Chronic venous insufficiency affects an estimated 40 percent of adults in the United States, and varicose veins alone impact roughly 35 percent of the general population. In Middle Georgia’s 510,000-person region, that translates to tens of thousands of people living with visible varicose veins, spider veins, leg swelling, heaviness, cramping, skin discoloration, or non-healing venous ulcers. Many assume these are cosmetic issues or an unavoidable part of aging. They are neither. Venous insufficiency is a progressive vascular condition where faulty one-way valves inside the leg veins allow blood to flow backward and pool, creating increasing pressure that stretches vein walls, damages surrounding tissue, and can eventually lead to open wounds. The condition does not improve on its own and typically worsens over time. Modern vein treatment has moved almost entirely out of the hospital. Procedures like radiofrequency ablation, medical adhesive closure, foam sclerotherapy, and ambulatory phlebectomy are performed in-office with local anesthesia, require no general sedation, and allow patients to walk out the same day. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover treatment of symptomatic venous insufficiency once confirmed by duplex ultrasound. The five practices below provide vein treatment in Middle Georgia, were verified through their own business websites, and confirmed to be currently active.
1. Central Georgia Heart and Vein Center
Central Georgia Heart and Vein Center is the largest and longest-standing cardiology group in Macon, serving Middle Georgia communities for over 30 years and performing thousands of procedures and diagnostic tests annually. The practice was originally founded by Dr. John Hawkins and Dr. Mark E. Dorogy, with Dr. Zoe Jones joining as a partner in 1996-1997. Dr. Jones now serves as the most senior partner and Medical Director. Joel Hobbs serves as CEO and Mandy Coody as Operations Manager. The practice employs approximately 65 staff members including highly trained cardiac nurses, echocardiography and nuclear imaging technicians, and certified medical assistants.
The Vein Center operates as a dedicated division within the practice, located at the downtown Macon facility on Forsyth Street next to Atrium Medical Center. Dr. Amy Kingman and Dr. Wendell Ellis lead the vein treatment program, both bringing their cardiology and vascular expertise to the diagnosis and treatment of venous insufficiency. Dr. Kingman is the practice’s preventive cardiology specialist with training from the Medical University of South Carolina, concentrating in advanced cholesterol testing, lipid management, and women’s heart disease in addition to vein procedures. Having cardiologists perform vein treatment rather than general practitioners or cosmetic providers means the underlying cardiovascular health of the patient is evaluated as part of the vein assessment, not treated as a separate issue.
The practice recently moved into a new 14,000-square-foot facility on Forsyth Street in Macon that includes state-of-the-art PET imaging capability, which Central Georgia Heart describes as the only dedicated cardiac PET in Central Georgia. Vein treatment procedures offered include endovenous thermal ablation (radiofrequency catheter-based closure with a 99 percent success rate), VenaSeal closure system (a non-thermal medical adhesive that permanently seals diseased veins without tumescent anesthesia), Varithena foam sclerotherapy (FDA-approved foam injected to close varicose veins in as few as one to two needle sticks), ambulatory phlebectomy (in-office removal of bulging varicose veins through small incisions, no stitches required, under 30 minutes), and injection sclerotherapy for spider veins. All procedures are performed in-office, require no general anesthesia, and involve no hospital stay.
Beyond the Vein Center, Central Georgia Heart provides the full spectrum of cardiac care: interventional cardiology (cardiac catheterization, coronary and peripheral angioplasty, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, structural heart disease treatment), electrophysiology (ablation, pacemaker and defibrillator implantation and extraction, cardioversion, cardiac resynchronization therapy), diagnostic services (echocardiography, stress testing, nuclear cardiology, PET scans, EKG, Holter monitoring, peripheral vascular studies), and remote cardiac monitoring through Merlin, CareLink, and LATITUDE systems.
The practice operates eight locations across Middle Georgia: Macon (main office and Vein Center), Warner Robins, Milledgeville, Dublin, Montezuma, Thomaston, Forsyth, and Hawkinsville. This regional footprint means patients in smaller communities can access cardiology care locally rather than driving to Macon or Atlanta for every appointment. The medical team includes 10 physicians (Dr. Erik Schneibel, Dr. Zoe Jones, Dr. Oliver Horne, Dr. Wendell Ellis, Dr. Amy Kingman, Dr. Carmine Oddis, Dr. Carter Tharpe, Dr. Jonathan Hoffman, Dr. Brandon Elmore, and Dr. Robert Lembo) and 15 nurse practitioners and physician assistants. With over 130 years of combined cardiology experience among the physician team, the practice covers interventional cardiology, general cardiology, electrophysiology, structural cardiology, preventive cardiology, and vein care.
Hospital affiliations include Atrium Health Navicent Medical Center and Piedmont Macon Hospital, and the practice provides the Heart Card program and online patient portal through Healow for appointment scheduling, lab results, and prescription refills.
Address: 1062 Forsyth St, Suite 1B, Macon, GA 31201 Phone: (478) 741-1208 Website: centralgaheart.com | centralgaveincenter.com Hours: Mon-Fri, office hours
2. Vein Specialists of the South — Macon / Warner Robins
Vein Specialists of the South was founded in 1997 by Dr. Kenneth Harper, a board-certified surgeon and Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Dr. Harper is a graduate of Georgia College (B.S. Biology, 1975, Phi Beta Kappa) and the Medical College of Georgia (M.D., 1979), completed his surgical residency at the Medical Center of Central Georgia where he was named Surgery Resident of the Year in 1984, and holds additional credentials as a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) and Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RPhS). In early 2000, Dr. Harper performed the first endovenous radiofrequency closure procedure in Georgia, a minimally invasive alternative to traditional vein stripping. Since then, he has personally evaluated more than 30,000 patients and performed more than 18,000 vein procedures.
VSS distinguishes itself as a dedicated vein practice. Their tagline captures the focus: “Veins aren’t just one thing we do, they are the only thing we do.” This single-specialty model means the entire staff, equipment, and protocols are built around venous disease. In 2019, VSS became the first IAC Accredited Vein Center in Central Georgia and only the fourth in the state of Georgia. The vascular lab is separately accredited by the IAC for Peripheral Venous Testing, and all sonographers hold either Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) or RPhS credentials.
Terri Harper, MSN, FNP-C, serves as a nationally and internationally recognized educator on sclerotherapy and minimally invasive cosmetic vein treatments, working as an independent contractor for Aesthetic Advancements, Inc. and as a clinical instructor for the Comprehensive Vein Training Center, which VSS also operates as a preceptorship training program for other physicians learning vein care.
Treatment options include VenaSeal adhesive closure (VSS was the first to offer FDA-approved VenaSeal in Middle Georgia), radiofrequency ablation (ClosureFast), Varithena foam sclerotherapy, microphlebectomy, injection sclerotherapy for spider veins, compression therapy, and wound care for venous ulcers and lymphedema management. The practice treats the full spectrum from cosmetic spider veins to complex venous ulcers. Dr. Harper is active in the community, supporting organizations including the Big O Foundation, Covenant Care, Campus Clubs, and Strong Tower Fellowship. The Macon office is located in a historic building (circa 1929) in downtown Macon.
Address (Macon): 556 Third Street, Suite A, Macon, GA 31201 Address (Warner Robins): 151 South Houston Lake Rd, Warner Robins, GA 31088 Phone: (478) 216-4646 (appointments) | (478) 743-2472 (referrals) Website: veinspecialists.com Hours: Mon-Thu, 8 AM – 5 PM; Fri, 8 AM – 2 PM
3. Middle Georgia Vascular Surgery Center & Vein Solutions — Warner Robins
Middle Georgia Vascular Surgery Center & Vein Solutions (MGVSC) in Warner Robins is led by Dr. Allison Burkett, MD, FACS, a board-certified vascular surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Burkett’s credentials distinguish this practice: as a vascular surgeon rather than a general practitioner, dermatologist, or cardiologist performing vein work, she brings surgical-level training in the full vascular system, which matters for patients whose vein problems are connected to deeper vascular conditions like peripheral artery disease or pelvic congestion syndrome.
MGVSC treats chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, spider veins, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and pelvic congestion syndrome. The PAD and pelvic congestion capabilities set this practice apart from vein-only clinics, as these are conditions that require vascular surgery expertise to diagnose and manage properly. Pelvic congestion syndrome, caused by varicose veins in the pelvis, is a frequently underdiagnosed condition in women that can cause chronic pelvic pain.
Vein treatment procedures include Varithena foam sclerotherapy, VenaSeal Closure System medical adhesive, ClosureFast radiofrequency ablation, injection sclerotherapy for spider veins, and duplex ultrasound diagnostic testing. All procedures are performed in-office. The practice also addresses the underlying causes of leg pain and swelling rather than treating only the visible veins.
Address: 1025 N. Houston Rd, Warner Robins, GA 31093 Phone: (478) 238-5513 Website: mgvsurgery.com Hours: Mon-Fri, office hours
4. Middle Georgia Heart & Vascular Center — Macon
Middle Georgia Heart & Vascular Center (MGH) is a cardiology and vascular practice located at 6070 Lakeside Commons Drive in Macon. The practice currently has 12 physicians covering 6 specialty areas of medicine. The team is led by Dr. Bill Knopf, described as one of the most experienced and knowledgeable cardiologists in the Southeast. Dr. Knopf is a cum laude graduate of Emory University School of Medicine where he also served as a professor, and has built multiple cardiology practices over his career.
MGH emphasizes identifying patients who may face future cardiovascular problems and helping them change direction before a cardiac event occurs. The practice offers diagnostic testing and cardiovascular care with an emphasis on prevention, risk assessment, and lifestyle guidance. Physicians hold privileges at Navicent Health and Coliseum Medical Center in Macon, Houston Medical Center in Warner Robins, WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital in Griffin, and Navicent Health Baldwin in Milledgeville. Additional physicians at the practice include Dr. Thomas Meyer and Dr. David Remington.
The vascular component of the practice covers peripheral vascular assessment and treatment as part of the broader cardiovascular evaluation, making MGH relevant for patients whose vein symptoms may be connected to cardiac or arterial conditions rather than isolated venous insufficiency.
Address: 6070 Lakeside Commons Dr, Macon, GA 31210 Phone: Contact via website Website: midgaheart.com Hours: Mon-Fri, office hours
5. Georgia Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery — Macon
The Georgia Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery offers vein treatment as part of its surgical practice, led by Dr. Joshua R. Groves, a board-certified surgeon serving Macon, Warner Robins, Houston County, and Bibb County. The practice provides vein treatment using the Cutera CoolGlide laser system, which delivers laser energy into affected veins to collapse and eliminate them without incisions, stitches, or significant downtime.
This practice is positioned differently from the vascular and cardiology-based providers on this list. Dr. Groves approaches vein treatment from a cosmetic and reconstructive surgery perspective, making the Georgia Center a fit for patients whose primary concern is the visible appearance of spider veins or small varicose veins rather than underlying venous insufficiency requiring medical intervention. The CoolGlide method is non-invasive and works well for surface-level spider veins that respond to transcutaneous laser treatment. Patients typically experience mild redness for a few days following treatment.
For patients with symptomatic varicose veins, chronic swelling, or suspected venous insufficiency, a vascular medicine evaluation with duplex ultrasound (available at the other practices on this list) should precede cosmetic treatment to rule out or address the underlying structural cause.
Address: Macon, GA (serving Macon, Warner Robins, Houston County, Bibb County) Phone: Contact via website Website: georgiaplasticcenter.com Hours: Mon-Fri, office hours
FAQ
Does insurance cover vein treatment?
Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, cover treatment for symptomatic venous insufficiency once the condition is confirmed by duplex ultrasound and documented with symptoms such as pain, swelling, heaviness, skin changes, or ulceration. The diagnostic ultrasound is typically covered as well. Spider vein treatment (sclerotherapy for small cosmetic veins without underlying venous insufficiency) is generally considered cosmetic and not covered. The key distinction is medical necessity: if your veins are causing documented symptoms and ultrasound confirms reflux or insufficiency, treatment is usually a covered medical benefit. Each practice listed above can verify your specific insurance coverage before scheduling a procedure. Central Georgia Heart and Vein Center lists accepted insurance plans on their website and invites patients to call for verification if their plan is not listed.
What is the difference between varicose veins and spider veins?
Spider veins are tiny red, purple, or blue veins less than one millimeter in diameter visible on the skin surface, typically forming web-like clusters. They are usually a localized cosmetic issue at the skin level. Varicose veins are larger, swollen, twisted veins that bulge above the skin surface, most commonly on the legs. Varicose veins are typically a sign of chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where the one-way valves inside leg veins fail, allowing blood to flow backward and pool. The pooling blood creates increasing pressure that stretches vein walls and damages tissue over time. Untreated varicose veins can progress to skin discoloration, hardening of the skin around the ankles, and eventually non-healing venous ulcers. If you have varicose veins or extensive spider veins with symptoms like leg pain, heaviness, or swelling, a duplex ultrasound evaluation is recommended to check for underlying venous insufficiency before pursuing any treatment.
How long does recovery take after vein procedures?
Modern in-office vein procedures, including radiofrequency ablation, VenaSeal closure, Varithena foam treatment, and ambulatory phlebectomy, require no general anesthesia and involve minimal to no downtime. Most patients walk out of the office immediately after the procedure and return to normal daily activities the same day. Compression stockings are typically recommended for one to two weeks following thermal ablation procedures. Strenuous exercise is generally restricted for about a week. Sclerotherapy for spider veins may produce mild bruising that resolves within two to four weeks, with full cosmetic results visible within three to six months. The specific recovery protocol varies by procedure type and provider, but the consistent theme across all modern vein treatments is that hospital stays, general anesthesia, and extended recovery periods associated with old-fashioned vein stripping are no longer part of the picture.
How do I know if I need a vein specialist, a vascular surgeon, or a cardiologist for my vein problem?
The answer depends on the complexity of your condition. For straightforward varicose veins and spider veins with symptoms limited to the legs, a dedicated vein specialist (like Vein Specialists of the South) or a cardiology practice with a vein center (like Central Georgia Heart and Vein Center) will provide effective diagnosis and treatment. If your symptoms include peripheral artery disease, pelvic pain that may be related to pelvic congestion syndrome, or complex vascular conditions beyond venous insufficiency, a board-certified vascular surgeon (like Dr. Burkett at MGVSC) brings the broadest surgical scope. If your vein problems exist alongside known cardiac conditions, a cardiology-based practice ensures your vein treatment is coordinated with your overall cardiovascular care. For purely cosmetic spider vein concerns without underlying symptoms, a laser-based cosmetic approach (like the Georgia Center) may be sufficient. When in doubt, start with a duplex ultrasound evaluation at any of the vascular or vein-focused practices, as the ultrasound findings will determine the appropriate level of care.
What questions should I ask a vein treatment provider before scheduling a procedure?
Five questions that separate thorough vein care from surface-level treatment: First, will you perform a duplex ultrasound before recommending any procedure? Any reputable provider will require diagnostic imaging to map the venous system before treating. Second, do you treat the underlying reflux (the source veins) or only the visible varicose and spider veins? Treating visible veins without addressing the source is like mopping a floor while the faucet is running. Third, what are your credentials and accreditations? Look for board certification in a relevant specialty (vascular surgery, cardiology, phlebology) and IAC accreditation for the vein center or vascular lab. Fourth, how many vein procedures do you perform annually? Volume matters in procedural outcomes. Fifth, what happens if my veins recur? A provider with a comprehensive approach will have a follow-up protocol and retreatment plan rather than treating each visit as a standalone event.