Frequently Asked Questions

Treatment of the faulty veins almost always results in improved blood flow in the overall vein system.

Q: What are varicose veins?
A: The term "varicose veins" is often used to describe everything from smaller spider veins (red or blue veins on the surface of the skin) up to true varicose veins (swollen, bulging veins with a ropelike appearance). Varicose veins are quite common, with one in three women and one in five men experiencing problems. Varicose vein symptoms can include swelling, a tired, heavy feeling, leg fatigue, and leg pain, as well as burning and itching sensations.

Q: What causes varicose veins?
A: Varicose veins are almost always associated with venous reflux. This occurs when the valves in the leg veins don’t work well, and backward blood flow causes pooling in the lower leg. Without treatment, the pressure this creates may increase over time and cause additional varicose veins and symptoms. People who have a family history and who are older, obese or pregnant may be at increased risk of developing varicose veins.

Q: Can varicose veins be prevented?
A: It is unclear if varicose veins can be prevented, but certain actions may help limit the disease’s progression and symptoms. Engaging in routine exercise, maintaining a normal weight, avoiding excessively long periods of standing or sitting, and using of compression stockings may all help alleviate symptoms.

Q: How are varicose veins treated?
A: Varicose veins are treated with lifestyle changes and medical procedures. The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and improve appearance. Click here for more information on vein treatment services.

Q: What happens if I don’t treat the vein?
A: If you have underlying venous disease (e.g., venous reflux), the pressure created by backflow of blood and pooling in the lower legs may create a progressive condition that only gets worse with time. This may lead to additional spider veins and varicose veins, and in some cases can lead to swelling and venous ulcers at the lower calf and ankle. Only a trained vein specialist can effectively evaluate your spider veins or varicose veins.

Q: Will my spider veins or varicose veins reoccur, even with treatment?
A: Sometimes the same factors that helped to cause your first spider veins or varicose veins (e.g., family history, age, obesity, female hormones, etc.) will make you predisposed to develop additional vein conditions. If a specific vein is properly treated, the problem usually does not recur, but it is possible that other veins may become diseased. This is why it is important that, even if you have what appear to be simple, cosmetic spider veins, you consult a vein specialist who can determine if you have an underlying condition (venous reflux). If you do, and you don’t treat the cause of the problem, additional spider veins or varicose veins are likely to develop.

Q: Won’t I need that vein?
A: Procedures like sclerotherapy, endovenous laser treatment and ClosureFast act to close down a faulty vein. The vein being closed is dysfunctional and is allowing blood to flow backwards and pool, so leaving it open only makes things worse. The body contains numerous other healthy veins that are still functional and can easily take up the additional flow. 

Q: Is vein treatment usually covered by insurance?
A: Procedures like endovenous laser treatment ClosureFast and vein stripping, when shown to be medically necessary, are commonly covered by Medicare and insurance providers. Sclerotherapy for spider veins is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and usually not covered. Consult your insurance provider to determine your exact eligibility and coverage as well as cost.