Varicose veins are veins that have become abnormally swollen and enlarged, usually due to malfunctioning valves in the vein. They are sometimes bluish in color and stick out from the surface of the skin, often appearing as worm-like and winding.
Heredity is the number one contributing factor causing varicose and spider veins. Women are more likely to suffer from abnormal leg veins. Up to 50% of American women may be affected. Hormonal factors including puberty, pregnancy, menopause, the use of birth control pills, estrogen, and progesterone affect this process. It is very common for pregnant women to develop varicose veins during the first trimester. During pregnancy there is an increase in hormone levels and blood volume, which in turn cause veins to enlarge. In addition, the enlarged uterus causes increased pressure on the veins. Varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within 3 months after delivery. However, with successive pregnancies, abnormal veins are more likely to remain. Other predisposing factors include aging, standing occupations, obesity and leg injury.
There are many ways to treat varicose veins today. The use of gradient compression stockings aids in the recirculation of blood. Sclerotherapy can be used to treat both spider and varicose veins and endovenous laser therapy helps to stop the formation of varicosities at their source. Micro vein stripping can also be performed to remove small pieces of bulging or visible varicose veins.
Sclerotherapy is a way of treating varicose veins by injecting a substance that causes the sclerosing or closing of the vein. Many patients who select this treatment for cosmetic reasons notice improvement in the way their legs feel afterward.
Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is an alternative to stripping the greater saphenous vein. A small laser fiber is inserted into the damaged vein. A series of pulses of laser light causes the collapse and eventually sealing off of the vein. This procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia and takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
Most insurance companies cover varicose vein procedures. Spider vein treatment is considered cosmetic and therefore not usually covered by insurance
Some insurance companies require predetermination in order for your procedure to be covered. Others may request that you wear gradient compression stockings for 2 months prior to approving.
Varicose veins can be successfully treated but not cured. The treatment of veins does not change a person’s predisposition to certain factors. Therefore, some patients may return for varicose vein maintenance.
Some procedures involving symptomatic varicose veins may be covered insurance. It is always best to contact your insurance carrier to find out about your policy. We participate with most major insurance companies, and can obtain preauthorization if necessary.
Spider vein therapy is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. Cost is based on the type and amount of treatment needed, and is discussed at your consultation.
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