Questions and Answers
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How are veins treated?
Not all veins are created equal, they should not be treated equal. Modern technology has enabled us to eliminate the traumatic and barbaric procedure known as vein stripping. Varicose veins are treated with either endovenous radiofrequency (Closure Procedure), endovenous laser (EVLT), and/or ambulatory phlebectomy. Sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a solution or foam into the vein for the purpose of irritating it and causing it to shrivel and disappear, is usually indicated for smaller veins and spider veins.

Who should treat me?
Choose a physician who can offer you options depending on your specific condition and the type of veins involved. He/she can be a Phlebologist, a Vascular Surgeon, or a Dermatologist.

I plan on becoming pregnant soon. Should I treat my varicose veins before, or should I wait until after delivery?
We recommend you treat your varicose veins before pregnancy and start with a clean slate. Your pregnancy will be much more comfortable, and the likelihood of potential complications, like blood clots, is reduced. You may develop additional veins, but many may actually resolve after delivery and the problem will not be as severe.

Is the treatment of varicose veins just for women?
Absolutely not. In our practice, one out of five patients with varicose veins are men. However, rarely do we see men with spider veins.

Will my health insurance pay for treatment?
Every condition is considered on a case-by-case basis. Generally, insurance companies do not reimburse for cosmetic spider veins. Varicose veins constitute venous insufficiency, and it is almost always reimbursable by health plans, including Medicare.

Are varicose veins caused by crossing your legs?
Scientifically, this has never been proven. However, it has been proven that leg crossing and sitting causes extra venous compression which decreases the upward flow of blood through the veins, causing it to pool in the veins below, increasing the venous pressure, and theoretically forming varicose and spider veins.

Will my treated veins reoccur?
The veins that we treat and eliminate are gone forever. However, you are prone to this progressive disease, and some of the thousands of healthy veins you presently have, may become unhealthy veins as you grow older. At least yearly check-ups are essential to stay ahead of the game.

What kind of results can I expect?
Every patient responds differently to treatment. Veins do not disappear magically. The process of vein destruction can take up to two weeks after treatment, then the residual vein debris is reabsorbed by your body, and fading takes place. This rate of reabsorption or fading varies depending on your skin type.
With our evaluation and treatment methods, our effectiveness and safety is unsurpassed. The only way to come close to perfection is to strive for it. Regardless which treatment method is used, its success depends largely on accurate diagnosis and assessment of the problem by a knowledgeable and experienced phlebologist.

Are the treatments painful?
Minimal discomfort is associated with all the procedures, and are well tolerated. Local anesthesia is used for Closure, EVLT, and ambulatory phlebectomy. Sclerotherapy does not require anesthesia.

Will I require bed rest after treatment, and can I exercise?
You will be required to walk for 5-10 minutes in our treadmill/recovery room before you are discharged home. For approximately one week after each treatment, exercise in the legs will be restricted to walking only.

If sclerotherapy is the procedure indicated for my condition, how many treatment sessions will I need, and how many injections will I be given at each visit?
It will vary depending on the extent of your problem. It's not the number of injections that determines the effectiveness of the treatment, but the type of sclerosing agent used, its dosage, and the site of the injections.

How soon can I return to my normal activities?
It depends on your line of work and how your legs feel. Most patients return to their daily routine immediately. Remember, the only restriction is strenuous exercise for the legs.