FAQ

Vein disease is the cause for a host of issues like varicose veins, spider veins, Restless Legs Syndrome, and venous insufficiency. It’s like a silent predator that can affect anyone. It is found when veins are subjected to constant strain because of several factors like age, pregnancy, genetics, and lifestyle choices.

This is where the problem begins! With constant strain comes damage to the vein valves that can’t pump blood efficiently back to the heart, causing blood to pool in different regions of the body. This damage can occur anywhere, but mostly it is seen in the legs and ankles.

Living with vein disease may feel like a never-ending battle. The symptoms can be excruciatingly painful, including leg swelling, cramping, itching, and tingling. Unchecked, it can result in serious health concerns such as blood clots and venous ulcers. For some people, this could even be life-threatening.

But worry not. You don’t have to suffer anymore. Vein treatment can relieve your discomfort, eliminate your pain, and even reduce the risk of serious complications. A wide range of treatments are available to combat this, from minimally invasive solutions to simple lifestyle modifications. So, don’t hesitate to get professional help if you feel like you may be experiencing vein disease.

If you have vein disease, you may experience a range of mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. Some patients are surprised to learn that varicose veins are not merely cosmetic. Others ask, do varicose veins itch? (Yes, they often do!) Many more suffer daily limitations due to intense pain, such as when standing. Because vein disease is progressive, your symptoms may worsen over time.

Common vein disease symptoms include:

• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Tired, aching legs
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Difficulty standing for long periods
• Non-healing wounds on your legs
• Burning in the calf or thigh
• Leg pain that feels better when you walk or raise your legs
• Itchy, dry skin

If you are experiencing symptoms, seek full evaluation by a medical professional.

Following your vein treatment, recovery will be essential to ensure the best possible outcome. To aid in healing and minimize discomfort, you will be instructed to wear support hose. In addition, you may experience some cramping and bruising in the treated areas within the first few days. Rest assured, this is temporary, and prescription medication is usually not required.

Although healing rates vary, most patients can get back to their regular activities soon after treatment. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions, such as how to care for your legs following treatment and when to apply or take medications to reduce the risk of infection.

During the first week of recovery, it’s important to avoid squatting, heavy lifting and running. You may also be asked to wear support stockings for three to six weeks, and tape or cotton balls may be applied to the treated areas before being removed when recommended by your surgeon. Additionally, it is recommended to move around frequently throughout the day while avoiding sitting or standing in one place for more than an hour or two.

Within a month, bruises should begin to diminish, and you can look forward to feeling more comfortable wearing leg-baring clothes. Most exercise can also be resumed at this point, and spider veins should be distinctly lighter within a month of the first treatment. It is still recommended to move around frequently and avoid sitting or standing in one place for too long.

After two months, your treatment should have completed its healing, and you and your plastic surgeon can decide if any additional treatment is necessary. By following these guidelines, you will be on your way to a smooth and successful recovery.

Vein treatments can be a crucial aspect of maintaining your health, as they often treat more than just the unsightly varicose veins or discolored spider veins on your legs. Did you know that insurance almost always covers this important therapy? It’s true! At our clinic, we accept a variety of different insurances, so you can be assured that you’ll be receiving the care you need.

Now, you might be wondering about the cost and factors that go into vein treatments. We’re happy to tell you that the cost usually depends on several factors such as the symptoms you’re experiencing, what type of treatments you may need, and whether they’re considered “medically necessary” by your insurance company. Speaking of “medically necessary,” let’s dive deeper into what that term means.

Venous insufficiency, or vein disease, can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms such as swelling, pain, heaviness, or tiredness in the legs and feet. It can even contribute to cramping and restless legs. This condition occurs when the one-way valves in your veins that should be sending blood back to your heart struggle against gravity. Certain risk factors like occupations that require long periods of standing or sitting, obesity, pregnancy, or genetic predisposition, can cause the valves in your veins to weaken, which can then lead to additional vein complications.

So, what does “medically necessary” mean for vein treatment? Well, most insurance companies have certain criteria to distinguish between medical versus cosmetic treatment when it comes to veins. They consider the patient’s symptoms, the doctor’s exam, and if any underlying venous disease is detected on a venous ultrasound. All of these factors help determine if your treatment will be deemed “medically necessary.” Don’t worry though – we can help you determine if your treatment is considered medically necessary and covered by your insurance. At our clinic, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need to make the most informed decisions possible about your health.