Varicose Vein Ultrasound
What to Expect

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What is vein ultrasound?
Why is vein ultrasound useful?
What to expect during your vein ultrasound

Vein Specialist
Dr. Michael Lalezarian
Vein problems? Get a vein screening to help you get your legs back.
Dr. Michael Lalezarian is a double-board certified Vascular Interventional Radiologist specializing in minimally invasive vein treatments. He is a committed partner in the battle against the devastating consequences of venous insufficiency.

“I was referred to Dr. Lalezarian from my orthopedic surgeon for varicose vein treatment options. From the second I walked into the office, I was at ease and felt very welcomed from Kimberly and the staff. Upon meeting the doctor, he was so kind and fully explained my options after the initial ultrasound on both legs. I decided to go with the sclerotherapy and am so happy that I did. The procedures were quick and virtually painless but the results are life changing for me. The pain suffered for so many years and countless sleepless nights are a thing of the past.”
Vickie W, March 2022
What is Vein Ultrasound?

Why is Vein Ultrasound Useful?
During a vein ultrasound study, your sonographer is looking for obstructions and evidence of abnormal blood flow. Most cases of vein disease are caused by a physiological phenomenon known as venous reflux. Venous reflux occurs when vein damage causes blood to flow in the wrong direction and pool in the vein, which is why varicose veins often bulge from the surface of the leg. Obstructions, such as blood clots, can cause similar issues. By pinpointing the source of obstruction or venous reflux, your vein specialist can then develop a plan to treat the problem vein, and restore healthy blood flow to your leg.
Even if your vein specialist doesn’t identify any evidence of vein disease, it can still be useful to definitively rule out vein problems, and to potentially identify other vascular conditions.
What To Expect During Your Vein Ultrasound
Vein ultrasound is 100% safe and generally painless. An ultrasound study typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes. There are no special preparations required for a leg ultrasound, however, you may be standing for a significant portion of the study, and the sonographer will need to access the various parts of your legs for a comprehensive exam. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended for this reason, and you may be required to change into a gown during your appointment.
The sonographer will start by applying a clear water-based gel to your leg, after which the sonographer will place the vein ultrasound transducer against your skin at various locations along your leg. Be sure to share with your sonographer if you have any bruising or tenderness along your leg so that they can be more gentle when examining those regions. During the exam, the sonographer may make note of specific features that they’re seeing on the ultrasound monitor.
At the conclusion of the exam, the sonographer will wipe off the gel. If you changed into a gown, you will be asked to dress while the images are reviewed. Your vein specialist will analyze the images while you wait and share the results with you, and will likely discuss treatment options if relevant.
Do You Need a Vein Ultrasound?
Stages of Venous Insufficiency
Venous Leg Ulcer Treatment
Vascular Specialist in Los Angeles
Learn more about Los Angeles Vascular Specialist Dr. Michael Lalezarian.
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