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Frequently Asked Questions
Spider Veins
What are spider veins?
Spider veins occur when small veins become swollen with stagnant blood. They are more common in women than men. Pregnancy and hormonal variations may stimulate their appearance.
How are spider veins treated?
Sclerotherapy is often the preferential treatment for spider veins. This involves injecting a special solution into the effected veins. The abnormal veins close off, fade, and gradually disappear. The solution used is very safe with a few allergic reactions reported.
How long does it take to look better?
Most spider veins fade slowly over 4 to 6 weeks. Treated veins may look darker in color with some bruising before fading occurs. Occasionally blood may become trapped in the treated veins as they close. This is expected and is addressed in subsequent treatment sessions. The first two treatments are the most important. A level of 70%-80% overall improvement is realistic.
How long is each appointment?
Each treatment session is 30 minutes. Sessions are normally scheduled 2 to 4 weeks apart.
Varicose Veins
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are unsightly swollen and twisted veins that have lost their ability to make the blood flow through the legs against the forces of gravity back up to the heart. Veins have numerous stop valves which are supposed to prevent the blood from flowing the wrong way. If the valves are damaged or do not close properly, blood "refluxes" and pools in the vein. As the blood pools in the legs due to gravity, these veins overfill, giving them a bulging appearance. These veins are abnormal and do not transport blood back to the heart efficiently. Treatment can improve the venous circulation.
What causes varicose veins?
Anyone can get varicose veins, however, heredity is a primary factor in many varicose vein cases. Women are nearly twice as likely to suffer as men. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, obesity, aging, standing occupations, and previous leg injury.
What are varicose vein symptoms?
Aside from the familiar unsightly appearance of bulging and "grape like" varicosities, there may be significant leg pain and leg heaviness related to the varicose veins. Varicose veins can cause aching, heavy, tired legs, night cramps, itching, and other symptoms. Swelling of the feet and ankles may occur especially toward the end of the day and in hot weather. Symptoms are typically worse with prolonged standing and are relieved with rest and elevation of the legs. If left untreated, varicose veins may lead to the formation of blood clots and become inflamed, causing redness of the skin around them. In some severe cases, patients may develop skin ulcers.
Are varicose veins related to spider veins?
The key to success when treating varicose or spider veins is the elimination of the primary source of reflux. In some instances a mild cosmetic problem (spider veins) may just be the "tip of the iceberg". Larger non visible refluxing veins may lead to and be causing spider veins. If this underlying problem is not dealt with, treated spider veins may not respond, will recur, or may even look worse because the underlying problem was never eliminated.
Is EVLT treatment covered by insurance?
Yes, in most cases, EVLT treatment for varicose veins is covered by insurance.
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