Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions we commonly hear from our patients. We encourage you to browse our site to learn more about vein disease and its implications.
Can varicose and spider veins be prevented?
The predisposition to develop varicose and spider veins is primarily hereditary, so in that sense it is not possible to prevent their development. However, the manifestations of this inherited disorder are significantly influenced – for better or for worse – by certain behaviors and preventative measures.
What are typical preventative measures?
Preventative measures include regular exercise, such as walking, jogging and/or bicycle riding to maintain strong leg muscles, maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding prolonged standing. Leg exercise stimulates venous circulation by working and strengthening leg muscles that contract to help pump blood back to the heart. Medical grade compression hose can delay the development of new varicose veins after initial treatment and also offer symptomatic relief.
How is endovenous laser ablation different from surgery?
Endovenous laser ablation is a safer, more efficacious and less complicated alternative to traditional "vein stripping" surgery for eliminating varicose leg veins. This minimally invasive, office based procedure provides excellent outcomes with short treatment times and a quick, comfortable recovery. Numerous clinical studies have found that the risks and discomfort of surgical vein stripping are far greater, while the outcomes are much poorer, than those of laser ablative techniques.
I‘ve been told I need vein stripping to treat my varicose veins. Do you recommend this?
Clinical studies in the medical literature clearly indicate the superiority of endovenous laser ablation and associated procedures. Therefore, we never recommend vein stripping, although we occasionally recommend adjunctive surgical procedures.
If I‘ve had vein stripping, why are my varicose veins back? Can I have another procedure to treat these veins?
Venous anatomy is significantly altered in patients who have previously undergone vein stripping, making treatment more complicated. However, patients can certainly expect significant improvement with subsequent endovenous treatment.
Can veins grow back after they are eliminated?
The treated veins do not regrow, whereas new veins can form. Since the inherited abnormality in vein wall structure persists, these veins too become enlarged and varicose. However, the rate of progression and degree of enlargement is usually significantly less in patients who have undergone treatment.
If the vein is sealed, where does the blood go? Will this affect blood circulation?
Blood will be directed into other, normal veins. In fact, people with severe venous insufficiency and varicose veins have an abnormally large amount of blood pooled in their abnormal veins. Circulation and symptoms are improved by elimination of the abnormal venous circulation.
What happens if I don‘t undergo treatment?
Vein disease is an inherited, chronic and progressive condition. Therefore, varicose veins and spider veins will not improve on their own. The signs and symptoms of this disease will worsen over time, leading to more serious problems such as leg pain, infection, and skin ulceration and breakdown. As with most diseases, treatment is more complicated and outcomes are poorer when treatment is delayed.
What are the risks and side effects of treatment?
Serious complications are extraordinarily rare, both in our experience and as reported in the medical literature. Common minor side effects include mild redness, bruising, and tenderness in the treated area. Sclerotherapy injections and intense pulsed light treatment may transiently darken skin. These effects will subside over a short period of time and should not prevent you from participating in your normal daily routine.
Can patients with darker skin be treated with a laser?
This depends on the type and wavelength of the laser we use and the conditions we are treating. We can perform endovenous laser ablation of varicose veins in patients of all skin types. Some surface vein devices, like intense pulsed light, should be used on patients with light skin, so we may recommend other solutions for patients with dark skin.
How should pregnancy affect the timing of treatment?
It is common for pregnancy to accelerate venous insufficiency and varicose vein formation. Thus, there is a growing consensus that women should be treated before pregnancy so that they ultimately develop less severe venous abnormalities.
Do insurance companies pay for vein treatment?
Some insurance companies pay for treatment, depending on the degree of vein disease and perceived "medical necessity." For example, many insurance companies will cover treatment for varicose veins associated with substantial pain, skin abnormalities and lifestyle limitations. Since spider veins by themselves are not considered a health risk, most sclerotherapy injections and pulsed light treatments are not covered by insurance. You should contact your insurance provider to review your coverage for our treatments.