Following are some of our most frequently asked questions. We hope this information is helpful in guiding you toward better vein health and beauty. If you have any further questions, please feel free to call us at (850)233-0264 to schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to meeting you.

Five years ago, I had vein stripping performed in both legs. But now the veins are back. Why? What do I need to do now?

Answer: Unfortunately, vein stripping does not treat the source of the varicose veins, so there is still venous reflux in your saphenous system. In order to treat the recurring vein problems and eliminate the problem vein, we most likely recommend ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. Before this is performed, we will perform a Doppler Duplex Ultrasound Scan to find the exact source of the reflux and determine the number of treatments needed.

Will insurance cover my treatments?

Answer: Most insurance companies will reimburse all or at least a percentage of the treatment cost for EVLT if there is a documented problem of venous insufficiency. They often cover sclerotherapy to varicose vein branches if they are related to the saphenous veins. This is why we usually perform an ultrasound during the initial consultation. If you have a medical problem and if you receive a positive result from a Doppler Duplex Ultrasound Scan, we will obtain pre-certification from your insurance company. Each insurance company reimburses differently for these treatments. We will work with you to ensure you receive the most reimbursement possible. Insurance does not pay for treatment of spider veins that are purely cosmetic and not related to underlying saphenous vein dysfunction.

I've been told I need vein stripping to treat the large varicose veins in my lower legs. Is this what you would recommend?

Answer: To find the best treatment for you, we would like to perform an initial evaluation, and then if needed, a Doppler Duplex Ultrasound Scan. As for vein stripping, we do not perform this procedure, as it is very invasive and often does not treat the venous reflux at its source. In addition, most studies conclude that surgical removal of veins has a 20-30% recurrence rate. Newer techniques such as EVLT are shown to have only a 3-7% recurrence rate. We offer a variety of alternatives including Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT™ Diomed). This procedure is extremely effective in eliminating unhealthy veins - with little or no discomfort or downtime. For more information about these procedures, please visit our treatments section or call for consultation (850)233-0264

Do you have consultations to determine what procedures are needed?

Answer: Yes, this is the first step to tailoring a treatment plan that is right for you. During your initial visit, you will take a few minutes to answer basic questions about medical history, previous vein treatments and symptoms that might be caused by your veins. You then meet with one of our nursing specialists and the physician who will make a sketch of your leg veins, discuss the procedures that are right for you, and answer any questions that you may have. During the initial visit, a non-invasive ultrasound is usually performed to examine the underlying veins and determine if there are any abnormalities in the deep or superficial vein systems. Our goal during the initial consultation is to help you feel completely comfortable and informed about the course of treatment that is best for your particular problem.

Why do I need an ultrasound scan?

Answer: The first step in finding the right treatment for damaged veins is finding its source. A Doppler Duplex Ultrasound Scan provides a visual window, revealing the diseased, refluxing veins beneath the skin's surface. With this diagnostic capability, we can pinpoint the exact cause of varicose veins and customize a treatment plan for each individual patient - and each damaged vein. Because the problem is dealt with at its source, the treatments are quicker, more effective and less painful than traditional methods, such as vein stripping.

Where are the procedures performed?

Answer: All vein procedures including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up are safely and effectively performed here in our out-patient facility.

What can I do to prevent varicose veins?

Answer: While you cannot entirely prevent varicose veins, there are quite a few ways to improve your vein health. Physical activity, such as walking, swimming or cycling, is a wonderful way to pump blood up the leg against gravity to improve circulation. Compression hose also help improve circulation by preventing blood from pooling in the leg veins.

If I've had my veins treated, how often should I come in for a follow-up?

Answer: We recommend regular follow-up visits because vein disease is progressive, and there is no cure. However, there are ways to minimize symptoms and increase your overall health by reducing the number of varicose veins in your legs. Call our offices to schedule your follow-up scans.

Is the loss of a vein a problem?

Answer: No. Closure of the abnormal veins actually improves circulation by re-routing blood flow through the healthy normal veins in the leg.

Is the use of hot tubs good for my veins?

Answer: Following a hot bath, you are more likely to feel uncomfortable, not relieved of symptoms. That's because exposure to heat causes veins to dilate and become larger. In order to maintain venous function, vein size needs to remain consistent.

Why do I have to wear compression hose?

Answer: The addition of compression hose is regarded by many vein specialists as one of the most important advances in the treatment of venous disease. Compression hose have been proven effective when used following each vein treatment. Our goal during vein treatment is to purposely close off the ineffective, damaged veins causing the blood to be re-routed to healthy effective veins. Compression hose help us achieve this by holding the treated veins closed and allowing the body to reabsorbs them. They also prevent blood from pooling in the leg veins, thereby helping overall circulation.

Where do spider veins come from?

Answer: Spider veins may be triggered by pregnancy or hormonal variations and sometimes result in itching, restless leg and minor aches and pains. Although surface veins are mainly a cosmetic problem, they can also be an indication of more serious vein disease deep below the surface.

What causes varicose veins?

Answer: The actual cause of varicose veins is inefficient, faulty vein valves. These valves don't close properly, allowing blood to leak back with gravity and pool in the vein. This causes the veins to bulge and stretch and result in many unpleasant side effects such as aching and throbbing pain, heavy and tired legs, and poor circulation.

Are varicose veins hereditary?

Answer: Heredity is a primary factor in over 80% of varicose vein cases. Other contributing factors may include pregnancy, obesity, hormone therapy, standing or sitting for long periods of time and injury.

Can the unsightly veins on my hands, face, and chest also be treated?

Answer: Yes, sclerotherapy and/or laser treatments are usually very effective in improving veins on other areas of the body. Please call our office for a consultation so that we can determine which treatment is best for you. (850)233-0264.