- How to choose a vein center
- What are varicose veins?
- What causes varicose veins?
- What are spider veins?
- What are phlebitis and venous
insuffiency?
- Is treatment necessary?
- How effective is treatment?
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?
Who is the vein specialist?
What happens at my first appointment?
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.
What are my treatment options?
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.
How long will I have to rest?
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.
Will my insurance cover vein treatment?
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.
How effective is treatment?
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