Questions & Answers....


How are veins treated?

Who should treat me?

Is the treatment of varicose veins just for women?

Will my health insurance pay for treatment?

Will crossing my legs cause varicose veins?

Will my treated veins reoccur?

What kind of results can I expect?

Are the treatments painful?

Will I require bed rest after treatment & can I exercise?

How soon can I return to my normal activities?

I plan on becoming pregnant soon.  Should I treat my varicose veins before, or should I wait until delivery?

If sclerotherapy is the procedure indicated for my condition, how many treatment sessions will I need, and how many injections will I be given at each visit?



How are veins treated?
Modern technology has enabled us to eliminate the traumatic procedure known as vein stripping. Varicose veins are treated with either endovenous radiofrequency (Closure Procedure), endovenous laser (EVLT), and/or ambulatory phlebectomy. Sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a solution or foam into the vein for the purpose of collapsing the vein and causing it to disappear, is usually indicated for smaller veins and spider veins.                                             (TOP)



Who should treat me?
Choose a physician who can offer you options depending on your specific condition and the type of veins involved. He/she should be board certified and trained in vascular intervention for the treatment of vein disease.                                                                   (TOP)



Is the treatment of varicose veins just for women?
Absolutely not. In our practice, one out of five patients with varicose veins are men. However, rarely do we see men with spider veins.
                                                                                         (TOP)



Will my health insurance pay for treatment?
Every condition is considered on a case-by-case basis. Generally, insurance companies do not reimburse for cosmetic spider veins. The presence of varicose veins constitutes venous insufficiency, and it is almost always reimbursable by health plans, including Medicare.
(TOP)



Will crossing my legs cause varicose veins?
Scientifically, this has never been proven. However, it has been proven that leg crossing and sitting causes extra venous compression which decreases the upward flow of blood through the veins, causing it to pool in the veins below, increasing the venous pressure, and theoretically forming varicose and spider veins.                     (TOP)



Will my treated veins reoccur?
The veins that we treat and eliminate are gone forever. However, you are prone to this progressive disease, and some of the thousands of healthy veins you presently have may become unhealthy veins as you grow older. At least yearly check-ups are essential to stay ahead of the game.                                     (TOP)



What kind of results can I expect?
Every patient responds differently to treatment. Veins do not disappear magically. The process of vein destruction can take up to two weeks after treatment, then the residual vein debris is reabsorbed by your body, and fading takes place. This rate of reabsorption or fading varies depending on your skin type and the type of procedure performed. Regardless which treatment method is used, its success depends largely on accurate diagnosis and assessment of the problem by a knowledgeable and experienced vein specialist. (TOP)



Are the treatments painful?
Treatment procedures are well tolerated and minimal discomfort is associated with all treatments. Local anesthesia is used for Closure, EVLT, and ambulatory phlebectomy. Sclerotherapy does not require anesthesia.
                                                                                         (TOP)



After treatment, can I exercise?
For approximately one month after treatment, walking 30-60 minutes each day is recommended to maintain blood flow within the deep veins.  Vigorous excercise is discouraged during the first post procedure week to allow healing of the treated veins.             (TOP)



How soon can I return to my normal activities?
It depends on your line of work and how your legs feel. Most patients return to their daily routine immediately. Remember, the only restriction is strenuous exercise.                                           (TOP)



I plan on becoming pregnant soon. Should I treat my varicose veins before, or should I wait until after delivery?
We recommend you treat your varicose veins before pregnancy and start with a clean slate. Your pregnancy will be much more comfortable, and the likelihood of potential complications, like blood clots, is reduced. You may develop additional veins, but many may actually resolve themselves after delivery and the problem will not be as severe.                                                                          (TOP)



If sclerotherapy is the procedure indicated for my condition, how many treatment sessions will I need, and how many injections will I be given at each visit?
The number of treatments and injections vary with each patient depending on the extent of the disease. To obtain maximum results, your physician will customize the dosage of the sclerosing agent and the type of sclerosing agent to be used for your procedure.    (TOP)