Frequently Asked Questions

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General Questions

How are varicose veins diagnosed?

During a physical exam, the doctor will check your legs while you are standing. Your doctor also may request that you have a Doppler scan, an ultrasound exam to check the blood flow in the veins near the skin’s surface (called superficial) and deep veins.

When is treatment necessary?

Varicose and spider veins may require medical treatment. If varicose veins make walking or standing painful, you should ask your doctor for advice. You also should call your doctor if a sore develops on or near a varicose vein or if your feet or ankles swell. In some cases, varicose veins can be harmful to your health when they are associated with these conditions:

• Venous stasis ulcers that result when the enlarged vein does not provide enough drainage of fluid from the skin. As a result, an ulcer (open sore) may form.
• Fungal and bacterial infections may occur as the result of skin problems caused by fluid buildup (edema) in the leg. These infections also increase the risk of tissue infection (cellulitis).
• Thrombophlebitis: Inflammation of the vein due to blood clot formation.
• Venous hemorrhage: Bleeding in the vein.

Complications are more likely when varicose veins are the result of a problem or disease in the deep veins or in the perforating veins which connect the deep and superficial veins, such as deep vein thrombosis or chronic venous insufficiency. Ask your doctor if you have an increased risk of developing any of these conditions.

How is the laser performed?

A small laser fiber is inserted through into the damaged vein through a needle stick in the skin. Pulses of laser light are administered inside the vein. These pulses of light cause the vein to collapse and seal shut. After the procedure, a bandage and a compression stocking are placed on the treated leg.

Is the laser safe?

The laser ablation is extremely safe and is minimally-invasive. This endovenous procedure is done from the inside, rather than from the outside. A local numbing cream is applied to the skin prior to the needle stick.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing.

How long will the procedure take?

Generally, the procedure takes approximately 45 minutes.

What can I expect after the procedure?

Most people are able to return to normal activities of daily living immediately. A compression stocking will need to be worn for about two weeks. You may have some mild bruising, but this will resolve.

What is EVLT?

EndoVenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is a quick minimally-invasive laser procedure that has shown a 98% success rate providing relief from painful and unsightly legs to people suffering from varicose veins. Tens of millions of people suffer from varicose veins. Women are also almost twice as likely to have varicose veins.

Am I a candidate for sclerotherapy?

Before the procedure is done, you will have a consultation with a vascular medicine specialist who will tell you if sclerotherapy is right for you. You are not eligible if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are bedridden. You must wait at least three months after birth before you can be considered for this procedure. You can have sclerotherapy if you take birth control pills. If you have had a blood clot in the past, your eligibility will be decided on an individual basis, and will depend on the extremity and the reason for the clot. Veins that could be used for future surgical bypass procedures (such as the saphenous vein for coronary artery bypass graft surgery) will generally not be considered for injection, unless they are already deemed unusable for bypass procedures.

What should I wear?

You may want to bring shorts to wear during the injections, as well as your physician-prescribed support hose, and slacks to wear home. You'll be instructed not to apply any type of moisturizer, sunblock or oil to your legs on the day of your procedure.

How long does the procedure take?

A typical sclerotherapy session is relatively quick, lasting only about 15 to 45 minutes. After changing into shorts, your legs may be photographed for your medical records. You will be asked to lie down on the examination table and the skin over your spider veins will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Using one hand to stretch the skin taut, your doctor or nurse will begin injecting the sclerosing agent into the affected veins. Bright, indirect light and magnification help ensure that the process is completed with maximum precision.

Will my insurance cover sclerotherapy?

Insurance does not cover sclerotherapy when performed for cosmetic reasons. Some insurance companies cover sclerotherapy for specific medical conditions. If you have questions about the cost of the consultation, treatment or stockings, or would like an appointment to see one of our doctors, please call the Venus Vein Center directly at
856-354-VEIN (856-354-8346). We would be happy to answer your questions.