FAQs
You may have questions about treatment options for varicose and spider veins. Fox Valley Vein Centers is here to help answer your questions. You may reach us at 815-786-3222 or browse some of our frequently asked questions below.
Treatment for Varicose Veins
Q. What exactly are varicose veins compared to spider veins?
Q. Can I have both varicose veins and spider veins?
Q. Does Fox Valley Vein Centers perform vein procedures on men as well as women?
Q. How does Fox Valley Vein Centers treat varicose veins?
Q. How does endovenous laser therapy work?
Q. Is the laser vein procedure painful?
Q. What will my recovery time be?
Q. Will there be scars on my legs after my laser surgery?
Q. How long until my legs will look great again?
Q. Will my insurance cover laser varicose vein treatment?
Treatment for Spider Veins
Q. How do you treat spider veins versus varicose veins?
Q. Does the Sclerotherapy procedure hurt?
Q. Will my spider veins disappear right away?
Q. Will my spider veins come back?
Q. Will my insurance cover Sclerotherapy for spider veins?
Treatment for Varicose Veins
Q. What exactly are varicose veins compared to spider veins?
A. Actually, they are very different vein conditions although people, understandably, sometimes get them confused. Varicose veins are enlarged, bulging, often twisted, purple or blue colored veins most commonly on legs or feet – and caused by poorly functioning valves. Typical symptoms often include “ropey” cord-like veins that are swollen above the surface of the skin, pain, heaviness or tiredness in legs, swelling of ankles or lower legs, skin discoloration and dryness around ankles. Spider veins are a less serious medical condition than varicose veins. Spider veins are tiny purple or red blood vessels located in the skin of the leg near the surface. They appear as tiny branching lines that, at times, can resemble a spider’s web; hence the name.
Q. Can I have both varicose veins and spider veins?
A. Indeed, you may have both medical conditions at the same time, but spider veins are not varicose veins – and one does not lead to the other.
Q. Does Fox Valley Vein Centers perform vein procedures on men as well as women?
A. Yes, on a regular basis. While the vast majority of people suffering from vein conditions are women, many men also experience varicose vein and spider vein problems.
Q. How does Fox Valley Vein Centers treat varicose veins?
A. Most typically with a laser. Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT or Endovenous Laser Ablation) is a highly effective, safe, and proven treatment for varicose veins. It is FDA approved, relatively pain-free, requires a short recovery time and causes minimal discomfort, bruising and swelling. The treatment can be performed in our office versus a hospital. In a small minority of cases, Fox Valley Vein Centers will treat varicose veins with other procedures: Microphlebectomy or Sclerotherapy (which is most typically used to treat spider veins).
Q. How does endovenous laser therapy work?
A. A laser fiber is inserted into the varicose vein through a tiny puncture in the skin. The laser does not actually remove the affected vein but seals it. Once permanently closed, blood is prevented from pooling in the vein, which effectively eliminates the varicose vein.
Q. Is the laser vein procedure painful?
A. The procedure itself is pain free. Afterwards, patients may experience mild discomfort in the thigh of the affected leg which can last about a week. Typically, patients need only an anti-inflammatory, which is prescribed to minimize the discomfort and no other medications are needed. The post-procedure recovery is usually uneventful, with patients experiencing minimal discomfort, bruising or swelling.
Q. What will my recovery time be?
A. You can resume normal activity in 24 hours, but vigorous exercise should be avoided for 1-2 weeks.
Q. Will there be scars on my legs after my laser surgery?
A. No. The incisions are very small. No stitches are required and bleeding is minimal.
Q. How long until my legs will look great again?
A. Usually, after a laser vein procedure, your legs will look great (without the telltale varicose veins) in just a couple weeks. But the timeframe can vary depending on the severity of the original varicose veins.
Q. Will my insurance cover laser varicose vein treatment?
A. Usually, if specific criteria are met. Some insurance plans do require “conservative treatment” which consists of wearing compression stockings, elevating the legs and taking oral anti-inflammatory medication for a period of time. Then, if symptoms are not relieved, most insurance carriers will approve the procedure. At Fox Valley Vein Centers, we do our very best to comply with the guidelines given by all insurance carriers.
Treatment for Spider Veins
Q. How do you treat spider veins versus varicose veins?
A. With a treatment called Sclerotherapy, which has been the accepted standard for many years. A liquid “sclerosing” agent is injected into the small varicose or spider vein. It irritates the vein wall causing it to close. At Fox Valley Vein Centers, we use Sotradecol®, a FDA-approved drug for Sclerotherapy.
Q. Does the Sclerotherapy procedure hurt?
A. Not really. Some patients describe an itching sensation which lasts for a few minutes, but that’s usually it.
Q. Will my spider veins disappear right away?
A. No. The discoloration fades over time with optimal results being seen in 3-6 months.
Q. Will my spider veins come back?
A. Treated spider veins will not return, but new ones can form at any time.
Q. Will my insurance cover Sclerotherapy for spider veins?
A. When very specific, strict criteria are met, some insurance carriers may pay for Sclerotherapy. But in the vast majority of the cases, it is considered a cosmetic procedure and therefore not a covered benefit in most health plans.