If you are struggling with veins or vascular problems, you will have to hear words like vein specialist and vascular surgeon. While both professionals treat blood vessels problems, their expertise and treatment methods vary. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right doctor for your condition.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• What a vein specialist does?
• What a vascular surgeon does?
• Key differences between the two
• When to see each specialist?

Types of vein doctors

Most vein doctors fall into one of three subgroups that each have varying qualifications:

• Board Certified Vascular Surgeon
• Phlebologist
• Vein Specialist

What is a Phlebologist?

A phlebologist has medical training and specialization in the treatment of various venous diseases. In particular, phlebologists treat diseases such as varicose veins, blood clots disorders, spider veins and other small vascular conditions. The qualification to become a phlebologist is less stringent than the standard board-certified vascular surgeon. In fact, any doctor who has had a residency in the recognized American Board of Phlebology specialty and passed a written qualification examination can claim a board certification.

This title does not represent competence and training in surgical, vascular fields. It’s very confusing if these physicians use this alternative board certification to indicate that they have a high level of training in the area. A phlebologist should only treat cosmetic veins issues and diseases, as they don’t have hospital privileges and they are not ready to manage and treat postoperative matters that may arise. In particular, this means that in case of a problem, the patient will be sent to the hospital emergency room where a board-certified vascular surgeon would treat the patient.

1. What is a Vein Specialist?

Vein specialist is a doctor who focuses mainly on vein-related conditions, especially in the legs. They diagnose and treat the following problems:

• Varicose veins (swollen, twisted veins) 
• Spider veins (tiny visible veins)
• CVI (poor blood flow in veins)
• DVT (blood clots in deep veins)
• Leg ulcers caused by vein problems

Types of Vein Specialists

Vein specialists can come from various medical backgrounds, including:

• Dermatologist (skin doctor) who specialize in vein treatment
• Radiologists who perform vein procedures using imaging
• General surgeon obtain additional training in vein care

Common Treatments by Vein Specialists 

Vein specialists use minimally invasive techniques, such as:

• Sclerotherapy is a procedure where injecting a solution to close spider veins 
• Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) (laser therapy for varicose veins) 
• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) (heat treatment to seal faulty veins) 
• Compression therapy (special stockings to improve circulation) 

Since vein specialists focus on cosmetic and medical vein related problems, they usually don’t do complex surgeries.

2. What is a vascular doctor (surgeon)?

Vascular surgeon is a highly trained expert who treats all types of blood vessel problems – not just the veins. They treat conditions in arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels throughout the body.

Vascular surgeons handle more complex and life-threatening conditions, such as:

• Aneurysms (bulging blood vessels that can burst) 
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) (blocked leg arteries) 
• Carotid artery disease (narrowing neck arteries, leading to stroke risk) 
• Dialysis access surgery (for kidney failure patients) 
• Limb salvage procedures (preventing amputations in severe PAD) 

Training & Expertise 

Vascular surgeons complete:

• Medical school (4 years)
• General surgery residency (5 years)
• Vascular surgery fellowship (2+ years)

This makes them experts in both surgical and non-surgical treatments for vascular diseases. 

Common Treatments by Vascular Surgeons 

They perform a mix of surgical and minimally invasive procedures, including:

• Bypass surgery (redirecting blood flow around blocked arteries)
• Angioplasty & stenting (opening clogged arteries with a balloon and mesh tube)
• Endarterectomy (removing plaque from arteries)
• Laser atherectomy (using lasers to clear artery blockages)
• Varicose vein surgery (for severe cases) 

Unlike vein specialists, vascular surgeons handle emergency cases, such as ruptured aneurysms or acute blood clots.

3. Key Differences between a Vein Specialist and Vascular Surgeon

4. When Should You See a Vein Specialist?

You should consult a vein specialist if you have:

• Visible varicose or spider veins
• Leg pain, swelling, or heaviness (worse after standing) 
• Itchy or discolored skin near veins 
• Slow-healing leg wounds (venous ulcers) 
• History of blood clots (DVT)

Since vein specialists use non-surgical treatments, they’re ideal for early-stage vein issues. 

5. When Should You See a Vascular Surgeon?

You should see a vascular surgeon if you have: 

• Severe leg pain when walking (sign of blocked arteries) 
• Sudden numbness/weakness (possible stroke signs) 
• Bulging artery (aneurysm) 
• Non-healing foot wounds (due to poor circulation) 
• Kidney failure needing dialysis access 

Vascular surgeons handle advanced vascular diseases that may require surgery or emergency intervention. 

6. Can One Doctor Be Both? 

Yes! Some doctors train in both fields: 

• A vascular surgeon may also perform vein treatments. 
• A vein specialist with surgical training might handle minor vascular surgeries. 

However, most vein specialists stick to non-surgical treatments, while vascular surgeons deal with complex cases.

7. How to Choose the Right Doctor?

• For cosmetic or mild vein issues (Vein specialist)
• For severe vein problems or ulcers (Check if they offer advanced treatments)
• For artery blockages, aneurysms, or stroke risk (Vascular surgeon)

Always check before start:

• Board certification
• Experience in your specific condition
• Patient reviews

Final Thoughts

While vein specialists and vascular surgeons both treat blood vessel problems, their expertise differs significantly. Vein specialists (best for varicose veins, spider veins, and minor venous issues (minimally invasive treatments). Vascular surgeons (best for life-threatening artery diseases, aneurysms, and complex surgeries. If you’re not sure which expert to meet, contact your first doctor – they can send you to the right specialist based on your symptoms. Are your veins painful and emerged? A vein specialist can help you. Are you feeling symptoms of leg cramps, cold legs/feet or stroke symptoms? A vascular surgeon is the best option for you.