicose veins, laser ablation can be used during a non-surgical, outpatient procedure. An ablation procedure is minimally invasive and requires only local anesthesia. A small catheter with a laser tip is introduced through a needle and passed up the length of the affected vein. The laser is “fired” several times inside the vein, which causes the vein to collapse.

These outpatient laser procedures require only local anesthesia, no hospitalization and a minimal recovery period. Often they can be performed in the physician’s office. In many cases the patient’s activities will not be restricted and recovery time is quick. These procedures are also extremely safe and FDA approved.
 

Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory Phlebectomy is the removal of larger varicose veins through tiny, painless incisions that do not require any stitches. It is also performed on an outpatient basis, often on the same day as the Thermal Ablation procedures. The technique prevents the formation of unsightly scars or brown staining in the vast majority of cases and avoids the need for repeated sclerotherapy treatments for larger veins. A graduated compression stocking is worn for a period of time following treatment, and daily exercise will be an important part of your treatment results.

This is a microsurgical technique to remove varicose veins. After local numbing medication is injected into the skin over the vein, tiny incisions are made in the skin. Using a hook-like instrument, the vein is painlessly removed in sections. This procedure is very well tolerated with no need for stitches and almost no downtime. Most people go back to work the following day.
 

Obtaining an Appointment

• You may first be seen by one of our providers at SCIM and be referred.

• Another physician may refer you.

• Self-referral is optional.