Can varicose veins be prevented?

It is unclear if varicose veins can be prevented, but we do know that certain actions may help limit the disease’s progression and symptoms. Routine exercise such as walking 20 minutes per day, maintaining a normal weight, avoiding excessively long periods of standing or sitting, and the use of compression stockings for at least six months may all help alleviate symptoms.

What happens if I don’t treat the vein?

If you have underlying venous disease known as reflux, the pressure created by backflow of blood and pooling in the lower legs may create a progressive condition that only gets worse with time. This may lead to worsening or additional varicose and spider veins.  Untreated, it can lead to swelling and venous ulcers at the lower calf and ankle.

Will my spider veins or varicose veins reoccur, even with treatment?

Sometimes predisposing factors such as family history, age, obesity, female hormones, and trauma may cause you to develop additional vein conditions despite treatment.  If a specific vein is properly treated, it usually does not recur, but it is possible that other veins may become diseased. This is why it is important that even if you have what appear to be simple, cosmetic spider veins, that you consult a vein specialist who can determine if you have an underlying condition (venous reflux).  It is imperative that you treat the underlying problem of reflux if it exist to prevent the occurrence of additional spider veins or varicose.

Won’t I need that vein?

The procedure we will be doing in the office to treat your condition are specifically tailored to your needs. The treatment plan is to close down the faulty vein using closure, laser or sclerotherapy. The vein being closed is dysfunctional and is allowing blood to flow backwards and pool, so leaving it open only makes things worse.  Your body contains numerous other healthy veins that are still functional and can easily take up the additional flow. We make sure we identify the faulty vein using an ultrasound guidance technique. Treatment of the faulty veins almost always results in improved blood flow in the overall vein system.

What is the cost of vein treatment?

Procedures such as laser and stripping , when shown to be medically necessary, are commonly covered by most insurances. Sclerotherapy for the treatment of spider veins is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and usually are not covered. Call us to discuss your best option for treatment.

What is Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is injection therapy for spider veins (also known as Telangiectasias) and larger surface reticular veins. It works by chemically inducing an irritation through injection of a sclerosing solution (Sotradecol or Hypertonic Saline) this solution causes the veins to disappear after passing through a healing process in which the treated veins thicken and close.

What will the treatment feel like?

The sensation experienced during the treatment could be compared to a pin prick. Some areas (such as the ankles) may be more sensitive than others.

Are there any side effects of complications from the treatments?

Serious complications resulting from injection therapy are rare. Infrequently, Sclerotherapy could cause hyper pigmentation, ulceration, phlebitis, or small blood clots at injection site.

Will the treated veins ever return?

The veins successfully treated will never return, although new ones may appear, so follow up sessions may be required.

Why do I have spider veins?

Although the exact cause is unknown, there are some risk factors associated with:

Genetic predisposition.

Estrogen relaxes the vein walls. The upsurge of hormones at puberty, use of birth control pills, stages of pregnancy and hormone replacement therapy all have been connected to the development of spider veins.

Prolonged periods of standing or sitting, standing or flying; the pressure affects the internal venous system, where the large veins cannot withstand the back pressure and balloon out into incompetent veins. These incompetent veins do not play any role in the return of venous circulation back to the heart.

Any contraindications to Schlerotherapy?

Anyone who may be pregnant, has slow wound healing issues (diabetes) or is taking any blood thinning agents (such as Coumadin, Plavix, and Aspirin) should not undergo this treatment unless medically cleared by their physician. Each condition has specific complications that must be discussed with your doctor prior to treatment.

• Advanced collagen vascular disease
• Crippling Osteoarthritis
• Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Acute Febrile illness (Fever)
• Steroid use
• Lymphedema (Chronic swelling of extremities)
• Keloids
• Severe obesity
• Acute superficial thrombophlebitis
• Needle phobia

What kind of result can I expect from Schlerotherapy?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the appearance of the treated area improves 50-90% following treatments. One should wait 4 weeks after injections to see the best results.

How long does the treatment itself take?

The session could last 20-45 minutes depending on the individual. Only a certain amount of medication is given to each area to decrease complications. 

Will I have to wear bandages after the treatment?

No bandages are required with sclerotherapy. You will be required to wear pressure stockings to prevent the veins treated from opening up again.

Will my insurance cover this procedure?

Sclerotherapy is considered a cosmetic procedure, therefore it is not covered by medical insurance. We do have information regarding payment options, please ask.

For more information about Schlerotherapy, please contact our office