Answers to Common Questions About Veins and Treatments

Your vein health is critical to your well-being. It’s easy to take it for granted until your veins aren’t working properly. Here are answers to some common questions and concerns people have about their vein conditions.

Which doctors treat varicose veins?

Generally doctors who specialize in ???, but today there is a newer specialty called phlebology, which focuses specifically on vein treatment. Phlebology has its own society—American College of Phlebology—and physicians are required to go through specialty training to earn a board certification in phlebology. To retain their certification, physicians must receive continuous training and pass rigorous tests to prove their qualifications. If you decide to go to another treatment facility, we recommend you ask to ensure the physician treating you is certified in the specialty of phlebology.

Will my spider veins/varicose veins return even with treatment?

Maybe, but most likely they won’t. If a specific vein is properly treated, it usually doesn’t recur. However it’s possible that other veins will become diseased, especially if you’re predisposed to getting varicose veins (i.e., you have a family history, your age, pregnancy, you’re dealing with obesity, you’re very athletic, or if you have to sit or stand for long periods, etc.). If this is your case, it’s very important that you consult a vein specialist who can diagnose the degree of your venous reflux and treat the cause of the problem. By treating the cause of your varicose or spider veins, you’re more likely to prevent future problems. Click here to find out how to prevent or reduce varicose veins.

Won’t I need that vein?

No! In fact, if the vein isn’t functioning properly, leaving it there only makes things worse because it allows blood to flow backwards and even pool in your legs. The body contains numerous other healthy veins that can easily compensate for the additional flow. Most treatments of faulty veins actually result in improved bloodflow in the overall vein system. Procedures like sclerotherapy, VNUS closure, and RF closure act to close down those faulty veins. Thankfully, your remaining veins do a great job compensating.

How much will it cost?

Vein treatments are commonly covered when shown to be medically necessary (as evidenced by a diagnosis and your symptoms). If your condition is considered “cosmetic,” such as spider veins, they are not usually covered. Your diagnosis and your insurance coverage will determine your out-of- pocket costs. We‘ll break down your out-of- pocket costs in any case. We are experienced at helpuing you get maximum coverage from your provider. We provide diagnoses (through examination and Duplex ultrasound) and guidance/assistance with paperwork your insurance company will need in order to approve the treament.

What causes venous reflux and varicose veins?

Common causes for venous reflux include:

• Weight gain
• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Family history, or a genetic predisposition
• Certain rigorous athletic lifestyles, such as jogging
• Physical stress, perhaps due to long periods of standing or sitting
• Pregnancy and hormonal changes (hormones cause veins to increase and enlarge to support pregnancy)
• Aging (veins tend to weaken over time)