Ugly Legs & Venous Ulceration
Venous ulceration costs the US healthcare system $14.9 billion every year — yet it is curable. The wound care industry profits from treating the symptom. We treat the cause. Our board-certified vein specialists close the incompetent perforating veins responsible for ulceration, achieving healing rates over 90% and recurrence rates under 5%.
The Problem Nobody Is Solving
Chronic venous insufficiency is the underlying cause of venous ulceration. Yet the majority of patients with venous leg ulcers are sent to wound care centers where they receive compression dressings, topical creams, and bandages — treatments that manage the wound without ever addressing the cause.
The result: a 50% recurrence rate at two years using traditional wound care. Patients cycle through wound care centers for years, sometimes decades, while the underlying venous disease goes untreated.
Numerous published studies confirm that where there is any form of an ulcer — active, healed, or even one the patient didn't know about — there is an underlying incompetent perforating vein. If that perforating vein is not closed, the ulcer will return.
We currently spend 300 times more money managing this curable disease than eliminating it. That is not a medical failure — it is a financial one.
"Numerous studies have shown that where there is any form of an ulcer, healed, active, or even one that the patient didn't know about, there is an underlying incompetent perforating vein."
— Dr. Charles Mok, D.O., Founder
"We currently spend 300 times more money managing a curable disease than eliminating it."
— Dr. Charles Mok, D.O., Founder
What the Research Shows
The evidence is clear and consistent across multiple peer-reviewed studies. Ablation works. Bandages don't.
Perforator Ablation Heals Recalcitrant Ulcers
At three months, 90% of ulcers healed when at least one perforating vein was closed. No ulcer healed unless at least one perforator vein was closed. The pattern is unambiguous: close the perforator, heal the ulcer.
Laser Ablation Improves Venous Stasis Ulcer Healing
Patients who had both the great saphenous vein and perforator veins treated had significantly greater complete resolution of ulceration. The key finding: always look for perforator veins when venous stasis signs are present.
75% Healed in Six Months After Years of Non-Healing
Patients with venous ulceration for an average of five years were treated with ablation of saphenous reflux and perforators. Over 75% healed completely within six months — most within three months or fewer.
Burden of Venous Leg Ulcers in the United States
A review of nearly 100,000 Medicare records found the annual US taxpayer burden for untreated venous ulceration is approximately $14.9 billion. Treating reflux with ablation would save upwards of $100,000 per patient over their lifetime.
Traditional Wound Care: Why It Fails
- Unna Boots: Invented in 1910. Proven to be the least effective compression method. Still applied nearly 1 million times per year in US wound care centers.
- 50% Recurrence at 2 Years: Standard wound care has a 50% recurrence rate at two years — because it never addresses the incompetent perforating vein causing the problem.
- $6B in Dressings Annually: Over $6 billion per year is spent on creams, dressings, and bandages for a condition that can be eliminated with a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
- SEPS Surgery: When wound care fails, patients are referred for SEPS — a high-risk surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia. Modern ablation makes SEPS unnecessary.
Modern Ablation: Why It Works
- Treats the Root Cause: Endovenous ablation closes the incompetent saphenous vein and perforating veins — eliminating the venous pressure that causes ulceration.
- <5% Recurrence Rate: When ablation is combined with appropriate compression, recurrence rates drop from 50% to less than 5% — a 10-fold improvement.
- Local Anesthesia Only: No general anesthesia, no hospitalization, no prolonged immobility. Patients return to normal activity immediately after the procedure.
- No Absolute Contraindications: Patients with diabetes, heart failure, obesity, peripheral vascular disease, and other comorbidities can all be safely treated with endovenous ablation.
Understanding Venous Disease Severity
The CEAP classification system describes the progression of venous disease. Ulceration — active or healed — requires treatment of the underlying perforating veins.
Skin changes including atrophie blanche and corona phlebectatica. These represent early warning signs — the perforating veins are already failing.
A healed ulcer is still an ulcer for treatment purposes. The incompetent perforating vein is still present and the ulcer will return without ablation.
An open, active venous ulcer. Immediate treatment of the underlying venous reflux and perforating veins is indicated — do not wait for the wound to close first.
Treatments We Use to Heal Venous Ulcers
Our approach targets the root cause — not just the wound. All procedures are minimally invasive, performed in-office, and covered by most insurance plans.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
The gold-standard treatment for saphenous reflux. Closes the diseased vein with heat energy, eliminating the venous pressure driving ulceration.
Learn more →Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
Laser energy closes incompetent saphenous veins and perforating veins — the critical step for healing venous ulcers and preventing recurrence.
Learn more →Perforator Vein Ablation
Using a specialized radiofrequency or laser fiber, incompetent perforating veins are closed — the single most important step in ulcer healing.
Learn more →Ultrasound Diagnostics
Duplex ultrasound maps the entire venous system to identify incompetent perforating veins. If the technician doesn't find them, the evaluation must be repeated.
Learn more →Don't Let a Wound Care Center Put a Bandage on Your Problem
If you have an active or healed venous ulcer, you need vein treatment — not just wound care. Our specialists will evaluate your venous system and close the perforating veins responsible. Most treatment is covered by insurance.
Book Free Vein ScreeningFrequently Asked Questions
What is venous ulceration and what causes it?
Why do venous ulcers keep coming back?
What is a perforating vein and why does it matter?
Do I need to wait for my ulcer to heal before getting vein treatment?
Why are wound care centers still using Unna Boots?
Is venous ablation safe for patients with other health conditions?
Does insurance cover treatment for venous ulcers?
You Deserve Legs That Heal — Not Just Bandages
Our board-certified vein specialists serve Michigan and South Carolina. If you have venous ulcers — active, healed, or recurring — schedule your free vein screening today.