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Dr. Robert Cutchen Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Meet Dr. Robert Cutchen

In 2009, Dr. Cutchen founded Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute, a clinic dedicated solely to the diagnosis and treatment of venous disease. His goal was to provide the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options all in the comfort of his office without the need for hospitalization. Our goal is to treat every patient the way we ourselves would hope to be treated.

Read Dr. Cutchen’s full bio here

Vein Treatments Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Vein Treatments

We provide our patients with the most advanced and comprehensive vein treatments. See the difference between before and after.

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Aesthetic Treatments Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Aesthetic Treatments

We utilize the power of advanced laser technology to treat a multitude of cosmetic concerns. See what a difference our treatments can make.

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Patient Resources Albuquerque & Santa FeDo you have a question?

Discover our FAQ pages to find your answers. If you still have a question, please call us at (505) 848-8346 and we will be happy to assist you.

Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose Veins Albuquerque & Santa Fe

While many people use the terms “varicose veins” and “spider veins” interchangeably, they are not the same and require unique treatments. Both types of diseased veins respond well to outpatient treatment, making their removal accessible for all. 

What are Spider Veins and Varicose Veins? 

Spider veins and varicose veins occur when the walls of blood vessels become damaged. They have different causes and treatments, but a vein specialist like Dr. Robert Cutchen can diagnose and thoroughly treat both types.

Varicose Veins Albuquerque & Santa Fe

Are you bothered by bulging, discolored veins? Although common, varicose veins often signal a deeper problem deep within your venous system. To restore healthy blood flow, Dr. Robert Cutchen treats varicose veins and their underlying causes right in the comfort and convenience of his Albuquerque vein clinic. Most of these minimally invasive treatments involve minimal to no recovery time. 

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when normal blood flow becomes stagnant. Veins must work against gravity to return blood to the heart, so they have one-way valves to keep blood from flowing backward. When these valves become damaged, blood can back up into the superficial veins near the surface of the skin. This pooled blood causes the thick, discolored appearance of varicose veins. 

Varicose Vein Treatment Albuquerque

There has never been a better time to treat your varicose veins. “Summer-ready legs” start now! After having vein treatment at Albuquerque Vein & Laser Institute, you will no longer have to dread shorts and swimsuit season! Now that you know now is the best time to take action, let’s look at the cost of varicose vein treatment.

Pain, itching, swelling, burning, leg heaviness or tiredness, and skin discoloration are all symptoms of varicose veins – a problem that affects nearly 35% of the American population. Symptoms can worsen throughout the day and are often partially relieved by “conservative treatments”, including elevating the legs or by wearing compression stockings. However, these conservative treatments only provide temporary relief, and diseased veins can worsen if left untreated over time. The good news is that varicose veins and the vein disease that causes them can be treated in the comfort and convenience of Dr. Cutchen’s New Mexico vein center with minimal downtime and discomfort!

Varicose Vein Albuquerque

It is estimated that over 50% of Americans over the age of 50 suffer with varicose veins,* with women more statistically likely to develop them, most likely due to the effects of pregnancy and hormones on spider veins. Heredity also plays a strong role, as there is a strong tendency to inherit this disease from one or both parents. Many incorrectly consider their varicose veins to be a cosmetic issue that they must just live with – even though they will never, ever improve on their own and are more likely to progress over time. Other patients are bothered enough by the side effects of this medical condition to research their options. So how do you know if it’s time to seek vein treatment?

Spider Veins Albuquerque

Although patients often use the terms spider veins and varicose veins interchangeably, these are two separate issues that affect the health of your venous system differently. Spider veins and varicose veins are similar in that they are both unsightly AND easily treatable.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted, dilated veins that protrude above the level of the skin. Most frequently found on the legs, they often appear dark purple or blue in color and sometimes bulge out. They are typically caused by an underlying issue in the venous system, such as venous reflux (also known as venous insufficiency, which is a result of broken valves inside the veins, causing the blood to flow “backwards” in the veins. Varicose veins can lead to symptoms such as a heavy feeling in your legs, skin discoloration, swelling, and worsened pain after sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time.

There are a number of factors that can raise your risk of developing varicose veins.

  • Aging causes wear and tear on the valves in your veins.
  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause may also play a role in varicose veins.
  • Heredity is also a factor, so if members of your family have developed varicose veins, it is likely that you will as well.
  • Standing or sitting for long periods of time can also increase your risk of developing varicose veins.

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent the development of varicose veins. You may reduce your risk of this condition by improving your circulation. Exercising on a regular basis, maintaining a healthy weight, and adhering to a quality diet can definitely help. It is also important to change your sitting or standing position frequently. Once you develop vein disease, it will not get better on its own – you may be able to manage the symptoms through the wearing of medical-grade compression hose and elevation, but the diseased veins themselves will never improve and symptoms will most likely increase over time.

Vein disorders are complex and run deep – there is much more than meets the eye. And, patient treatment is never a one-size-fits-all approach, as each patient’s vein disease is different from the next. A patient who does not have big, bulging veins may need an endovenous laser ablation only. Another vein patient may need a laser ablation, followed by micro-incisional ambulatory phlebectomy (micro-incisions to remove the actual bulging veins), and yet another patient may need the addition of endovenous chemical ablation (injections) to close feeder veins.

The job of our veins is to return blood to our heart to be circulated again.  Inside our veins, there are one-way valves that permit the blood to flow up the leg and then close to prevent backwards flow with gravity’s pull. A varicose vein, by definition, has broken valves which allows the blood to flow backwards down the vein. This back pressure congests the vein, can cause it to bulge out and leads to the common symptoms of heaviness and aching in the leg.