Vein Treatment FAQ Paramus
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To ensure you have the best experience possible and to optimize your outcomes, it is important that you understand the treatment being recommended and that you are involved in all decisions. There are no silly questions when it comes to your health. Below are some of the most common questions patients ask. However, do not hesitate to ask us any questions during your appointment if there is anything you do not understand.
How common are varicose veins?
Varicose veins affect nearly half of adults over the age of 50 and roughly 20% of all adults.
How many sclerotherapy sessions will I need?
The number of sclerotherapy sessions can range from as little as a single session all the way upwards of 6 sessions. The number of sessions will be determined after an ultrasound is performed. The doctor will review the results with you and depending on the size of the vessels and the number of areas that need to be treated, he will come up with a treatment plan specific to you.
How long before I see results with sclerotherapy for my spider veins?
Each patient responds differently to treatments. However, most see improvement in the treated area almost immediately.
What is endovenous laser therapy (EVLT)?
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is an FDA-approved, non-surgical procedure to treat varicose veins. With EVLT, there is no need to remove the damaged vein. Instead, the vein is sealed closed with heat energy that is delivered via a thin laser catheter inserted through a small puncture in the thigh. All steps are performed under ultrasound guidance to assure perfect positioning of the catheter. Once the vein is closed, it then shrivels and is absorbed by the body. By closing this vein, blood is diverted to deeper, healthy veins. The circulation is improved, and symptoms are alleviated.
Don’t I NEED the veins that you are closing?
The veins that are being closed have damaged valves and blood is not flowing through them properly. By closing these abnormal veins that are closer to the skin, blood is redirected to the deeper veins. Nearly 90% of blood leaving your legs traveling back to the heart actually travels by way of a deeper (femoral) veins. The deep veins remain unaffected by the procedure.
Does endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) need to be performed in a hospital?
Because endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is minimally invasive and performed with a local anesthetic, it can safely be performed in the office setting without any hospitalization.
How long does the procedure take?
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is performed in the physician office and generally takes less than one hour.
Sclerotherapy sessions can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour. The amount of time will depend on the size of the vessels being treated as well as the number of vessels being treated.
How is the recovery process?
Patients are encouraged to return to their normal daily routine immediately after their treatment. However, patients are discouraged from high intensity exercise and heavy lifting for 2 weeks. Additionally, you should speak with your doctor prior to flying after your treatment.
Do I need to wear compression stockings after my treatments?
Wearing compression stockings is strongly recommended after vein treatments to optimize the success of your treatment. A prescription for stockings will be given to you during your consultation and you are required to bring your stockings for your procedure. The doctor will assess that they fit properly and give you instructions for wearing them.
What if I need bypass surgery in the future and my saphenous veins are no longer available because they are closed from this procedure?
There are multiple veins that can be used for bypass surgery. You should discuss your complete medical history with the physician prior to any treatments in order to tailor the best plan for you.
What are the chances of needing another procedure?
Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) is highly effective. You can help increase the success of your treatment by wearing your compression stockings after your procedure as instructed by the physician. Not wearing your stockings can sometimes cause you to need future procedures. Vein disease is highly dictated by genes. During treatment, the physician only treats the veins that are damaged. It is possible, in the future, that other veins will fail and then also require treatment. At Elysium Aesthetics and Vein Care, we establish follow up visits to ensure that not only was your procedure a success, but that you do not need any additional procedures.
Does insurance cover these procedures?
Many insurance companies will cover the treatment of vein disease in situations where there is significant pain or other complications and they have not responded to traditional first-line therapies such as compression therapy. However, if the procedure is deemed to be for cosmetic reasons, insurances usually will decline to pay. It is up to each individual insurance company to review your specific case to determine coverage. Patients will be given a clear list of their treatment plan and are encouraged to call their insurance provider for a full understanding of their plan’s benefits and payments.
Do you participate with insurance plans?
While many vein centers in the area choose not to participate with insurance plan, we are “in-network” with most major insurance carriers. If you would like to confirm coverage, please contact our office at 866-MED-1-SPA and our staff will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Can I exercise after my treatment?
Following your treatment, you can return to normal daily activities. However, you will need to avoid high-intensity aerobic exercise and heavy lifting for 2 weeks after your procedure.
