Graphic about vein treatments.Desperately seeking treatment for those bothersome vein conditions like spider and varicose veins? Hoping for a miraculous remedy that will make them vanish in a snap? Unfortunately, veins aren’t in the business of disappearing overnight. The reality is that achieving flawless legs may require more than one round of treatment.

 

Why do some of us have to undergo multiple treatments to achieve our desired outcome? Because the amount of times you’ll need it varies from person to person, considering the distinct sizes and stages of everyone’s veins. As a general rule, the more severe your veins are, the greater the number of treatments necessary to bring them in alignment with the sacred principles of leg beauty. Luckily, the realm of vein treatments offers a plethora of impressive options to help you in your quest.

Vein Treatments: Why Are They Worth It and Which One Should I Choose?

The abundance of options for removing unwanted veins is nothing short of impressive, encompassing treatments such as sclerotherapy, ablations, and ambulatory phlebectomy. These procedures are predominantly non-invasive, conveniently performed within the confines of your doctor’s office, and require minimal to no downtime.

 

Which treatment should you get? It all depends on the condition you have: varicose veins, spider veins, or venous insufficiency. Use this chart to guide you to the right one:

Chart of different types of vein treatments.

If you’re still uncertain about investing in vein treatments, fear not! Let’s embark on an enlightening journey to explore the intricacies of each treatment, estimate the number of sessions required, and delve into why they are truly worth considering.

Sclerotherapy

 

Sclerotherapy is a remarkably swift and effortless procedure specifically designed to eliminate spider veins and small varicose veins. Witnessing the astounding results of this treatment will undoubtedly leave you convinced that it’s truly a worthwhile undertaking. With just a minuscule needle, you can unlock a life-changing outcome that has the potential to endure indefinitely.

 

How it Works: During the sclerotherapy procedure, your doctor skillfully injects a solution into the unwanted veins, prompting the vein walls to adhere and collapse. This effectively halts the flow of blood within the veins, leading to their gradual reabsorption into your body. As a result, the unsightly appearance of these veins diminishes from the surface of your skin, accompanied by a notable reduction in any associated discomfort or pain.

 

Healing Time: Spider veins usually disappear within 3 to 6 weeks. Varicose veins take 3 to 4 months.

 

Number of Treatments: In most cases, you will require two to three rounds of sclerotherapy to ensure the disappearance of your veins from the visual landscape of your skin. But when faced with the audacious presence of extra-large veins—or those tiny yet stubborn troublemakers that simply refuse to go away—you may have to undergo up to five sessions to achieve total vein eradication.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

 

Ambulatory phlebectomy emerges as a powerful solution in the epic battle against aggravating veins that disrupt your life, preventing you from wearing shorts and causing pains and aches in your legs. With just a dainty little needle, a touch of local anesthesia, and less than an hour of your time, you can say goodbye to painful varicose veins and those unsightly bulging veins near the skin’s surface.

 

How it Works: Armed with a small needle and unwavering precision, the doctor makes a tiny incision alongside the enlarged vein. Through this minuscule gateway, a specialized hook emerges, ready to snatch and vanquish the offending vein. Ambulatory phlebectomy not only eliminates the vein with unparalleled effectiveness but also boasts a higher success rate in preventing its resurgence.

 

Healing Time: In general, you can expect to see noticeable improvements in the treated area within a few weeks. However, a complete resolution may take several months to a year.

 

Number of Treatments: In the crusade to bid farewell to unwanted veins, a lone ambulatory phlebectomy might just do the trick. But in some cases, this battle might require reinforcements. Just like with sclerotherapy, the extent of the veins, their sneaky hiding spots, and your overall vascular health play a role in determining the number of treatments you’ll need to achieve vein-free glory!

Radio Frequency Ablation

 

Radiofrequency ablation is a smooth and effective treatment option for varicose veins and venous insufficiency. It harnesses the power of heat-generated radio waves to target problematic veins. The beauty of radiofrequency ablation is in its versatility—it can be performed on both superficial veins near the skin’s surface and deeper veins.

 

How it Works: RFA procedures involve the insertion of a catheter into the vein through a small puncture in the skin. The catheter effectively utilizes radiofrequency to precisely control the application of energy and disrupt the vein walls with precision. As a result, the vein undergoes a series of transformations—it spasms, collapses, and eventually gets absorbed by the body.

 

Healing Time: Treated veins usually become less visible right after treatment. But it can take anywhere from a few weeks to 12 months for them to completely disappear.

 

Number of Treatments: Just like a thrilling game of chance, the requirement for multiple rounds can depend on a medley of factors. This can include the number of veins being addressed and whether one or both legs are being treated. Additional sessions of radio frequency ablation may also be necessary if you’re grappling with a chronic condition that sets your vein nerves on a regenerative rampage, causing pain to vengefully resurface. Or if your varicose veins have spread far and wide like a mischievous vine taking over a garden.

The Vital Role of Follow-Up Appointments

 

Ensuring you receive the appropriate number of treatments is crucial. But let’s not forget the significance of follow-up appointments with your vein doctor. These appointments play a crucial role in ensuring that your treatment is progressing in the right direction. Have queries about the peculiar hue of your veins? Or stumbled upon any strange side effects you’d rather not discuss with anyone? Fear not, for these appointments grant you the chance to address every concern you harbor.

 

Beware the perils of neglecting follow-up appointments or skipping vein treatments. This can pave the way for the return of unwanted veins or cause significant health complications. And here’s a crucial reminder: the key to achieving desirable outcomes lies in selecting the right doctor. Seek out a specialist who regularly performs vein treatments, as they possess the know-how to deliver optimal results in as few treatment rounds as possible.

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orange leaf person wearing a winter hat looking at reasons for varicose veins in winterDo you have varicose veins, spider veins, or any other form of venous disease? If so, you know that the colder seasons can take a toll on your legs. So why do people experience leg pain due to cold weather? Today we’re going to explain what happens to your veins in the wintertime and how it affects their overall function.

Effects of Cold Weather on Your Veins

 

Believe it or not, cold weather can be beneficial to your veins in some ways. For example, the colder it gets, the less likely you are to suffer from swelling and pain in your ankles. This is because as our bodies heat up, we expand. And when circulation decreases as temperatures lower, these valves function better. This means fewer cramps or other discomforts.

Despite this, venous diseases usually come with more negatives than positives during the wintertime. Here are some of the inconveniences that pop up when it’s cold:

Circulatory Problems: When the temperatures drop enough for it to snow, the atmospheric pressure changes. Your circulatory system can become less efficient which aggravates vein problems.

Vein Constriction: Your body’s reaction to cold weather is to protect your internal temperature. Veins constrict and blood rushes to your organs, conserving their warmth. This is why your fingers and toes feel so cold in the winter.

Dry Skin: Dry winter air can irritate the skin on your legs. Rashes, dryness, itchiness, bleeding, and even ulcerations can occur around your veins. This can cause even more discomfort to your venous condition. 

Weight Gain​: Gaining a few extra pounds is common during the holiday months. This can put more stress on your legs to pump blood back to your heart. So despite the cold weather, try to workout often and keep the weight off.

Decreased Exercise: Another reason to stay active is to keep the valves pumping blood through our veins. When we’re sedentary, our ability to sustain efficient blood flow is limited. Moving, walking, cycling, and running can help keep venous insufficiency under control.

thermometer showing how temperature affects your vein health

How to Maintain Vein Health in Winter

 

Here are a few ways to keep the symptoms of venous diseases in check during the colder months:

  • Elevate your legs for 30 minutes before you go to sleep.
  • Eat high-fiber foods like avocados, beans, and berries for good circulation.
  • Try some light stretching in the morning, midday, and before bed.
  • Massage your ankles and lower legs when possible.
  • Apply lotion to your legs to prevent skin and vein irritation. 
  • Focus on exercises that workout your legs.

See a Vein Specialist

 

If you are experiencing the unpleasant symptoms of varicose veins or other venous conditions, there is no need to suffer. As soon as a vein has become damaged, repair it with immediate medical attention. Seeking help will give your legs back their youthful appearance and prevent future complications.

Filed under: Vein HealthTagged with: , , , ,

Brown-stained legs magnified to show blood leaking out of veins just under the skinDo you have any concerns about your legs turning a reddish-brown color? This could be an indication that the veins in question are suffering from hemosiderin staining and potential problems with their health.

 

As we get older, it’s normal for our skin to thin, dry out, and lose elasticity. But it can be more concerning when you notice unusual changes in color and texture on your knees, legs, or ankles. If you notice a brown discoloration on the lower legs, it could point out a problem with your veins. For this reason alone, it’s important to understand why brown skin stains appear and what you can do to treat them.

What Is Hemosiderin Staining?

 

Hemosiderin staining occurs when red blood cells leak through the veins and iron or other byproducts are released. The brown stain shows up on the skin as a result of this symptom, which can happen for several reasons.

 

What Causes Hemosiderin Staining?

Chronic Vein Disease

 

In addition to its unsightly appearance, hemosiderin staining indicates an underlying health condition. The reddish-brown discoloration on the lower legs is caused by chronic venous disease–the abnormal function of veins.

 

When your veins can’t pump blood back up to the heart properly, it pools in your lower legs. Symptoms start with slight skin irritations and itchiness, then manifest varicose veins. Other vein disease symptoms that can lead to brown staining are:

  • High blood pressure – veins force blood through the veins and sometimes through the skin.
  • Vein ulcers – slow-healing or non-healing wounds.

 

As blood continues to pool in the veins, its cells break down and leak iron pigments into the skin. Over time, this shows up as brown patches or stains on the lower leg or ankle. When unaddressed, the stain will darken and eventually may turn black. At this point, these symptoms are unfortunately permanent even when vein disease is treated. BUT! If caught early enough, chronic venous disease can be controlled and hemosiderin staining will fade.

orange personified as a person with brown-red stains on her legs, shows how it is caused by sclerotherapy needle

Sclerotherapy Staining Side-Effect

 

Sclerotherapy is one of the treatment options for vein disease and varicose veins. It involves the injection of a substance known as a sclerosant into the affected veins. This makes the veins reduce in size.

 

In some cases, this treatment may leave the patient with brown skin discoloration as a result of hemosiderin (iron) deposits. This discoloration is usually transient and disappears in a couple of weeks; however, in some people, the stain ends up being permanent.

 

If you are considering sclerotherapy treatment, consider the following factors that are associated with the hemosiderin staining side effect:

  • Dark skin type
  • Sensitive skin
  • Older patients with fragile veins
  • Taking certain medication
  • Experience of the vein doctor

Treating the Condition, NOT the Symptom

 

Most patients will go to a dermatologist or primary care physician for the skin condition, not the underlying vein disease of hemosiderin staining. As a result, they may not get an accurate diagnosis.

 

If you have brown skin discoloration on the knees, lower legs, or ankles, make an appointment with a vein specialist as this could be early signs of vein disease…especially if accompanied by achy, heavy, and swollen legs.

 

Early treatment of your vein disease may help lighten the brown stains caused by hemosiderin staining, and even keep them from getting darker. Once diagnosed, the goal is to reroute the blood to healthier veins and fade unwanted veins, stains, and pains. The sooner you treat your vein condition, the better you’ll feel and the fewer complications you’ll experience.

Filed under: Varicose Veins, Vein Health, Vein TreatmentTagged with: , , , , , ,
Paying for vein treatment
Getting rid of spider veins or varicose veins can seem like a daunting task. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, compression stockings, or non-invasive procedures.
 
Before you even consider making a doctor’s appointment, you may have a lot of questions like:
  • What treatments are available?
  • Does insurance cover it?
  • And of course, how much is it going to cost?
Let’s dive into pricing and insurance for spider veins and varicose vein treatment.

Common Vein Removal Treatments and Their Cost

How much it will cost to finally say goodbye to painful, unwanted veins for good?
 
Now, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer because different procedures have different costs. Let’s break down the price tags associated with each.
  • What is it? A common treatment for spider veins and small varicose veins. The vein is injected with a solution that breaks down the vein walls.
  • Does insurance cover it? No. It’s considered cosmetic.
  • How much does it cost? The average cost of a sclerotherapy treatment is about $350. The provider’s fee and geographic location will affect the cost.
Ablations
  • What is it? Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) is a procedure used to treat varicose veins and patients with venous insufficiency. A catheter is inserted into the vein and delivers a high-frequency current to collapse it.
  • Does insurance cover it? Vein ablations for varicose veins are covered by most insurance plans. You will need to check your plan’s coverage as you may be responsible for a portion depending on your plan.
  • How much does it cost? The average cost of a vein ablation is about $1500-$2000 per vein out of pocket.

What Can Affect the Cost of Vein Procedures?

  • Medical versus Cosmetic: If you have a medical diagnosis of vein disease, your insurance may cover treatment. You still may be responsible for your copay or deductible depending on your plan. If it’s purely cosmetic, insurance will not cover it. 
  • The Number of Treatments: The reality is, you may need more than one treatment to get the best results. It can require up to four depending on the severity of your veins.

Insurance That May Cover Vein Removal Treatment

Medicare, most HMOs, and other major insurance plans will cover vein treatment if medically necessary. You may need to get prior authorization before the procedure. In most cases, your doctor’s office will get the necessary authorizations for you. Find out what insurance plans we take.
 

How to Identify Your Insurance Coverage

The best way to find out if vein treatment is covered by your insurance plan is to call. Give them detailed information about what treatment you need. You may need the provider’s information and procedure code, which you can get from the doctor’s office that is going to do the procedure.
 

What to Do if the Procedure Isn’t Covered

If your insurance does not cover the vein procedure, you may be able to pay out of pocket. You can also set up a payment plan with your doctor’s office or apply for Health Care financing through Care Credit.

Why Vein Procedures Are Worth It

Remember, paying for spider or varicose vein treatment is an investment in yourself. It continues to prove worthwhile to a growing number of our patients.
 
There will be no more leg pain or discomfort. You can get back to activities you love and show off your vein-free legs!
Filed under: Spider Veins, Varicose Veins, Vein TreatmentTagged with: , , ,

bulging veins on handsOur blood moves throughout the body via blood vessels. Sometimes they’ll appear as bulging or popping veins in the hands and feet.

These swollen veins can look weird and show off our age. The good news is most bulging veins aren’t really a sign of poor health. But there are instances where they may arise from an underlying disease.

Either way, we’ll go over what you need to know about bulging veins.

What Causes Bulging Veins in the Hands and Feet?

  • Aging: As we age, our skin gets thinner and less elastic, making our blood vessels more visible. It’s all a normal process of getting older.
  • Genetics: Having family members with bulging veins increases your chances of getting them.
  • Hot Weather: Heat can make veins more prominent and enlarged. They’ll work harder and become more visible.
  • Hormone Imbalance: Pregnancy or menopause can lead to a hormone imbalance. One of the symptoms is bulging veins. Varicose veins or bulging Pregnancy may also put pressure on veins, making it harder for blood flow to get back to the heart.
  • Exercise: Heavy lifting for long periods of time can make the blood flow increase. The muscles harden, causing more visible blood vessels. Over-stretching can also play a role in making veins pop out.
  • Blood Clots: Also known as thrombophlebitis, this condition can cause swollen veins that feel tough.
  • Body Fat Loss: Our skin has a layer of fat that serves as an insulator. When you lose weight, that layer thins, and can makes veins more visible.
  • Health Conditions: Underlying heart problems can cause a chronic increase in blood pressure. This weakens the veins and can cause popping.

Are Bulging Veins the Same as Varicose Veins?

Not all bulging veins are varicose veins and are generally harmless. If the popped-out veins cause pain and discomfort, that signals underlying problems from untreated varicose veins.

Can Bulging Veins Go Away?

Usually, bulging veins will go away on their own, especially from exercise or hot weather. If popping veins run in your family or come from underlying conditions, then you may need treatment to help them go away. That may include:

  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs can help decrease the swelling of bulging veins.
  • Sclerotherapy injects a chemical solution into targeted veins and makes them close.
  • Ambulatory phlebectomy is the removal of the targeted veins via small incisions. While you’re under general anesthesia, your doctor will make an incision, tie off the vein, and remove it. The blood that used to run in the vein is automatically shifted and the closed vein eventually fades away.

Cosmetic or Medical, Bulging Veins Can be Fixed

Bulging hand and foot veins are not a serious medical issue for the majority of people. But if you’re concerned that your popping veins are something serious — or you don’t like the way they look — make an appointment with a vein doctor.

If there’s a serious problem, they can recommend treatment. If you want them removed for cosmetic purposes, your doctor will make a suggestion for the best procedure. In the unlikely event, your bulging hand and feet veins are a sign of a more serious condition, your doctor will offer specific medical treatment.

Filed under: Vein Health, Vein TreatmentTagged with: , ,

Leg on left with varicose veins, leg on right with no varicose veinsIf you’ve noticed pesky veins showing up on your legs, you’re not alone. As we age, spider veins and varicose veins appear for two reasons:

1. Damaged skin

2. Aging vein valves

 

The sun ages and thins out the skin, causing it to break down and become more transparent. As this happens, we tend to see more of our veins and might want them removed.

But first, it’s important to know the difference between these types of veins so you can get the best treatment.

The Difference Between Varicose Veins & Spider Veins

Spider Veins

Spider veins have a web-like appearance and appear towards the surface of your skin. These surface veins supply blood to the skin and other superficial areas. They are small, twisted blood vessels and can be the color red, purple, or blue.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are large and deeper because they supply blood to muscle tissue. When they become visible, they’re more obvious and tend to pop out.

Causes of Spider Veins vs Varicose Veins?

Spider and varicose veins may look different, but they show up for the same reasons.

Our veins work to pump blood from the legs back to the heart. As we age the valves weaken, causing the blood to flow backward. This makes the blood collect in your veins and make your veins enlarged. All this, because the blood is not being pushed back to your heart.
Other factors that contribute to spider veins and varicose veins issues include:
  • Genetics
  • Hormones
  • Leg trauma
  • Not being active
  • Smoking
  • Weight Gain

Treating Varicose Veins vs Spider Veins

When it comes to removing your veins, there are several treatment options available. Be sure to seek vein treatment from a vein specialist. This ensures you get the correct procedure and rule out vein diseases like venous insufficiency.

How to Treat Spider Veins

Spider veins are treated with a procedure known as Sclerotherapy. It’s a common treatment performed in your doctor’s office. It takes about 15 – 30 minutes and you can return to normal activities the very next day.

Spider Veins Injections Illustration

 
A solution is injected into the veins that irritate the vein walls and causes them to stick together, clot and collapse. Your body will break them down and reabsorb them. Depending on how many veins you need treated, multiple treatments may be required to get desired results.
 
Regardless, the appearance of spider veins will fade over time.

How to Treat Varicose Veins

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a successful treatment for varicose veins. The procedure involves a catheter that is inserted into the varicose vein. Using a high-frequency alternating current, the vein spasms, and collapses. The body will absorb the dead tissue and start using a healthy vein to pump blood from the legs to the heart.

Varicose Vein Heat Injection Illustration

 
RFA is a non-invasive outpatient procedure done in the doctor’s office and performed under moderate sedation. You can resume normal activities the day after treatment.

When to See a Doctor

Whether it’s the appearance of spider veins or varicose veins that concern you, there are options. And the sooner you get them treated, the sooner you can enjoy your life.
 
If you have symptoms like swelling, cramping, heaviness, or pain in your legs, consult with a doctor. These could be symptoms of Venous Insufficiency, a progressive vein disease that, if left untreated, could result in other health issues.
Filed under: Spider Veins, Varicose VeinsTagged with: , , ,