 Frequently Asked Questions about Vein Treatment
Answers to your questions about varicose and spider vein treatment, from South Valley Vein Center and Dr. Greg Williams.
Varicose Veins
Spider Veins
General Questions
Varicose Veins FAQs
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, superficial veins in which blood flow is slowed, or even reversed. Varicose disease results from stretching of the vein walls and malfunction of the valves that normally direct blood back to the heart.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by venous incompetence or reflux. Reflux, simply put, is blood flowing down a vein rather than upward toward the heart. This occurs when the one-way valves in the vein fail to support the blood as it is propelled upward. Factors associated with the development of reflux include being female, increased age, pregnancy, blood clots and jobs requiring long periods of standing.
Who can develop varicose veins?
Both men and women can develop bulging varicose veins, which often grow larger over time, becoming more of a health risk than a cosmetic problem.
What happens if you don’t treat varicose veins?
Untreated, varicose veins may lead to other health problems, they can lead to swelling, ulceration, bleeding and an increased risk for blood clots. But these symptoms may be avoided when varicose veins are treated early enough.
What are the side effects of varicose veins?
Varicose veins can cause pain, heaviness, swelling, aching, burning, tingling and itching. They often produce leg discomfort or restlessness at night. When severe, they can lead to rashes, ankle discoloration, phlebitis, bleeding, and leg ulcers. Varicose veins can also create a general feeling of fatigue. Their appearance may be cosmetically unappealing and result in lifestyle restrictions (like avoidance of shorts or bathing suits).
How are varicose veins diagnosed?
Dr. Williams performs a focused medical history and examination. South Valley Vein Center also uses the most advanced technology available for evaluating varicose veins: Duplex ultrasound. This simple, painless test measures the direction of blood flow and shows any venous reflux, precisely.
How are varicose veins treated?
There are three options in the treatment of large bulging varicose veins:
• Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT), we use the Diomed laser (the first laser approved by the FDA) for this procedure. A thin catheter is placed in the incompetent vein, then laser energy is delivered to seal the vein shut. EVLT is performed in our Bakersfield vein center under local anesthetic and most patients return to their normal activities the same day.
• Endochemical Vein Ablation (ECA), requires 3-5 needle sticks to inject the foam into the vein causing it to close. The treated veins may be tender, but are not activity limiting for most patients. Compared to the older procedure of ligation and stripping, these procedures are simpler and less painful. You may return to work or activity immediately after the treatment.
• Microphlebectomy is another in-office procedure for varicose veins. It involves making tiny punctures on the skin, allowing your surgeon to remove the affected varicose veins. The incisions are so small that no stitches are required. Most people are able to return to their normal activity in 24 hours.
Spider Veins FAQs
What are spider veins?
Spider veins, or telangiectasias, are small reddish-purple veins on the surface of the skin. They may appear anywhere on the body and vary from a single red line to dense purple clusters. Spider veins pose no significant health risks, but sometimes cause burning, itching, stinging and contribute to a feeling of leg heaviness or fatigue.
How are spider veins treated?
There are two options in the treatment of spider veins:
• Sclerotherapy has been and remains the gold standard in the treatment of spider and reticular veins. The technique involves inserting a tiny needle into the vein and injecting a solution causing the vein to close. The body will then absorb the vein.
• Laser treatment is an alternative solution and is often used to treat the tiny red veins, especially those on the face.
General Vein Treatment FAQs
How long does it take for my veins to disappear?
t depends on the treatment. EVLT is used to treat the source of the problem which is under the skin, visible only to the ultrasound. Often, the branch varicosities remain after the treatment. Microphlebectomy removes these branches, so the veins are gone when the procedure is complete (one of the advantages of this technique). Endochemical Vein Ablation involves injecting foam into the branches. Large bulging varicoties may require 8-10 months to completely disappear using this technique. Each procedure has its advantages and disadvantages that Dr. Williams will discuss with you.
How many treatments are needed for spider veins?
For spider veins most people need 3-5 sessions each lasting 20-30 minutes. The number of sessions depends on the magnitude and complexity of your vein problem. The treatments are spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
How many treatments are needed to treat varicose veins?
Generally for large, bulging varicose veins they will be treated in 1-2 sessions. Typically we do the EVLT treatment the first session and microphlebectomy or Endochemical Vein Ablation (ECA) the second session. The number of sessions depends on the magnitude and complexity of your vein problem. Only one leg is treated at a time.
Are the treatments painful?
Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy requires only 3-5 injections per leg. EVLT requires the tissue surrounding the vein to be anesthetized. This takes 4-8 injections in the leg area being treated. The treated area will be somewhat uncomfortable, but not activity limiting for about 5-10 days. Microphlebectomy also requires local anesthetic and hence injections. Afterwards, most people experience only mild discomfort for a day or two.
How much does it cost?
Treatment of large, bulging veins is often covered by insurance, including Medicare. We will try to determine this at your consultation. Reticular and spider vein treatments are not covered by insurance. You will be given an estimate of cost at your consultation.
Do you take insurance?
Yes we accept and file most major medical insurance plans. We’ll help you understand exactly what coverage you have.
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