Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have vein disease? Take This 60-Second Test…
- Leg pain, aching or cramping?
- Burning or itching of the skin?
- Leg or ankle swelling?
- Heavy feeling in the legs?
- Skin discoloration or texture changes?
- Restless legs?
- Open wounds or sores?
- Previous treatment (i.e. laser treatments, sclerotherapy, vein stripping, compression stockings, or anti-inflammatory medications) that has provided little or no symptom relief?
- Also, do you have any of these risk factors for vein disease?
- Recent pregnancy?
- Family history of vein disease?
- Occupations that require prolonged periods of sitting or standing?
- Obesity?
- History of blood clots?
If you have ANY of these symptoms, you may have venous insufficiency. That’s why you should call Vein Institute at 203-426-5554 to schedule a consultation.
How does post-procedural care work after vein treatments?
Spider vein patients resume all normal activities immediately with no downtime. The majority of patients treated for varicose veins walk out of the office and return to normal daily activities, including work, within two days. We do recommend, however, that patients of any procedure wear their compression stockings for 1-2 weeks post-procedure. While the amount of post treatment pain varies from one patient to another, most require only Tylenol or ibuprofen for any discomfort. Complete recovery, including resolution of bruising, takes from 4-6 weeks. Detailed written and verbal instructions will be provided to each patient both before and after treatment.
How many vein treatments are required?
The number of treatments required to provide you with the results you want to achieve will be determined after your initial consultation and ultrasound imaging if indicated, where a personalized treatment plan will be developed. Vein disease typically requires more than one treatment. For spider veins specifically, the average person requires 3-5 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart in order to get the best aesthetic results.
Can men have varicose veins?
Yes! Men get vein disease, in fact, perhaps half of all men will have venous disease.
Untreated symptoms can become more problematic, such as severe pain, blood clots and open ulcers that you won’t be able to ignore.
What are Spider Veins?
Spider veins appear as red, blue or purple sunbursts on the skin surface, but most typically occur on the face, legs or ankles. It is a cosmetic concern, they are not a health risk alone, but can be symptomatic and cause itching, burning or aching. Spider veins can be found alone or in combination with varicose veins.
Who are candidates for treatment?
Anyone experiencing symptoms of vein disease, such as leg pain, swelling, restless leg syndrome, tired heavy legs, and cramping is a potential candidate for treatment. Both large and small veins can be effectively treated.
The right approach to treat vein disease in men.
The reality is the same for all of us, however. Men and women generally have the same symptoms, even before you see bulging and discolored veins: pain, leg heaviness, tiredness, swelling and muscle cramps, and perhaps restless legs that keep you awake at night.
Ignoring the signs and symptoms will make the condition worse due to it’s chronic and progressive nature. Call us at 203-426-5554 to make an appointment with one of our doctors and talk about your symptoms and how they can be treated.
Will the vein treatments hurt?
Most patients experience little or no pain, and any discomfort usually lasts only minutes. Topical anesthesia or ice packs can be applied for pain sensitive patients. While the amount of post treatment pain varies from one patient to another, most require only Tylenol or ibuprofen for any discomfort.
Why not just inject all the veins?
That method alone results in a higher chance of visual veins returning. We do not use injection sclerotherapy for very large veins. We will offer the best treatment for each individual’s vein problem, which can sometimes require office-based minor procedures to get the best long-term result. Each patient is evaluated individually, and typically a combination of procedures are scheduled.
What is micro-foam sclerotherapy?
An FDA-approved solution called Sotradecol® and/or Polidocanol is injected into the vein through a microneedle to induce an inflammatory reaction, which causes the vein to seal shut and gradually shrink away and disappear. Once the vein is sealed, blood is forced into healthier veins. Sotradecol® and Polidocanol give much better results and are far less painful than the traditional hypertonic saline injections.
Can varicose veins and spider veins be prevented?
There is no evidence that varicose veins and spider veins can be prevented, but you may be able to minimize the severity of the condition or alleviate the symptoms through routine exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting and using compression stockings.
Will insurance cover my procedure?
Treatment for venous conditions is typically covered by most insurance companies. Please note, if your medical policy utilizes cost-sharing including deductible, coinsurance and copay, these costs may apply. Spider veins are considered cosmetic and, therefore, not covered by insurance. If you are unsure, visit us for a vein screening and our staff will work with you and your insurance company to determine your coverage.
