Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose a Vein Center

It seems that everyone is now offering spider and varicose vein removal and these procedures are being offered in many different environments from the salons and spa settings to physician’s offices and free-standing medical clinics. How do you begin to choose the best option to meet your needs?

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If you chose to be treated in a medically based practice you will receive a comprehensive evaluation of the blood flow in the affected area. The physicians are able to use the state of the art technology to determine the underlying causes of your vein problems and therefore get much better result by getting at the root of the problem as opposed to just dealing with a quick cosmetic fix. Vascular surgeons are very familiar with the anatomy and physiology, which is so important in individualizing treatment for each patient. Determining the cause of the problem is the first step in achieving a long-term and durable solution to your vein problems.

After completion of a comprehensive evaluation, there are many techniques that can be used depending on the underlying cause of the problem. Often surface laser can remove small spider veins. Physicians are also able to use the laser intravenously to treat the deeper varicose veins. Injections may also be used depending on the root cause of the vein problem. It requires a thorough evaluation by a vascular expert to determine the right course of treatment for each individual so that you can achieve your desired outcome. A comprehensive vein center will also include a follow-up visit in your treatment plan to assure the best results possible were achieved.

Most people are able to return to normal activity the same day of treatment. In fact, it is recommended to be active following the procedure. Support hose are strongly recommended for the first 1-2 weeks following the procedure to get the best possible results.

Depending on the recommended treatment, most procedures will be covered by insurance including Medicare. Be sure and check with the billing department to clarify your insurance coverage.

Varicose and spider veins are evidence of blood pooling in the veins as a result of the valves inside the veins not working properly. It is often a genetic condition that can be aggravated by being on your feet for long periods of time and is also common during and after pregnancy. Varicose veins are the bulging type veins in the deeper vein system. Varicose veins can be very painful, leaving the legs feeling heavy and tired. People will often complain of fatigue after being up on their feet. Spider veins are web-like discolorations on the surface of the skin. They are not usually uncomfortable but are often unsightly, making people feel self conscious about the appearance of their legs.

Varicose veins are more common in women than in men, and are linked with heredity. Other related factors are pregnancy, obesity, menopause, aging, prolonged standing, leg injury and abdominal straining. Varicose veins are bulging veins that are larger than spider veins, typically 3 mm or more in diameter.

Telangiectasias, or spider veins, are small enlarged blood vessels near the surface of the skin; usually they measure only a few millimeters. They can develop anywhere on the body but commonly on the face around the nose, cheeks, and chin. They can also develop on the legs, specifically on the upper thigh, below the knee joint, and around the ankles.

These are actually developmental abnormalities but can closely mimic the behavior of benign vascular neoplasms. They may be composed of abnormal aggregations of arterioles, capillaries, or venules.

When phlebitis is associated to the formation of blood clots (thrombosis), usually in the deep veins of the legs, the condition is called thrombophlebitis. Phlebitis is a common complication of Lupus.

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