FAQ about Vein Treatment

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins, often dark blue in color, located near -or raised above the surface of the skin. They are often a symptom of an underlying condition called vein insufficiency. In healthy veins, one way valves direct the flow of vein blood in your leg upward, toward your heart. When one or more of these valves fails to function, the blood flows in the reverse direction causing the veins under the skin to engorge and distend. This “backup” of blood flow can increase the pressure in your veins to a level that is three to four times the normal flow. The high pressure then causes veins to bulge and stretch resulting in inflammation, pain and an unsightly appearance.

Varicose veins do not suddenly appear. This condition usually takes years for signs and symptoms to develop. Many factors cause varicose veins. Although some causes are unknown, heredity and family history are common causes. Other contributing factors are age, obesity, leg trauma, pregnancy and activities and occupations that require you to stand for long periods of time.

Early symptoms may include: Pain or a heavy feeling in the legs relieved by elevation; Large twisted veins, bulging above the surface of the skin; Swelling of the ankle or lower leg; Discolored, dry, itchy skin near the ankle; A rash or skin ulceration on the ankle or lower leg There may be other reasons for any one of the above symptoms, however, two or more of the symptoms at nearly the same time may be an indication of varicose veins or other vein disorders.

Varicose veins are very common and are not generally associated with other severe health problems. However, they can be painful, bleed, be unsightly and worsen over time. Varicose veins can cause legs and feet to swell, fatigue, feel restless, and throb and cramp at night. The skin surrounding the veins may also itch and burn. In more severe cases, venous insufficiency may develop, preventing normal blood return to the heart which can lead to problems like leg ulcers, superficial thrombophlebitis or deep-vein thrombosis (blood clots).

Spider veins are red and purple blood vessels that occur in patches on the legs. The network of vessels is often as delicate as a spider’s web, which is how they get their name. They can also resemble tiny sunbursts, branching trees or small lines on the surface of the skin. Linear spider veins are commonly seen on the inner knee, whereas the sunburst or cartwheel pattern often appears on the outer thigh.

Spider veins (referred to medically as telangectasias) and varicose veins are not the same — and one does not necessarily lead to the other. Whereas, varicose veins are large, swollen and occur singularly on the legs, spider veins are delicate and tend to develop in clusters. They are, however, caused by similar factors.

Spider veins can be caused by a variety of reasons including genetics, age, trauma, hormones and often increase during pregnancy. Although spider veins do not often produce symptoms, they can along with deeper feeder veins cause itching, burning, restlessness, and leg pain. Spider veins occur most often in women, although they are also seen in men.

Typically spider veins cause itching, burning, restlessness, aching and heavy legs that tire easily, with symptoms often worsening as the day continues. Relief comes with walking or elevating the legs. Yet there are many that experience no symptoms at all except for the unsightly appearance of the veins on their legs.

If you are genetically predisposed to them, you may not be able to completely prevent their occurrence. There are, however, some preventative steps you can take to decrease the likelihood of developing varicose and spider veins including: improving your overall health, exercising to help pump blood back into your heart – preventing blood from pooling in your leg veins, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Compression Support Garments, Thermal Venous Ablation, Varithena Chemical Venous Ablation, Microphlebectomy, Ultrasound guided and surface sclerotherapy, Laser Treatments.

Varicose Veins are usually caused by a significant problem in the leg, so treatment is typically covered by most insurance companies. If you are unsure about coverage contact us to set up a consultation to evaluate your legs and we will guide you step-by-step through the insurance process.

All of our procedures are outpatient treatments and are performed in our office. You will be able to walk immediately after the procedure, and will, in most cases, be able to return to work the same or the next day at the latest.

Your ability to resume activity depends on the treatment you receive. Some treatments may require you to postpone strenuous activities for up to one week.

Varicose Vein Disease is a progressive disease process. In most cases the treated veins will not recur, but patients will form new varicose veins that will require further treatment over time.

Any individual at almost any age can be a candidate for vein treatment. A thorough history, physical, and ultrasound examination will most likely be needed to give a definitive treatment plant.

The number of treatments to provide you with the results you want to achieve will be determined during your initial consultation session where a personalized treatment plan will be developed. For most large bulging veins, one treatment is all that is needed. Spider veins do require several treatments. The average person requires 3-5 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart in order to get resolution.

It depends on the type of treatment done. Endovenous ablation can take 1-2 hours. Microphlebectomy can take 1-2 hours. Sclerotherapy usually takes about 45 minutes. It is important to note that multiple sessions of different treatment modalities could be required to completely treat your condition.