Frequently Asked Questions
| What are varicose and spider veins? |
| Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging, twisted, superficial veins resulting from poorly functioning valves, usually occurring on the legs. Depending on the severity of the varicose veins, they can be considered a medical problem. On the other hand, spider veins are finer, very superficial vessels which usually occur on the legs but sometimes the face. They usually are of cosmetic concern. For more information please see Varicose Veins due to Venous Insufficiency and Spider Veins. |
| What causes varicose and spider veins? |
The cause of varicose veins is faulty valves. The valves do not close properly, therefore blood is not efficiently pumped in the direction it is supposed to flow. Gravity allows the blood to pool in the veins, causing them to distend and bulge. Heredity is the primary factor of varicose veins, although pregnancy, female hormones, and obesity can aggravate the condition. Varicose veins due to venous insufficiency affect both men and women. Spider veins usually are thought to be related to female hormones and affect women more often than men. They often appear in a fan-like pattern on the lateral thighs. Oftentimes a larger reticular vein just under the skin is feeding the superficial spider vein cluster. It is important to treat the reticular vein before the spider in order to prevent recurrence of the spider. |
| Don’t I need my veins? |
| Bulging varicose veins are incompetent veins and do not serve any useful function at all. On the contrary, they can cause aching, heaviness, fatigue, throbbing, and itching and burning sensations of the legs. Removal of these veins may actually improve circulation and relieve symptoms associated with the veins with a great cosmetic result. |
| How are varicose and spider veins treated? |
| Conservative treatment involves wearing 20-30mmHg graduated compression stockings. Compression stockings will not prevent venous disease, but if worn regularly they will slow the progression of the disease and help with some of the symptoms. Compression stockings are also to be worn for several days after having a vein procedure. Please refer to our services page for information regarding our office-based non-invasive procedures. |
| Does it hurt? |
| Sclerotherapy involves injections with a superfine needle. It is bearable and not painful but nevertheless can be slightly uncomfortable. Most patients report barely feeling the sticks. All other procedures involve a local anesthetic. The initial injections to numb the skin are delivered with a very fine needle. The field will be sufficiently numbed so that the experience is not painful. |
| Will my insurance pay for my treatment? |
Most patients treated at AV&V do have their procedures covered by their health insurer. This will vary depending on the terms of the policy (exclusions, pre-existing conditions, deductibles, etc.) as well as your venous problems. Insurers will balk at paying for the treatment of spider veins with sclerotherapy, which is considered a cosmetic concern. However, they will usually cover the interventions required for treating patients with documented venous insufficiency with the following documented criteria: |
|
| The initial evaluation and doppler examination are usually covered with a copay or deductible, depending on your policy. If we determine that you have a medical condition requiring intervention, we will then check with your insurer and get a preauthorization prior to scheduling the procedure. This preauthorization process may cause a delay from a few days to a month or more, depending on your insurance company. As soon as your insurer responds, we will contact you to schedule the procedure. |
| Is hospitalization or general anesthesia required? |
| No, more than 99% of our patients are treated here in the office under a local anesthetic. No sedation is required, and most patients drive themselves to and from the office. The use of minimally invasive techniques has allowed for less disruption and expense while at the same time offers very effective and lasting results. |
| Do I need to do anything before the procedure? |
| There is no general anesthetic involved, therefore you do not need to worry about fasting, etc. Eat breakfast or lunch as you normally do, and come as you are! |
| Will I notice an immediate difference? |
| After treatment of venous insufficiency, most patients quickly notice an improvement in the heaviness and aching of their legs. After removal of the dilated varicose veins, there may be some temporary soreness and bruising, but the varices will be gone! After sclerotherapy of spider veins, the full benefit comes several weeks after the injections. For this reason we recommend waiting 6 weeks between treatments. |
| How many treatments do I need? |
| The average number of treatments is three or four for sclerotherapy. For other procedures, the number of treatments necessary to clear or improve the condition differs with each patient and the extent of the varicose veins. This will be discussed during your consultation. |
| Will I have any stitches? |
| Usually not. Most of the incisions are so small that stitches are not required. For very large or deeper veins, sometimes a few stitches are necessary. |
| Will the veins come back? |
| Effectively treated, varicose veins do not recur. To prevent recurrence, it is important to first treat the source of the varicose veins. However, if the patient has a predisposition to develop varicose veins, other varices may become evident or develop further down the road. Occasional maintenance or touch ups over the years may be necessary. |
| How soon will I be able to return to my normal activities? |
| After varicose vein and spider vein procedures, immediately returning to walking and light activities is required. For the following days after the procedure, frequent activity is encouraged. Compression stockings are required during this period, however. |
| TO FIND A VARICOSE VEINS OR SPIDER VEINS CENTER AND DOCTOR NEAR YOU, VISIT VEINSonline.COM |
Austin Vein and Vascular Clinic