At the Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City, we help people with varicose vein treatments every day. We like to keep our customers happy and help them understand the process as thoroughly as possible. One of the things we see is that sometimes a patient will arrive ready to have their varicose veins removed ASAP. Because we know that many people suffer with varicose veins for years before finally taking action, we’re very happy that they’ve made the decision to have it taken care of. Usually, however, due to insurance regulations, we have to try “conservative measures” before jumping right into a procedure.
Trying Conservative Measures First
Be prepared to wait after your diagnosis for any kind of treatment. In many cases, insurance requires that conservative measures have been tried for 6 to 12 weeks. This could include wearing compression stockings, elevating your leg(s), exercise, weight loss, anti-inflammatory medication, and hot/cold packs. We understand that if you have finally decided to pull the trigger and are anxious to get rid of your varicose veins, this waiting period can be frustrating. But, that’s all the more reason to make an appointment and get the ball rolling now.
TIP: If your primary care physician has already prescribed compression stockings, it is helpful if you have a note from your doctor or the prescription. Either of these will count toward your conservative management time period.
We Have Lots of Treatment Options
We also want you to know that we have lots of treatment options to choose from. Aside from wearing compression stockings and physically removing the veins (ambulatory phlebectomy), most of these treatments cause the treated vein to collapse and seal shut. The vein is then absorbed naturally by the body.
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Radio Frequency Ablation
Heating the vein wall using temperature-controlled radiofrequency energy to shrink, collapse, and seal the problem vein.
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Laser Vein Ablation
A tiny wire and catheter are inserted into the vein to deliver laser energy causing the vein to collapse and seal shut.
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Sclerotherapy
A concentrated saline solution is injected into the vein through a tiny needle causing the vein to shrink and collapse.
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Varithena
A “superfoam” mix is injected into the vein (used to treat larger or deeper veins) causing the vein to collapse and seal shut.
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Ambulatory Phlebectomy
A topical numbing solution is applied to the skin and very small incisions are made to physically remove the vein. This is done in-office and no stitches are required.
Don’t Put Off Varicose Vein Treatment
So now that you know it may take a couple of visits and a bit of preliminary treatment including “conservative measures” before you can schedule a treatment, book your consultation as soon as possible to get the ball rolling. You could be free of the pain and embarrassment of varicose veins in just a few months!